Rotary Young Chef Competition 2025

The Young Chef competition this year at Wayland Academy, supported by the Rotary Club has brought two winners this year for the very first time! Judges Michael Haythorpe and Paul Baldry couldn’t separate the entries of Alice Hare and Zuzanna Szot and judged the competition as a draw! 

Alice and Zuzanna went along to one of the Rotary Club’s evening meetings, along with their families and Ms Evans where their achievements were celebrated and they were presented with certificates. 

Alice and Zuzanna had to make a main meal and dessert for the final of the competition in a set amount of time (much like something from Great British Bake Off!). Alice produced a chicken and chorizo jambalaya and for dessert was a deconstructed strawberry cheesecake parfait. Zuzanna cooked chicken stuffed with spinach, mozzarella and tomato, followed by chocolate and raspberry mini cheesecakes. 

It is fantastic to have this link with the Rotary Club in Watton, supporting fantastic opportunities for our young people at Wayland Academy. 

Ms Evans, Head of Technology at Wayland Academy said: 

 

“We have been taking part in this competition for several years and each year are very proud of the students. Most of the students taking part are from Year 7 and 8 and it is amazing how confident they are and great to see them enjoying cooking. Due to the number of entries, we have three rounds, the first is to prepare, cook and serve a batch of scones, the second round is a main course in one hour then the final is an hour and a half to make a main course and a dessert. The marking includes organisation, skills, presentation and in the final showing a balanced meal.  

 

Well done to Alice and Zuzanna who showed many skills throughout the competition providing delicious dishes and excellent timekeeping in the final.

 

Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition this year.”