Zoe McReynolds will now take up a place on the world-renowned course, Le Grand Diplôme, run by Le Cordon Bleu at its Centre of Excellence in Bloomsbury Square, London.

The scholarship award includes accommodation fees, and also an apprenticeship with acclaimed chef Pierre Koffmann at his Knightsbridge restaurant.

At a reception attended by leading chefs, media figures and politicians last night (Wednesday, March 27), McReynolds was presented with her hard-won award by Le Cordon Bleu Master Chefs Loic Malfait and Julie Walsh. 

“I am thrilled. I owe an enormous amount to the dozens of friends and family who have supported me,” she said.

McReynolds, whose food heroes include Clare Smyth and Phil Howard, is aiming high – her ambition is to be head chef in her own Michelin-starred restaurant.

Earlier in the day, minister for skills Matthew Hancock MP toured Le Cordon Bleu’s Centre of Excellence and met the finalists and their families. He praised the dedication and skill of the final eight, and gave a brief speech emphasising the value of vocational training and apprenticeships.