The finals held at the Abbot Hill Cookery School in Dorset, run by celebrity chef Lesley Waters, will be webstreamed live to a global audience at www.teflon-dsa.com, so everyone can follow the progress of the teams on the day and the award presentation.

Each team will have to create, prepare and serve a three-course menu that will be examined by a panel of expert judges headed by Waters.

This new award scheme initiated by Teflon nonstick coatings inventor, DuPont, has been developed for keen catering students in the A-level age group, as a follow-up to the established FutureChef competition organised by the charity SpringBoard, which is targeted at younger students.

Nationally the awards attracted entries from 261 students from nearly 70 schools and colleges across the country.

The ultimate winner will receive a selection of prizes including a Tiffany crystal trophy for each team member and a work experience day at Abbots Hill Cookery School with Waters. The winning school will also win a cash prize and £2,000 worth of new nonstick bakeware and cookware.