The challenge, now in its 9th year, is a nationally acclaimed cookery competition for students aged between 13 and 16. Entrants are involved in the competition from School Heats through Local and Regional Finals, with the National Final taking place in the capital.Alan Fairbrass, Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, and a headline sponsor of the competition, commented on the involvement of the his Company: “The Company strongly supports FutureChef because it brings thousands of potential young chefs into contact with the world of professional cooking.“The competition encourages, teaches and rewards these youngsters and many are now employed in the industry as a result of entering FutureChef.”Last year over 7,000 students from 583 schools took part in the competition.