The chefs will mentor, judge and support more than 7,000 secondary school-aged students from more than 400 schools and colleges around the UK.

They include michelin starred chefs Adam Handling, Nieves Barragán Mohacho and Graham Cheevers, 2023 National Chef of the Year Ben Murphy, FutureChef alumni Ruth Hansom and April Patridge as well as social media chef Poppy O’Toole.

Handling, who chaired the judging panel at the 2023 FutureChef national final, said: “As chefs, we have a duty to nurture the passion and creativity of the next generation. We need to show them the way, ignite their love of food and inspire them to follow their dreams. The future of our industry depends on it.”

Now in its 25th year, FutureChef has supported more than 225,000 young individuals since its launch and been instrumental in providing aspiring young chefs with the necessary skills, guidance and opportunities to ‘realise their culinary dreams’. With over 24% of those who take part in the competition going on to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of the Springboard Charity, added: “This year, Springboard FutureChef is taking its mission to new heights with the invaluable support of 300 industry-leading chefs who are devoting their time and expertise to mentor and inspire the next generation of culinary talent in their schools and through to the local, regional and national finals.

“The incredible milestone of supporting more than 225,000 young people over the past 25 years highlights FutureChef’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the culinary industry.”