Elizabeth Bastable, Arion Christophers, Frasers Hawkins and Hannah Leighton secured the places from the college, after 51 applications were received for the ten places on the programme and following a rigorous selection process.

The places were awarded to seven candidates from chef and catering colleges and universities across the UK, with the remaining three places being won by chefs already working with the Exclusive Hotels and Venues kitchens.

Designed to tackle the challenges of chef recruitment and retention head on, the Academy takes the chefs on an intensive two-year journey under the mentor and leadership of one of Exclusive’s award-winning chefs, including Olly Rouse, Head Chef at The Avenue, Lainston House (3 AA Rosettes), Richard Davies, Executive Chef at The Bybrook, The Manor House, (1 Michelin Star and 3 AA Rosettes), Matt Gillan Head Chef at Matt Gillan at The Pass, South Lodge (1 Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes) and Head Chef Michael Wignall at Michael Wignall at The Latymer, Pennyhill Park (2 Michelin Stars and 5 AA Rosettes).

Each chef will experience full-time paid on-the-job training, off-site supplier visits, supervisory skills workshops, team challenges and masterclasses designed to develop their skills, reward their talent with full time employment and further their career.

Hannah Leighton said: “I’m really excited to have secured my place in the Academy and have the opportunity to visit great suppliers, enjoy masterclasses and develop my skills, knowledge and palette whilst learning from Michelin starred chefs and industry experts. It’s a life-changing opportunity and given the amount of interest in the Academy after just one year, I feel privileged to be here.”

Andy Mackenzie, Executive Chef of the Exclusive Chefs’ Academy commented on the new cohort: “I am overwhelmed with the response to the Academy’s second year programme and believe we have found some incredible new talent to harness and develop for the taste buds of our discerning Exclusive guests. After the successful launch of the academy last year, we have fine-tuned the programme further to deliver the chefs an even better programme of full plot-to-pot-to-plate training.”

Jon File, City College’s Programme Area Manager for Catering & Hospitality, said: “We were delighted when two of our students were accepted onto such a prestigious programme last year so for that number to have doubled in this year's cohort is something that the College is very proud of. Elizabeth, Arion, Fraser and Hannah all demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and passion for catering during their time at the College and we look forward to hearing of their successes in the industry in the future.”