They were selected out of 26 potential candidates who took part in regional heats at the University College Birmingham and the University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University) in June. At the heats they were tested on their practical skills in butchery and fishmongery, and tasked with devising a main course for four from the ingredients in a mystery basket, as well as the preparation of a pastry dish.

 The finalists are: Steve Allery, commis chef, The Dorchester Collection
 Daniel Beech, chef de partie, Simon Radley@The Chester Grosvenor & Spa
 William Chilila, pastry demi chef de partie, D&D, London
 Rosa Fothergill, chef de partie, Hand Picked Hotels
 Ian Malcolm, lead chef, M&S Deli, Co Antrim Mateusz Mitka, chef de partie, Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth Chris Munroe, chef de partie, The Royal Garden Hotel, London Rositsa Nikolova, commis chef, House of Commons, London
 Phil Steggall, chef de partie, The Royal Garden Hotel, London
 Michael Tweedie, chef de partie, Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

 Claire Willett, commis chef, Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire
 On September 1 they will take part in the final at Westminster Kingsway College in London where they will come under the scrutiny of a panel of expert examiners headed once again by renowned chef Chris Galvin. The results will be announced at the Graduate Awards luncheon at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, on September 6.