Held at Capital City College in Westminster on Monday 23rd March, the final saw 12 young chefs from across the UK compete for the prestigious title in Springboard’s annual competition.

Each finalist had to compete in a skills test preparing mini Paris‑Brest choux pastries, and produce a full two‑course menu. This year’s National Final challenged the young chefs to create a menu as entirely vegetarian, showcasing their creativity and technical ability.

Champion Kate will be treated to an ‘unforgettable experience’ at Royal Ascot, courtesy of first prize sponsors Sodexo. Kate will gain insight into how menus are created and work in a professional kitchen, before dining in the restaurant and enjoying the excitement of race day.

Commenting on her win, Kate said: “I just really loved it. This has opened so many opportunities and experiences for me and I’m really excited for what’s to come next.”

Kate’s main featured roasted celeriac and pearl barley risotto, a celeriac purée and a spiced celeriac skin bhaji, while her dessert was a Paris-Brest with almond praline cream and spiced pear compote.

Kate’s mentor was Peter Thompson from BaxterStorey. He added: “Kate is an amazing individual who deserves this for her hard work. I’m so proud of her. To cook to that standard in a very hot kitchen, under a lot of stress is just amazing and I know lots of chefs who would struggle to do that.”

Now in its 27th year, Springboard FutureChef is the UK’s largest and most influential culinary competition for school‑aged students, designed to uncover and nurture the hospitality stars of tomorrow.

The programme equips young people aged 12–16 with essential cookery and life skills, delivered through school heats, local and regional finals, workshops and mentorship from professional chefs.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, commented: “Every year the Springboard FutureChef competition reminds us just how much talent, creativity and passion exists among young people across the UK.

“The standard of cooking we saw in this year’s final was exceptional, and the finalists should all be incredibly proud of what they achieved. The competition is about much more than winning – it inspires confidence, builds life skills and introduces young people to the incredible opportunities within hospitality.”