Four of our Year 10 GCSE Food and Nutrition pupils entered the first round of this national competition.

Sam, Ella, Alex and Grace had to produce a three course meal for two people, on a budget of £15 or less. The quality of what they cooked was very high, and they presented their food beautifully. They produced a real variety of dishes, showing a wide range of skills. There were quite a lot of nerves on the day but, in spite of this, all four competitors were calm under pressure and worked very hard.

The judges, who were strangers to them, included Ronnie Bonetti, executive chef for The Lucky Onion group who own The Wild Duck at Ewen, and Anne Lumb, retired Food Technology teacher. Both judges agreed that the standard of cooking and quality of the food was exceptional.

The winner was Grace (10FR) who cooked crab mayonnaise for the starter, duck with redcurrant sauce, roasted vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes, plus pear and mascarpone tarts for dessert. Mrs Parker, Food and Nutrition teacher, commented "I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils cooked and how brave they were."

Local Rotarian Mark Wilton said, “This annual competition is a great opportunity to help develop the skills and talents of young people. Our congratulations go to all finalists and I want to thank our judges Ronnie Bonetti and Anne Lumb, Louise Parker Food Technology teacher for her support and Cirencester Deer Park School for the use of their facilities."