The Format

There are four stages to completion of the FutureChef programme, culminating in the National Final in March 2008.

The Format is as follows:

Stage 1
June – October 2007
School Heats
The challenge is to cook a hot main course within a budget of £3.50 for the School Heats. The winning pupil will then go on to represent their school in the Local Heat.

Stage 2
October/November – December 2007
Local Heats
At Local heat stage, competitors have to widen their repertoire and prepare and cook a hot main course and hot or cold dessert for two within a budget of £5.00. Students have to provide a full costing for the meal. A mentor chef will then judge each Local Heat providing the winner with ongoing encouragement, expert advice and assistance for the remainder of the competition. The winner of each Local Heat goes on to compete in one of 12 Regional Finals.

Stage 3
January – February 2008
Regional Finals
At this stage FutureChef really heats up and competitors, having been coached by their mentor chefs, have to prepare and cook a hot main course and a hot or cold dessert for two. At stake is a place at the prestigious National Final. The budget is £7.50 and competitors must provide a full costing and a time plan for theirs meals. Regional Finals are judged by leading chefs in the local area.

Stage 4
March 2008
The National Final
Winners of each of the 12 Regional Finals will take their places in the National Final to be held in London. Competitors will prepare and cook a two-course meal consisting of a hot main course and a hot or cold dessert for two from a specially selected basket of ingredients, provided prior to the Final. The Final will be judged by a panel of famous chefs, who will be judging each competitor on their cooking skills, menu balance, composition, taste & flavour, creativity & presentation, work method and workmanship.