New Lead Judge Chantelle Nicholson to judge heats across the country, discovering the next generation of culinary stars.

Springboard, the leading hospitality charity with the ambitious goal of delivering 1 million hospitality skills to the industry by 2030, has launched its Springboard FutureChef competition 2026.

The competition aims to find the UK’s top young chef, with multi-award-winning Chef Chantelle Nicholson appointed as this year’s Lead Judge. The competition got underway with the first regional final in Somerset last week, and eleven more heats are scheduled over the next four weeks, before the National Final in March.

Now in its 27th year, Springboard FutureChef is the UK’s largest school culinary competition, with a long list of successful alumni, including Poppy O’Toole, theself-entitled ‘Potato Queen’ of Instagram, Tom Hamblet, winner of Masterchefs the Professionals and Young MasterChef finalist, Bobby Odu, the owner of Bobby Bakes. Throughout the competition, participants are mentored and judged by all-star Springboard FutureChef Champions and supporters, including Adam Handling and Bryan Turner.

Designed to develop the next generation of chefs, the programme connects students from diverse backgrounds with chefs, employers and mentors. It provides early access to skills, guidance and real-world experience, supporting long-term career progression and building a more diverse, resilient workforce.

Future Chef Lead Judge 2026, Chantelle Nicholson comments: “For our industry to grow in a way that is innovative, resilient, and genuinely sustainable, we must open doors for everyone. Programmes like Springboard FutureChef play an essential role in encouraging young people from all backgrounds, helping them overcome obstacles and find their place in the kitchen. It’s a privilege to be part of an initiative that supports such a vibrant and representative new generation of chefs.”

Finalists from the regional heats taking place across the country from now through to February, will advance to the National Final in March. The National Final celebrations begin with a dinner on 22 March 2026 at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, followed by the National Final itself on 23 March 2026 at Capital City College in Westminster.

David Mulcahy, National Chairman and Champion of Springboard FutureChef, comments: “Springboard FutureChef has long been an important initiative in shaping careers in hospitality through engaging young people with vital life skills and personal development. Each year we are inspired by the talent, commitment, creativity and focus of all those that take part. Through the generous support of sponsors, the Springboard FutureChef programme is able to ensure that the thousands of participants receive the support it needs across all areas of the UK and Northern Ireland. I am looking forward to welcoming our young finalists together with a star-studded group of judges to discover who will take this year’s title.”

Springboard FutureChef headline sponsors include Savoy Educational Trust, Worshipful Company of Cooks and Country Range. To see the full list of sponsors, visit:

https://futurechef.uk.net/sponsors

For more information on FutureChef, visit https://futurechef.uk.net/