Student Chef Competition 2026

Ten talented cooks competed in our 15th annual Rotary Student Chef Competition held in the Catering Department of Swindon College.

All of them are in their third and final year, at Swindon College.   Working individually, they had to prepare an impressive three-course menu. The brief required an egg-based starter, a plant-based main course and a fruit-based dessert, providing competitors with an opportunity to demonstrate both technical skill and imaginative flair.

The standard throughout the competition was outstanding. 

On hand to judge the competition were Wyn Jones, Calcot Manor's Executive Chef, the Development Chef from Wadworth Brewery, Andrew Scott, and two members of our Rotary Club, Steve Davison and Chris Ockwell.

All were highly impressed by the quality of cooking, the range of dishes produced and the confidence shown by all the competitors. From carefully balanced flavours to refined techniques The presentation of the food was equally exceptional, with each plate beautifully arranged and visually enticing.

Rotarian Colin Hornsby, Vice President of our Rotary Club, attended to present Chefs' knives to the top three competitors.

In first place and overall winner was Adam Johnson.  In addition to the knives he won a voucher for a meal at Calcot Manor. 

Josh Otley came second and Charlotte Taylor was placed third.

The overall aim of our Rotary Student Chef Competition is to motivate and encourage young chefs in their chosen career.  It provides them with the valuable experience of having to cook under time constraints and how to present their dishes.  The students create their own menus within the given terms and are judged by people other than the tutors.