Young Chefs
Academy

Part Time Course code 0011

If you’re in Years 9–11 and love food, Young Chefs Academy is for you. Over 6 weeks you’ll learn kitchen safety, essential techniques, and how to prepare dishes from soups and breads to mains and desserts. Sessions run on Saturday mornings in our professional training kitchens at Watford Campus, taught by our Food Academy team. You’ll build confidence, creativity and teamwork - and take home what you cook.

Available dates

  • 30 January 2027

    • Start date

      30 January 2027

    • Time

      09:00 - 12:30

    • Days

      Saturday

    • Duration

      6 weeks

    • Campus

      Watford Campus

    • Fees

      £190
    • Apply Now
  • Entry Criteria

    Open to students in Years 9-11. No prior experience in the kitchen is needed, but it helps if you have an enthusiasm for cooking.

    We are also pleased to confirm that we have a Scholarship route available for students to apply for support with course fees. The scholarship is available through the “My Passion for Food” challenge, in two parts:

    Part A · Tell us about you (Up to 300 words)

    • Why you want to join
    • What interests you most about cooking or baking
    • What you hope to learn
    • How a scholarship would help you

    Part B · Show us your cooking Two dishes you have made. Share the recipe and a short note on each. Photos are welcome. Family meals, baking, school food work, cultural dishes or work experience all count.

    Our Admissions team will provide you with more information about the scholarship after you have applied.

  • What will I study?

    Core techniques: boiling, roasting, frying, baking, knife skills, plating.

    Safety & hygiene: kitchen rules, allergens, cross-contamination, nutrition basics.

    Teamwork & organisation: mise en place, timing, cleaning down. You will learn a variety of dishes including:

    • Butternut & Apple Soup
    • Chicken Saute Chasseur
    • Lancashire Hot Pot
    • Pork, Sage & Apple Sausage Roll
    • Teriyaki salmon parcels
    • Pad Thai Noodles
    • Spanish Tortilla
    • Spinach & Cheese Croquetta
    • Bakewell Tart
    • Chocolate Mousse
    • Poached Pear with Shortbreads
    • Mince Pies
  • Future Prospects

    After completing the Young Chefs Academy, you will be confident in cooking and preparing tasty meals for friends and family. Once you've completed your studies at school, you could start your post-16 education with us on a Level 1 Diploma in Professional Cookery.

Discover Your Path To Purpose

Are you looking to kickstart your career or boost your skills? Whether you’re looking to re-train, upskill, learn a new hobby or meet a community of like-minded people, our Adult professional and leisure courses are the perfect way to acheive your goals.
With a range of start dates and times and funding available for many of these courses, we’ve made sure our courses provide the flexibility and support you need to realise your ambitions.

Did you know our Watford Campus has a restaurant on site?


All the meals are prepared, cooked and served by our chefs.

Book a meal in our training restaurant

student cooking/ flaming food on a frying pan