Year 10 and 11 students with a passion for food can now apply for a Young Chefs Academy Scholarship at West Herts College.
Aspiring young chefs are being invited to step into the professional kitchens at West Herts College this year, with a new scholarship helping to make it possible.
The Young Chefs Academy runs over six Saturday sessions during term time. Students in Years 10 and 11 work alongside our chefs in real professional kitchens, learning hands-on skills and getting a taste of what a career in food and hospitality could look like.
The new Young Chefs Academy Scholarship can reduce, or fully cover, the £190 course fee. There are three levels of award:
|
Scholarship |
Amount covered |
You pay |
|---|---|---|
|
Gold |
Full £190 |
£0 |
|
Silver |
£140 |
£50 |
|
Bronze |
£90 |
£100 |
The scholarship fund was made possible by a generous £3,000 donation from Tim Dawson, a local supporter of culinary education. Awards are shared across several students and sessions, so the fund can continue to support young chefs for years to come.
Chef Pedro, Young Chefs Academy Lead, said:
"The Young Chefs Academy is all about giving young people the chance to cook in a real professional kitchen. You don't need any experience – just bring your enthusiasm and we'll do the rest.
We're incredibly grateful to Tim Dawson for his support to help more young chefs access the academy."
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to young people aged 14–16 in year 10 or year 11 who:
- are enthusiastic about cooking, baking, hospitality or food
- can attend all six Saturday sessions
- are willing to complete the application task
No professional skills are needed. We're looking for effort, enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to learn.
How to apply
- Apply online for the Young Chefs Academy.
- Complete the "My Passion for Food" challenge and email it to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The challenge has two parts:- Part A – Tell us about you: up to 300 words on why you want to join, what interests you most about cooking or baking, what you hope to learn, and how a scholarship would help you.
- Part B – Show us your cooking: share the recipe and a short note for two dishes you've made. Photos are welcome. Family meals, baking, school food work, cultural dishes or work experience all count.
Applications are judged on enthusiasm for cooking, the written response, effort in the practical work and how much the student would benefit from the course. If cost is a barrier for your family, please tell us in your application – we take this into account when deciding which scholarship level to award.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of Chef Pedro (Young Chefs Academy Lead), Terrie Carter (Head of School) and Tim Dawson (Scholarship Fund Representative).
Ready to get cooking? Apply now for the Young Chefs Academy.