Do you have the skills to create a delicious two-course healthy meal? We’re challenging students to prepare a main course and dessert for two people in just two hours, with a budget of up to £18.00.

If you’re up for the challenge, email Mrs Hanbury (hanburya@busheymeads.org.uk) or speak to any member of the D&T department for more information.

To help you prepare, the C11 kitchen will be open every Tuesday after school until 4.15pm. These sessions are a great chance to practise potential competition dishes. We’d love to start with a pasta dish of your choice—so come along for a chat and a cooking trial on Tuesday 16th September in C11.

Rotary Young Chef Competition 

Our budding chefs also have the opportunity to enter the Rotary Young Chef Competition, proudly hosted each year by the Watford Rotary Club at West Herts College Catering School. Bushey Meads students have a fantastic track record in this competition—last year, our very own Jacob won first place!

This year’s Watford heat will take place on Saturday 29th November 2025. Entrants will bring their own ingredients and have two hours to prepare and cook in the professional kitchens at West Herts College.

Dishes are judged on a range of factors including the use of healthy ingredients, presentation, taste, hygiene, and kitchen organisation. The judging panel includes Andy Wakeford, Head of School for Food Academy & Hospitality, and in previous years we’ve even welcomed Michelin-starred chefs from top London restaurants.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any student with a passion for cooking