Celebrating Excellence: Colin Sealey – The School Food People, School Chef of the Year Competition 2026 – Regional Finalist Winner
We are proud to announce that Colin Sealey, our Cook in Charge, at Outwood Primary School, has been crowned North West Regional Winner of the prestigious School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition 2026.
About SCOTY
The School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) is a nationally recognised competition that celebrates the very best in school catering. Each year, it brings together talented professionals from across the UK, including those working in local authorities, contract catering, in-house school teams, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts.
The competition centres on creating meals that are both nutritious and appealing for 11-year-old pupils in primary or secondary schools. Sponsored by Bisto from Premier Foods, the SCOTY competition provides an ideal platform for dedicated school chefs to showcase the skills and creativity they bring to their work every day.
Image: Credit to Public Sector Catering: From left to right, the SCOTY judge presents Colin Sealey, TLC’s Cook in Charge, as the North West, Regional Finalists Winner 2026, accompanied by Lisa Tottle, The School Food People, Treasurer for North West Region, and TLC’s Quality and Training Lead.
Competitors must prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.75 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide. The three regional finals took place this week at the Rational Kitchen in Cannock with each regional winner taking home the £100 prize.
This highly competitive event challenges even the most experienced chefs. Colin rose to the occasion with exceptional skill and creativity, impressing judges with a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired menu that showcased both flavour and finesse.
Images: Colin prepares his award-winning menu and is judged during the competition finals.
Colin’s Award-Winning Menu
Main Course
A beautifully balanced dish of roasted vegetables served with homemade tagliatelle in a rich tomato sauce, finished with crumbled feta cheese. Featuring tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, red onions, and courgettes, the dish delivered a bold and flavour-packed experience.
Dessert
A delicious banana blondie, complemented by caramelised banana and a smooth butterscotch whip. Finished with banana sponge and golden fruits, this dessert provided a perfect sweet finale.
Images: Colin’s regional award-winning Main Course. Followed by his banana blondie, complemented by caramelised banana sponge and finished with golden fruits.
Colin’s dishes not only looked exceptional but clearly delivered on taste—earning high praise from the judging panel and securing his regional win.
Image: A proud moment for Colin as his culinary talent and dedication to school food excellence take centre stage.
Following his outstanding achievement, Colin will go on to represent the North West at the SCOTY National Final, held at The School Food Show at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 7th–8th July 2026.
The 2026 national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2026 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.
Congratulations and very well done to Colin on his fantastic achievement and we wish him every success in the national finals.
Image: Colin Sealey, one of our talented Cooks in Charge, is crowned the Winner
of the SCOTY North West Regional Finals 2026.
