EACH dessert was presented to a panel of expert judges, including chefs from The Grand, who evaluated the entries based on taste, presentation, originality, and execution. The students not only prepared their desserts but also had the unique opportunity to serve them directly to the judges, gaining invaluable experience in a professional kitchen environment.

The event highlighted the importance of vocational education and the power of community partnerships in nurturing young talent. Congratulations to Dzonatans, from Birkdale High School, for his wonderful Croquem Bouche masterpiece.

CEO of Southport Learning Trust, Ian Raikes, said:- “This competition has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to stretch their skills and gain real-world experience. Working with the chefs at The Grand has inspired them and given them a taste of what a future in the culinary arts could look like.”

Competition winner Dzonatans Jandavs, who created a stunning croquem bouche, said:- “I've been cooking since I was young, and something I have been dreaming to do is to win an award, and it's happened! I had an amazing experience at The Grand, helping others and making people happy. This was a memorable experience for sure.”

The Grand and Southport Learning Trust plan to make this an annual celebration of student talent and culinary excellence.

The judges were:- Ian Raikes (Southport Learning Trust), Geoff Wareham (Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group), Claire Mills (Miss Interior Design), Helen Ford (Sefton Council Tourism), and Tracy Holgate (Sefton Council Tourism) who had an extremely difficult job of choosing this year’s winners with some exceptional desserts on show.

Southport Learning Trust, an inspirational multi academy trust that stands at the forefront of educational excellence and community engagement. Southport Learning Trust is one of the largest employers in Southport and surrounding areas thanks to their collaboration of schools which include Bedford Primary, Birkdale High, Greenbank High, Kew Woods Primary, Maghull High, Meols Cop High, Merefield School, Range High School and Stanley High School. 

The trust is the heartbeat of the local community and its network spans over 800 employees.