Impact’s Erin wins SCOTY

Erin Ward from Impact Food Group has been crowned the Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) 2025 national champion. The education catering industry's top competition concluded at an awards ceremony held at the LACA Main Event, with Ward emerging victorious from a field of 12 talented regional champions.

As well as £1,000 and the 2025 LACA SCOTY trophy, the national winner also received an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. Second place went to Ben Finn from Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, third to Malachy Pharncote-Rowe from Pele Trust. They received £500 and £300 respectively.

Regional competitors from local authorities, contract-catered sites, in-house, academy schools and multi-academy trusts were challenged to prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.70 per head. The 90-minute challenge also had to meet school food standards and the Eat Well Guide.

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'Creativity, skill and passion'
LACA national chair Judith Gregory said: “This year’s finalists have once again raised the bar, showcasing the creativity, skill and passion that make school food such a vital part of children’s lives. Erin demonstrated outstanding culinary expertise and a real understanding of what truly engages and excites pupils."

Ward added: “I am overwhelmed, I wasn’t expecting it at all. This is my first year doing SCOTY. I didn’t expect to get through the paper entry and I didn’t win my final, I was a wildcard. I am shocked and super proud that I won it!”

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