Josh Zitha of Banbury and Bicester College named BCF Student Chef of the Year 2026

Josh Zitha, BCF Student Chef of the Year

The BCF Student Chef of the Year competition took place at University College Birmingham on Wednesday 27 May.

Finalists were required to produce a three-course menu for two covers in two hours, consisting of a Starter suitable for vegetarians, a main course using fish and a dessert of their choice.

Josh Zitha from Banbury and Bicester College was named winner and lifted the award after a very challenging but rewarding day’s work.

Josh received a Winner's Trophy for the college, Gold medal, winners certificate and a trio of pans courtesy of Contacto, a hamper of products from Essential Cuisine and a Dispenser from Wrapmaster. The college was presented with an R2 cutting machine generously provided by Robot Coupe.

Second place was awarded to Slava Marynychenko from Newcastle and Stafford College, mentored by Tom Harrison. Slava won a Trophy for the college,  Silver medal, a framed certificate, a set of pans courtesy of Contacto, a hamper of products from Essential Cuisine and a Dispenser from Wrapmaster.

Third place went to Jack Johnson from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College mentored by Dean Burnham and Jon Starns and picked up a trophy for the college, Bronze medal, framed certificate, a set of pans courtesy of Contacto, a hamper of products from Essential Cuisine and a Dispenser from Wrapmaster.

As an extra element of the competition this year, a Best in class Starter, Main course and Dessert was awarded with a framed certificate being given to the winners.

• Best Starter - Josh Zitha, Banbury and Bicester College

• Best Main Course - Lewis Phillips, University College Birmingham

• Best Dessert - Slava Marynychenko, Newcastle and Stafford College

All competitors in the final were given one year’s free membership of the British Culinary Federation, a BCF embroidered apron and finalist’s certificate.

JUDGES

• Ed Marsh, BCF Committee member and Captain of England's National Culinary Team

• Paul Foster, Michelin-starred chef, Host of Food Unfiltered 

• Gary Witchalls, Consultant Chef

Our sincere thanks to sponsors Robot Coupe, Contacto, Essential Cuisine and Wrapmaster for their continued support of this very popular BCF Student Competition

Competition organiser, Andrew Sage said he was delighted with the final outcome and the support and interest shown from colleges throughout the country. All of the eight chosen finalists did an outstanding job and were a credit to themselves and their colleges.

University College Birmingham did a superb job as usual in hosting the event and all the young chefs performed very well in what proved to be a challenging day.