On Tuesday 25th March 2025, pupils from South East secondary schools including; Goodwin Academy, The Victory Academy and Holcombe Grammar School attended an exclusive catering experience at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon.
Ellie K, a pupil from The Victory Academy, was announced as the winner of the TSAT School Food Influencer Competition after impressing the judges with her Peri Peri Chicken Tagliatelle dish. This meal will feature on the new spring/summer menu for the trust's secondary schools, provided by Chartwells Catering, in the upcoming term.
Ellie K, winner of the TSAT School Food Influencer Competition, reflected on the experience, saying: “I wanted to create something popular that people will enjoy but still met the criteria. Once I was certain I knew what I wanted to do, I researched and tried out different methods. I felt it important to use everyday kitchen ingredients. I tested it with my family and they gave me feedback which really helped. “When the runners up were announced I thought I was hearing things, as it meant I was the winner. I didn't believe I had won for the school. I didn't know there was going to be an overall winner. When they announced I had won, I felt tears of joy welling up. I was in total shock but I felt supported and cheered on. “I feel really proud to have achieved this and it's given me the confidence to know I can do more food related stuff in the future.”
Ellie K, winner of the TSAT School Food Influencer Competition, reflected on the experience, saying:
“I wanted to create something popular that people will enjoy but still met the criteria. Once I was certain I knew what I wanted to do, I researched and tried out different methods. I felt it important to use everyday kitchen ingredients. I tested it with my family and they gave me feedback which really helped.
“When the runners up were announced I thought I was hearing things, as it meant I was the winner. I didn't believe I had won for the school. I didn't know there was going to be an overall winner. When they announced I had won, I felt tears of joy welling up. I was in total shock but I felt supported and cheered on.
“I feel really proud to have achieved this and it's given me the confidence to know I can do more food related stuff in the future.”
Ellie was joined on this unique experience by her fellow competitors from the South East schools who participated in the competition. During the trip, they took part in a bespoke sushi-making workshop led by Wimbledon’s Executive Sushi Chef who is responsible for producing the sushi eaten by global tennis stars during the championship season.
Each pupil made a commendable effort to craft the refined Japanese delicacy before savouring their creations for lunch. It was lovely to see them supporting each other with their creations and Aidan from Holcombe Grammar teaching his peers how to use the chopsticks.
The pupils were presented with goody bags from Chartwells, part of the Compass Group, which generously supported the experience. The bags included a bespoke chef’s jacket, apron, recipe ideas, herbs, and spices. Additionally, the pupils were allowed to keep all the equipment they used during the sushi workshop.
After enjoying their culinary creations for lunch, the group toured Wimbledon Tennis Club, exploring Henman Hill, Number 1 Court, and the prestigious Centre Court. They were even invited to visit the media centre—an area rarely accessible to the public—and had their photos taken in the player interview area, appearing live on the screens.
Sarah Daffey, Catering Assurance Lead for the trust, said:
“It was a pleasure to be able to support our trust in giving these pupils this unique experience. Throughout the competition, all pupils showed outstanding creativity and professionalism and were wonderful ambassadors for their schools and the wider trust.”
“Thank you to Chartwells for giving our pupils this wonderful opportunity.”
Tracy Styles, Catering Assurance Lead for the Trust, looked back on the competition, commenting on the amazing achievements of the pupils from the participating South West schools:
“We had some fantastic dishes entered in to the competition from our schools in the South West. Kara’s Banging Chicken was declared the winner from Paignton Academy and will be appearing on their menu after easter.
“Charlie R wowed the judges with his Vegetarian Stuffed Mushroom. This dish will also feature on the Brixham College summer menu and Charlie will be cooking with the Brixham Thinking Food catering team during his work experience in May.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the efforts of the runners up at Brixham College; Isabelle, Charlie C & Bella, who’s delicious meals will appear on the school’s Grab & Go menu on World Earth Day 24th April.”
“All participants thoroughly enjoyed the competition and should be very proud of the amazing dishes that they created!”
When talking about being having her dish on the secondary school menus, Ellie said:
“I am pleased that I can share my ideas with the school community. I feel this can bring a community together in one dish as it has flavours and foods that are a culmination of lots of cultures.
“It was nice to be able to provide something for my peers that hasn't come from adults, so this has been a good opportunity - probably the best opportunity I've had so far.”
Congratulations to all pupils who participated in the competition.