Next Generation of Chef Superstars Graduate from Bournemouth and Poole College

The UK hospitality sector welcomed 21 newly qualified chefs on Monday 30 March, as the latest cohort of students celebrated graduation from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Specialised Chefs Programme at an event at the historic grand hotel, The Langham, in London’s West End.

The new graduates join a formidable network of alumni now working in some of the country's most celebrated kitchens, including Claridge’s, The Dorchester and Chewton Glen. The class of 2025 will hope to follow in the footsteps of former apprentices such as Deepak Mallya, who began his journey on the scholarship back in 2011 and was recently appointed Head Chef at The Ritz London.

Monday’s ceremony marked the end of an intensive three-year advanced accredited apprenticeship programme, arranged by leading professional association the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) and managed by the college.

The course demands not just technical perfection, but dedication, resilience, creativity and clear communication. To reach graduation day, apprentices combined practical experience in prestigious kitchens, including The Goring and Rosewood, with advanced theory and training in classical techniques, delivered in Bournemouth.

Earning the much-coveted Diploma in Professional Cookery also required passing a rigorous six-hour practical exam held at the College in July 2025.

The ongoing success of the programme is a prime example of ‘exceptional education for the real world’, says Phil Sayles, Principal of Bournemouth and Poole College:

"This programme is the perfect embodiment of what our college sets out to achieve, and watching these young chefs graduate today fills me with immense pride. It strikes right at the heart of our core purposes. Through our close partnership with RACA, we are helping individuals improve their lives through exceptional training, while enabling the UK's top kitchens to recruit the talent they need."

With over 70 apprentices currently enrolled across the three-year programme, the college’s collaboration with RACA provides a proven pipeline of workplace-ready chefs. Since the first group enrolled in 1989, 490 have graduated from the course, with many stepping into executive chef roles and returning to mentor the next generation.

Adam Byatt, Chairman of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, commented:

“The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is committed to the education and training of young people in the hospitality industry, and the Specialised Chefs Programme is one of our most important achievements. It is regarded across the industry and in further education as a benchmark for chef apprenticeships.

“Together with the team at Bournemouth and Poole College, we are immensely proud of this reputation. It is a pure reflection of what we are all about: encouraging young people to join the industry, supporting them through their training to develop their skills, and keeping them in our wonderful industry of hospitality.”

Lisa Jenkins, CEO of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, added:

"The hospitality sector continues to face its challenges, but looking at the exceptional talent graduating today leaves you feeling extremely positive for the future."

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Abigail Saunders, who completed her apprenticeship at Browns, said:

“I always wanted to be a chef from a young age, but this was still a huge step for me as a homebody who was nervous about homesickness. That first term at college taught me so much, and I was excited to see what else I could achieve when I moved to my placement in January. This course has not only taught me how to be a chef, but it has also taught me how to be an adult. It has given me immense confidence and a lot more independence.”

While Monday’s event at The Langham brought together proud families and sponsoring head chefs to celebrate a major milestone, the true excitement lies in what comes next. These 21 graduates leave not just with a diploma, but with the skills, character and confidence to lead the next generation of UK hospitality.

For more information about the Specialised Chefs Apprenticeship Scholarship, visit www.thecollege.co.uk/chefs.