West Somerset Schools’ Bake Off

1,100 school pupils across six schools St Peter’s, Old Cleeve and Danesfield in Williton; and in Minehead: St Michael’s, Minehead First and Minehead Middle from year 4 to year 8 will be taking part in the first West Somerset Schools’ Bake Off.

The project has been established thanks to hard work and inspiration from a partnership involving West Somerset Academies Trust, West Coast 360, Butlins, The Beach Hotel, West Somerset Council, Jobcentre Plus, and West Somerset College.

The aim of the project is to inspire the children to learn a new skill, raise their aspirations, and develop an interest in hospitality and catering – key industries for the local area.

Official launches in each of the schools will take place the week commencing 8th January 2018 and will explain the competition and the rules.

Initial heats will follow later in the month in the schools, with pupils cooking in pairs to produce shortbread supported by local professional chefs and schools teachers.

The winning pairs from each year will be invited to take part in a masterclass with the professionals - Werner Hartholt (Butlins) and Paul Ruttledge (The Beach Hotel). This is scheduled to take place at West Somerset College on Tuesday 13th March.

The final bake, off a week later on 20th March, will see the pupils going head to head with their bakes being scored by a panel of judges who will decided on the overall winners.

A number of local businesses have also pledged to support the event including  

Brook Food Processing Equipment and Arthur David & Co. who are covering the in costs of ingredients, baking equipment, and competition prizes.