An aspiring chef is a step closer to landing a place at one of the world’s leading culinary schools.
James Beckenham, 20, beat almost 100 other hopefuls to bag a spot in the semi-final of Cordon Bleu’s scholarship scheme.
This week he was interviewed by a Michelin-star chef, and now faces an anxious wait to discover if he is still in the running to bag the one place available for the winning candidate.
James, of Leek Road, Bosley, said: “This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I wasn’t sure what to do after school so decided to go to university to get some qualifications.
But I just kept thinking about being in the kitchen, so when the opportunity came along to apply for this I couldn’t turn it down.
“When I found out I had been selected for the semis I was thrilled. To get this would be incredible, to work alongside the country’s top chefs and do what I love.”
James, who is currently studying sports science at Edge Hill University, is now preparing to give up his university studies at a moments notice to pursue his dream of becoming a top chef.
If he wins, he will go on to study for a Diplôme de Cuisine, followed by a three month Diploma in Culinary Management at the famous cooking institution, which was established in 1895.
The prize is worth more than £35,000, and includes accommodation in London during the course and an internship at The Square, under the guidance of esteemed chef Phil Howard.
As part of the selection process James travelled up to Newcastle to be interviewed by two Michelin-star chef Kenny Atkinson. He now says that he already has big plans for his future in food.
James, a former pupil at Fallibroome Academy, added: “That was unreal. For me meeting a chef like that is like meeting a celebrity, and he was really laid back and cool. I think it went well, cooking is what I want to do so I just let that show. Eventually I would like to own at least two restaurants, one which has a Michelin star and another which is a more relaxed barbecue and rotisserie place. I want to establish myself in Manchester, and rub shoulders with Aidan Byrne and Simon Rogan, the two top chefs that have really helped put the city back on the culinary map in recent times.”
The final of the competition will take place in London in July.
