Le Cordon Bleu, renowned for shaping culinary careers globally for over a century, has announced the finalists for the highly anticipated 2024 Scholarship.
After a rigorous selection process, sixteen talented individuals have been chosen from an exceptional group of semi-finalists.
These finalists will compete for the prestigious scholarship, which offers a life-changing opportunity to study at one of the world’s most renowned culinary institutions in their Grand Diplôme® programme, internship at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, accommodation for a year, mentoring from Michel Roux, and more. The total prize is worth over £60,000.
The finalists for the 2024 Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship are:
- Andy Apollo, London
- Bettina Jin, Oxford
- Caoimhe O’Neill-McGuinness, Eastbourne, East Sussex
- Chiara Kon, London
- Christopher Chafer, Hambleton
- Daria Sopelkina, London
- Deb Milligan, Ruislip, Middlesex
- Fiona Fitwi, Belfast
- Hibiki Kono, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Olivia Hall, Redditch, Worcestershire
- Olivia Swash, Greater London
- Shenaz Mohamed, Harrow Weald, London
- Sunita Rayler, Gerrards Cross, South Bucks
- Tsvetomira Oblashkova, Manchester
- Valerie So, London
- William Walker Hardie, Edinburgh
The Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship offers a comprehensive culinary education, providing the winner with unparalleled training and exposure to the culinary arts. The winner will receive a fully funded place on the Grand Diplôme® programme, including a nine-month course combining Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.
The prize also includes a three-month internship at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, accommodation for a year at student accommodation Londonist, mentoring from renowned chef Michel Roux, work experience with Galvin Restaurants, and a trip to visit Andros’ site at Bairs-sur-Cère, France.
“We are incredibly proud of all the applicants and the high standard of talent we have seen this year,” said Emil Minev, Culinary Arts Director of Le Cordon Bleu London. “Our finalists have shown exceptional promise, and we are excited to see them progress in the final stage of the competition.”
The scholarship process began with hundreds of applications, showcasing the passion and dedication of aspiring chefs from all over. The semi-finalists were narrowed down after a series of challenging tasks, including interviews, quizzes, and sensory evaluations.
“I was honoured to return to Le Cordon Bleu as a judge for the semi-finals. It was a pleasure to speak to so many passionate contestants who no doubt made this selection incredibly challenging,” said Le Cordon Bleu Alumna, Salina Campbell, founder of Joli.
The final stage will see the selected candidates demonstrating their culinary skills and creativity before a panel of esteemed judges on September 16, 2024, at Le Cordon Bleu London.