West Exe School pupils Evie F and Ruby C impressed judges at the Devon FutureChef Local Final.

Evie prepared a cheesy vegetable pasta, while Ruby cooked a vegetable curry.

Both students said: "We really enjoyed the experience, it gave us an opportunity to improve our cooking skills and knowledge."

Springboard FutureChef is the UK’s largest schools-based culinary competition, designed to help students build practical skills and confidence while connecting them with industry professionals.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said: "Evie and Ruby represented the school brilliantly. It's a joy to see them put their skills into action and live out their love of cooking in a real-world setting."

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, emphasises opportunities for students to shine both inside and outside the classroom.

The school offers a food preparation and nutrition course, which develops culinary skills alongside an understanding of food science, nutrition, and healthy eating.

Students are taught to plan and prepare affordable, nutritious meals and are encouraged to be creative in the kitchen, gaining skills that support personal wellbeing and the ability to cook for others.