The Chief Executive of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust will go head-to-head with the Barrow and Furness MP in a battle of culinary skills.

SCMAT CEO Professor Andrew Wren will take on Michelle Scrogham MP in a cook off challenge at Chetwynde as part of the school’s Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food project.

They will compete to see who can make the best dish from one of the recipes that the Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils are following for the 10-week programme.

Pupils are taking part in Jamie Oliver 10 Skills programme which teaches young people how to cook from scratch. The school’s Head Girl and Head Boy will decide the winner.

Professor Wren, who leads the six-school Trust and is based at Chetwynde, said he was looking forward to putting his skills into practice at the event on Friday.

“There are some fantastic new kitchen facilities at Chetwynde funded by the PTA  in the design and technology block,” he said.

“The children have been enjoying learning how to prepare and cook meals and, just as importantly, about how diet affects health.

“I am sure they will be scrutinising my cooking as well as quizzing me on all aspects of nutrition and the importance of eating well. I’m ready for the challenge.”

Rosanna Bluett, Head of Food Education at Jamie's Oliver's, said: “'It's fantastic to see schools and young people engaged in our Jamie Oliver 10 Skills programme. We truly believe that food education is just as important as learning maths and English. What could be more important than teaching the next generation the skills and knowledge they need to nourish themselves now and in the future? 

“We are thrilled that MP Michelle Scrogham is going to see first-hand the incredible impact good food education can have in her local school.  Good luck to all those involved in the cook off!”

Chetwynde teacher Hayley Halliwell, who is Phase 3 lead at the school, said the Ministry of Food pilot, which is backed by the University of Leeds, was going really well.

“It has been fantastic to see pupils from across our school developing a love of cooking and taking a real interest in what goes into our food. It has also opened up discussions around a range of future career opportunities in catering and hospitality," she said.

The PTA donated £3,000 for the fit-out of the new facility in time for the launch of the Ministry of Food project, which includes recipe sheets, videos and lesson plans as well as information on sustainability and where food comes from.