SurreyFE SEND Bake-Off Competition 2026

On your marks…get set…bake!

Nescot was delighted to host the annual SurreyFE SEND Bake-off competition, bringing together talented student bakers from Activate Learning, Brooklands Technical College, East Surrey College and North East Surrey College of Technology.

Each team whisked, folded and piped their way through the three hour challenge, working in pairs on a themed brief to create spectacular showstoppers, and we’re glad to confirm there wasn’t a ‘soggy bottom’ in sight!

This year’s cake themes were ‘The Magic of Nature’, ‘Keep it moving’ and ‘What makes us happy’ and students rose to the occasion by crafting some truly unique cakes.

This year’s judges included Volunteer Coordinator Louise, and Lived Experience Trustee, said:

‘Cake is extremely important to The Include Project, as evidenced by the words on the back of our Include Choir shirts, taken from the Include Choir Agreement written by our member which stipulates that ‘Sometimes we have cake’. Not all the time, we know that wouldn’t be healthy but cake is something that brings joy, makes us feel special and has the power to bring happiness like no other food. And the cakes, skills and dedication of the participants of the Nescot SEND Bake Off certainly brought joy to the judging panel.’

Our third judge, LinkAble CEO, Sue Stockman, LinkAble CEO commented on how hugely impressed she was with everything that the judges had seen from the preparation, time management to the baking and decorating. “In some ways everyone is a winner because the standard was so high today across all four teams.”

First place was awarded to Jamie and Bradley from East Surrey College with their cake inspired by one of their classmates hobbies: gardening. The judges praised their attention to detail, fantastic teamwork, tidiness and standout bake. 

Second place went to Orla and Daisy from Nescot with their sunset inspired cake. The judges praised the great communication they had between them.

Third place went to Matthew and Callum from Brooklands Technical College, for their creative interpretation of the ‘Magic of Nature’ theme to life and great teamwork.

And fourth place went to George and Katie from Activate Learning. The judges praised their Minecraft inspired cake for its neatness, precise knife work and the level of detail on the fondant controller decoration.

During the presentations of the trophies, Nescot CEO and Principal, Julie Kapsalis MBE, thanked all the students who took part, as well as all the teaching and support staff, without whom none of this would be possible.

Every student did themselves and their colleges proud. The creativity on display proves once again that SurreyFE students are the real showstoppers, and we can’t wait to see what they cook up again next year!