TV Bake Off winner Jo Wheatley led the team of judges, which included LACA national chair Carrieanne Bishop, LACA board member and director Anne Bull and Unilever Food Solutions education chef Andy Lagor.
Sarah’s Victoria sandwich was declared the ‘best overall’ cake by the judges after a thorough taste test. On her win, she said: “It’s such an honour to win the first ever Big School Bake Off competition.
“The school is going to be thrilled. It’s great to have all our hard work celebrated in this way and I can’t wait until next year’s competition to retain my crown.”
The finalists were offered a selection of ingredients to create their take on the perfect Victoria sandwich and were marked on their choice of ingredients, skill and creativity, as well as the texture, moistness and taste of their cakes.
Jo Wheatley said: “It’s fantastic to see the talent in school kitchens. There’s so much going on in the school food arena at the moment. This competition is a great opportunity to celebrate all that’s good in school food.”
James Allred, channel marketing manager, Unilever Food Solutions, said: “We’ve been delighted with the response to our first ever Big School Bake Off competition. We launched the competition as part of our own School Food Programme and to support the Government’s School Food Plan to raise the profile of school caterers.
“We hope that this competition goes a way to recognise the great talent and passion we know there is in school kitchens. The standard was really high and there were tough choices made by the judges but in the end Sarah’s cake really stood out.”
Sarah wins the title Big School Bake Off Winner 2014, a trophy for herself and a separate one for her school. Her prize also includes Tea at The Ritz for herself and a friend, a baking workshop for four with Jo Wheatley and £50 of high street shopping vouchers. Also Hobart UK, which provided the mixers for the event, donated a mixer to the winner.