Back for the third year, the event, organised by the school’s Design Technology (DT) faculty, saw Year 10 students and two staff members take part in two baking challenges: a technical task and a showstopper round. Mrs Norris, Head of DT, said: “The standard was higher than ever before. Everyone worked hard, and they were polite, helpful, and fully engaged - it was just good fun!”

In the technical round, participants were challenged to make eight Viennese Fingers – each 10cm long and 1.5cm wide, dipped in white chocolate at one end and milk chocolate at the other. Judges assessed the entries based on both taste and uniformity.

This year’s showstopper challenge tasked students with creating a cake based on their future career ambitions. Entries included designs inspired by aspirations to become lawyers, chefs, farmers, dentists, and surgeons, among many others.

Lexi F took the coveted ‘Star Baker’ award by winning the technical round and placing a close second in the showstopper challenge, impressing the judges with her standout lawyer-themed cake. Decorated with a gavel, books, scales of justice, and a briefcase, her entry not only showcased her baking skills but also her creativity and ambition.

Judges included Headteacher Mr Crofts, who reportedly experienced a “major sugar rush before a meeting”, Head of Year Mrs Daley, and Attendance Officer Mrs Elvidge. Their task was made difficult by the high standard and variety of cakes, which featured flavours such as coffee, lemon, salted caramel, and multiple takes on the ever-popular Victoria sponge – resulting in a ‘battle of the Victoria Sponges.’!

Special thanks were extended to Teacher of Food Miss Bircumshaw and technician Mrs Appleby, who played key roles in organising, ordering, and preparing the ingredients. Mrs Norris added: “Miss Bircumshaw redeemed herself after burning her cake last year – no incidents this time around! Last year, we even had an oven fire, but this year went off without a hitch.”

Praising the students for their collective efforts, Mrs Norris said: “The students were impeccably behaved and fully embraced the challenge of the day, demonstrating excellent teamwork and consideration for others. A special mention must go to Max and Finlay for going above and beyond to support their peers and help keep the workspaces tidy. It was lovely to see everyone supporting one another. We were visited by a steady stream of well-wishers throughout the day - all keen to offer encouragement, while also trying to sneak off with a few biscuits! Congratulations to Lexi and all the participants on another hugely successful event.”

A total of 24 students applied to take part by submitting a written application outlining their reasons for entering and their plans for a showstopper cake. From these, eleven were selected to compete.

ABOVE: (Left to right) Miss Bircumshaw with the judging panel Mrs Daley, Mr Crofts and Mrs Elvidge, 2025's 'Star Baker' Lexi F, with Head of DT Mrs Norris.  

ABOVE: Lexi impressed the judges with her lawyer-themed cake. 

ABOVE: (Left to right) Student 'Bake Off' participants Lexi, Harry, James, Finley, Libby-Rose, Max and Meredith, with staff contestants Miss Bircumshaw and Mrs Foster. 

ABOVE: The day's activities received a thumbs-up from Max. 

ABOVE: Libby-Rose's unique 'brain surgeon' cake.  

ABOVE: Finley produced a farming-inspired showstopper. 

ABOVE: Smiles all round as Aaron gets to grips with the day's challenge. 

ABOVE: Alesha chef-inspired design. 

ABOVE: Harry and James at work in the kitchen. 

ABOVE: Mrs Foster, one of two staff participants, was proud of her Viennese Fingers.

BELOW: Her showstopper cake gave a nod to her previous role as Senior Science Technician.