ASCOT RACECOURSE - 1711 JUNIOR & SENIOR BAKE-OFF COMPETITION 2026

On Wednesday 18th March, 45 students from 15 local schools gathered at Ascot Racecourse for the annual Ascot Racecourse Supports & 1711 Bake-Off Competition Final. Following school heats, students from across Slough, RBWM, Bracknell Forest and Reading were proud to represent their schools and compete to be crowned the 2026 champions. 

 

This much-anticipated event, now in its sixth year, welcomed over 100 attendees including teachers, parents and supporters. Year on year, the competition continues to grow in both scale and quality, with students impressing judges through their creativity, technical skill and enthusiasm. 

 

This year’s theme, “Honey”, challenged teams to design and create a traybake celebrating the Ascot Racecourse Bees managed by Plan Bee. Students were also tasked with sourcing local ingredients and presenting a mood board that captured their journey from concept to final creation. 

All finalists had successfully progressed through their school heats, making the final a celebration of achievement in itself—every participant truly a winner. 

 

Jacqui Greet, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Ascot Racecourse, welcomed guests and congratulated students on reaching the final of this hugely popular competition. Judging was led by Gemma Amor, 1711 Executive Chef, and Benoit Blin, Chef Pâtissier, both bringing extensive expertise and a passion for supporting young talent. 

With excitement building, winners were announced. 

 

All participants were praised for their teamwork, creativity, presentation skills and innovative menu ideas. 

 

Following the awards, guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared afternoon tea by the 1711 team before taking part in guided tours of Ascot Racecourse, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic venue. 

 

D. Horn, Curriculum Lead – Design Technology & Food Studies, Slough & Eton: “As their teacher, I couldn’t be prouder of our Year 7 students for winning the Ascot Bake Off. The experience was incredibly valuable—they loved the atmosphere, learned so much from the beekeeping talk, and were fascinated by the behind-the-scenes tour. Seeing their hard work recognised was a real highlight, and winning has filled them with excitement. They can’t wait to see their bakes on sale in July—it’s an achievement they’ll remember for a long time.” 

 

Estere: “Taking part in the Ascot Bake Off was amazing! Winning still doesn’t feel real. I’m so excited to go back in July and see our cakes being sold—it’s something I’ll never forget.” 

 

Vladina: “The best part was learning new things. The talk about bees was so interesting, and the tour showed how much happens behind the scenes. Winning on top of that was incredible!” 

 

Menaal: “Everyone was so friendly, and the atmosphere made us feel like real bakers. Seeing people buy something we made will be the best feeling ever.” 

 

Mrs Clinkard, Whitegrove Primary School: "It was a great opportunity for school pupils to participate in a community led and driven event. The element of using local produce and introducing children to the idea of locally grown ingredients and their food sources provided a great learning experience." 

 

Whitegrove School, pupil comments: 

 

It was really fun and we learned about the 4 beehives around the racecourse. My Grandad has his own beehives and we got to use his honey for our traybake. 

 

When we got there it looked really hard but the judges were really nice, we learned about teamwork and making things together. The best part was winning, but it a was a tough competition. 

 

“Learning to Work are thrilled be working with the Ascot Racecourse and 1711 team to bring this wonderful annual competition to local students. Once again students excelled, they never fail to surprise us with their ideas and creativity. The best way to learn new skills, develop great communication, meet new people and feel confident in presenting is in a fun environment engaging in an equally fun activity, and the Ascot 1711 Bake-Off competition meets each of these criteria, applied learning at its best! Having parents, carers and grandparents along to see the teams represent their school and present their ideas to professional Chefs is brilliant and the icing on the cake!” Nancy Lalor Operations Director Learning to Work.