Joanne Cox at the 2025 LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY)
In the lively kitchen of Ysgol Y Graig in Llangefni, Joanne Cox is quietly revolutionising the school lunch. Far more than just nourishing meals, she’s serving up creativity, leadership and a true passion for making a difference.
Joanne recently achieved her Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership through Compass Group UK & Ireland’s training programme – an impressive milestone reflecting her commitment to growth and excellence in the catering profession. From managing kitchen teams to upholding the highest standards in food safety, she’s built the confidence and capability to lead with distinction.
Her flair for flavour and bold ideas took centre stage at the 2025 LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition, where she earned top honours in the Welsh regional heat.
Her dishes were anything but ordinary:
- A main of Moroccan apricot and chickpea ravioli with spiced lentil sauce and coconut peshwari,
- Followed by a nostalgic Knickerbocker glory layered with berries, fruit jelly, Angel Delight and banana ice cream.
Moroccan apricot and chickpea ravioli with spiced lentil sauce and coconut peshwari and nostalgic Knickerbocker glory layered with berries, fruit jelly, Angel Delight and banana ice cream.
It was a celebration of vibrant, plant-forward cooking and child-friendly fun – striking the perfect balance between nutritional value and joyful presentation.
Joanne’s regional win saw her head to the SCOTY national final, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole earlier this July.
More than trophies and titles, Joanne is driven by purpose. “We’re not just dinner ladies or gents,” she explains. “We’re culinary professionals helping to shape young minds – and futures – through food.” It’s a philosophy that resonates with school chefs across the country and continues to raise the profile of catering in education.
Her journey isn’t just one of personal achievement – it’s a powerful reminder of the value of school food, the talent within our kitchens and the potential that comes with investing in people. Joanne Cox is a name we’ll be hearing more of, and rightly so.
