A Wiltshire student is set to be a top chef of the future after winning a coveted place on a prestigious national training scheme.

Natasha Lewis, 16, from Tidworth, who has just completed her GCSEs at Pewsey Vale School, has won a place on the Academy of Culinary Arts Specialised Chefs’ Scholarship, run in association with Waitrose and The Bournemouth and Poole College.

Natasha heard about the scholarship from Fran Graham, her personal adviser through the Wiltshire Council-run Connexions scheme, when she attended a school careers interview in Year 10 and is thrilled to have been offered a place.

The scheme takes applicants from all over the country aged 16 to 19, but places are strictly limited. It offers a unique three-year apprenticeship, with practical training at top class restaurants such as the Ritz, The Dorchester, Claridge’s, the House of Commons and the Royal Automobile Club in London, plus Chewton Glen in Hampshire and Lucknam Park in Wiltshire.

“Originally I wanted to be an interior designer but I could not find a work experience place so I found a catering company to do my work experience with. I have wanted to be a chef ever since,” said Natasha.

“I know it’s a hard job but when it’s busy you get lost in the moment and you get the work done. You get a buzz from the pressure and it’s a challenge to do the work well.

“I’ll live with a family in Bournemouth and then in a hostel when I work in London. Eventually I want to run my own restaurant. This is a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Fran Graham said she was delighted that Natasha has been accepted onto the scheme: “This scheme is difficult to get on to so Natasha has done really well. She will train in top class kitchens with professional chefs, and you can’t get better experience than that.”

Merfyn Williams, head of universal individual learner support at Wiltshire Council, congratulated Natasha on her success: “This is a great achievement. We wish her every success and hope to see her running her own restaurant in the future.”

Natasha has taken GCSEs in Science, Maths, English, IT, RE, Food, History and Art.