Bake Off star at the Nottingham Free School

Congratulations to Jenna! (Whole School - 02/02/2017)

Nottingham Free School is proud to have a famous baker at the school. Jenna, in year 7, managed to bake her way to the semi-finals of the latest Junior Great British Bake off.

After wowing the judges at her audition with her pinwheel pastries and checkerboard cake, Jenna secured her place on the popular television programme alongside other talented contestants.

Jenna and her mum travelled down to London earlier last year, ready to take part in the first round. Alongside three other eager bakers, she battled to impress the judges including 2015's Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain. Her delicious volcano biscuits and giant ‘chip butty’ cake saw her win her heat and go through to the quarter finals.

Now up against 10 other contestants, all wanting to get through to the semi finals, Jenna made sure her pretzels and bakewell & banoffee éclairs were her best yet. The judges thought her bakes were amazing and put her through to the semi-final.

The semi-final was the toughest day yet as the contestants had to take part in three different challenges. First up, Jenna had to create a plaited loaf, this was followed by a blind taste test where she had to correctly identify three different foods. Finally, in the enriched dough show stopper, Jenna created a tribute to her home city, Nottingham, by baking Goose Fair toffee apple buns.

Despite tasting incredible, Jenna unfortunately didn’t make it to the final but she said she had a fantastic time and made lots of friends.

“I had such a good time, it was really fun and I’m so glad I did it, it’s such a great experience to have had. Me and the other bakers are still in touch, we have a group where we share baking tips and help each other.

“I’m pleased Nikki won, she deserved it because her bakes were so good. Everyone was amazing though so I’m not sure how they managed to pick a winner.”

In November, Jenna was reunited with her fellow contestants at CBBC HQ for an aftershow party. Her success has even spread to the Nottingham Free School, inspiring teachers to set up their own Christmas Bake Off at the end of last term.

Congratulations Jenna!

Nottingham Free School Has Talent Q&A

• Why did you apply for the Junior Bake Off?

It was actually one of my friends that printed off the application form and encouraged me to apply. She knows how much I love baking so thought I should give it a go. I ended up sending it off late and never actually thought I’d get through to the show!

• How did you feel when you first saw the famous tent?

When me and one of the other bakers first saw it we actually screamed with excitement. And then when we saw Nadiya we nearly fainted! She was so nice, I can’t believe I got to meet her.

• What made you start baking?

I first started to bake with my mum and gran and have always loved it. Watching cooking shows and people like Mary Berry have also encouraged me. As I got a bit older I started experimenting more with complicated things like macaroons, I’m not afraid to try new things.

• What’s your favourite thing to bake?

I like baking everything but it’s probably cupcakes. There’s lots you can do with different flavours and toppings.

• What are your hopes for the future?

One day I would love to run my own baking business. Then I can bake things and send them to my customers.

• Finally, do you ever get recognised due to your new found fame?

Not really but there was one time recently in the supermarket. My mum nudged me and I saw there was a young boy pointing to me and telling his mum that I’m the girl off bake off. It was surreal!