BUDDING master chefs are being given the opportunity to study at the Hogwarts of haute cuisine.

World-renowned Le Cordon Bleu has launched its Scholarship Award for 2017 – and is searching in Sussex for the next big thing.

The winner will get a scholarship worth £35,000 to study towards a Grand Diplôme, which includes nine months of classical training in both pâtisserie and cuisine.

The Bloomsbury Square school is considered one of the finest in the world, with TV chef Rachel Khoo and Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite among the notable alumni.

With the restaurant industry growing rapidly in the UK, Emil Minev, culinary arts director at Le Cordon Bleu, says now is a great time to be training.

He said: “The food scene is such an exciting place to be a part of right now. With such strong influences from international cuisine, the variety and the quality of food is evolving faster than ever before.

“The UK is definitely one of the leaders in this gastronomic movement as we are producing both world class food and world-class chefs. Our aim with the UK Scholarship Award, which is now in its sixth year, is to provide outstanding culinary training to aspiring UK talent to further facilitate this wonderful food revolution.”

For 2017. the school has teamed up with the Michelin-starred restaurant LIMA Fitzrovia in London.

Peruvian chef and Le Cordon Bleu alumnus Virgilio Martìnez will be offering the winner an internship at LIMA Fitzrovia.

The prize also includes luxury accommodation in London. To apply, fill in the form at cordonbleu.edu/london.