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- Tasks: Prepare and cook a daily changing menu for our diverse school community.
- Company: Join Ark Putney Academy, a thriving school with a commitment to excellence and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored professional development, higher salaries, gym discounts, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your passion for student potential and culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and catering for large groups is preferred; professional qualifications are a plus.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so apply early!
We are looking to appoint an Academy Cook to join us from 1 September 2025 who will be responsible for preparing and cooking a daily changing menu (breakfast and lunch) to cater for our diverse school community. The role will include all aspects of food preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene and other duties associated with the running of the kitchen and food service operations.
You will have:
- Experience of working in a busy kitchen
- Experience of catering in large quantities within a school setting is desirable
- Professional catering qualifications
- Professional outlook, detailed orientated and able to multitask and meet deadlines
- A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative
- A genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every student
If you share our commitment to excellence, we want to hear from you!
If you would like to discuss this opportunity or for any queries, please contact Julie Rickard at j.rickard@arkputneyacademy.org
Benefits:
- Tailored professional development based on the needs of the teacher and department to ensure everyone achieves their full potential.
- Regular rewards and recognition for effort.
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
- Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
About Us:
Ark Putney Academy opened in September 2012 as part of the Ark network in the London Borough of Wandsworth. We’re a mixed school with 790 students, ranging from year 7 through to sixth form. In our 2022 OFSTED inspection we were rated ‘Good’ in every category. We adopt a holistic view to educating young people. Through our commitment to inclusion, equality and attainment, we prepare every student to be a pillar of any community. We’ve also been celebrating a successful year so far with strong GCSE results that place Ark Putney in the top 20% nationally for progress and ahead of other schools in the local area. This reflects our excellent teaching and the dedication of our staff both to the students and each other.
Diversity and inclusion:
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement:
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Academy Cook employer: Ark Schools
Contact Detail:
Ark Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of a school community. Understanding how to cater for diverse tastes and dietary restrictions will show that you are proactive and considerate, which is essential for an Academy Cook.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing kitchen hygiene and food safety standards during any discussions or interviews. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge in these areas will reassure the hiring team of your capability to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by discussing past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team in a busy kitchen. This will illustrate your teamwork skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your passion for education and working with young people. Sharing personal anecdotes about how you’ve positively impacted students through food can resonate well with the hiring team and align with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in busy kitchens and any professional catering qualifications you possess. Emphasise your ability to work in large quantities, especially in a school setting.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and your belief in the potential of every student. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team and used your initiative in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to food preparation, kitchen hygiene, and multitasking. Use bullet points to make this information easy to read and ensure it aligns with the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of an Academy Cook.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in a busy kitchen and any specific dishes you excel at. Highlight your ability to prepare meals in large quantities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in a school or catering setting.
✨Express Your Passion for Education
Convey your genuine passion for cooking and how it relates to nurturing students' potential. Discuss any experiences that showcase your commitment to supporting young people.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about kitchen hygiene and food safety practices. Be ready to explain how you maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, as well as how you handle food preparation efficiently.
