Academy Cook

Academy Cook

London Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and cook a daily changing menu for our school community.
  • Company: Join Ark Putney Academy, a thriving school with a commitment to excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy tailored professional development, gym discounts, and generous pension schemes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values every student's potential and promotes inclusivity.
  • Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and professional catering qualifications are preferred.
  • Other info: Applications are reviewed continuously, so apply early!

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint an Academy Cook starting from 1 September 2025. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a daily changing menu (breakfast and lunch) to cater for our diverse school community. This includes all aspects of food preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene, and other duties related to the operation of the kitchen and food service.

You will have:

  • Experience working in a busy kitchen
  • Experience catering in large quantities within a school setting (desirable)
  • Professional catering qualifications
  • A professional outlook, attention to detail, ability to multitask and meet deadlines
  • A team player who can work collaboratively and use own initiative
  • A genuine passion for and 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 have any queries, please contact Julie Rickard at j.rickard@arkputneyacademy.org.

Benefits include:

  • Tailored professional development based on departmental needs
  • Regular rewards and recognition for effort
  • Salaries 2.5% above the main pay scale
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Access to Ark rewards scheme
  • Interest-free loans up to £5,000 for season tickets or bicycles
  • Gym discounts up to 40%
  • Access to Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark here

About Us

Ark Putney Academy, established in September 2012 as part of the Ark network in Wandsworth, is a mixed school with 790 students from Year 7 to Sixth Form.

In our 2022 OFSTED inspection, we were rated ‘Good’ across all categories.

We adopt a holistic approach to education, emphasizing inclusion, equality, and attainment to prepare students to be valuable community members.

We have achieved strong GCSE results, placing Ark Putney in the top 20% nationally for progress, reflecting our excellent teaching and dedicated staff.

Visit arkputney.org/jobs to learn more about us and view current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion:

We strive to build a diverse and inclusive organization where everyone can excel and reach their full potential. For more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click here.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo a rigorous screening process, including an enhanced DBS check. Disclosing any convictions is required, but a criminal background does not necessarily disqualify you. For more, see our safer recruitment process.

Note: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role may close earlier depending on response. We encourage early application.

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Academy Cook employer: ARK

Ark Putney Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff, offering tailored development opportunities and a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and gym discounts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we create an environment where every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on our students' lives in the heart of Wandsworth.
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Contact Detail:

ARK 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 set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the well-being of students.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your ability to work under pressure by preparing examples from your past experiences. Highlight situations where you successfully managed busy kitchen environments, especially in a school or similar setting, to demonstrate your multitasking skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Emphasise your teamwork skills during any discussions or interviews. Being a collaborative team player is crucial in a school kitchen, so share instances where you worked effectively with others to achieve common goals.

✨Tip Number 4

Express your passion for education and student development. Make it clear that you believe in the potential of every student and are committed to contributing positively to their school experience through your culinary skills.

We think you need these skills to ace Academy Cook

Culinary Skills
Food Safety and Hygiene
Menu Planning
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Multitasking
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Experience in Large-Scale Catering
Professional Catering Qualifications
Passion for Education
Initiative

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Academy Cook position. Highlight your relevant experience in food preparation, kitchen hygiene, and catering for large groups.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in busy kitchens and any professional catering qualifications you possess. Emphasise your ability to multitask and work collaboratively, as these are key traits for this role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your belief in the potential of every student. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and commitment to excellence.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check 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

✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience in a busy kitchen and highlight specific examples of how you've successfully catered for large groups. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work or any relevant certifications to demonstrate your professional qualifications.

✨Emphasise Teamwork

As an Academy Cook, you'll need to work collaboratively with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive kitchen environment.

✨Demonstrate Passion for Education

Since this role involves working within a school setting, convey your genuine passion for supporting students' well-being through nutritious meals. Discuss any experiences you have that relate to working with children or in educational environments.

✨Prepare for Questions on Kitchen Hygiene

Kitchen hygiene is crucial in this role. Brush up on food safety regulations and be ready to answer questions about how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. Providing specific examples of your practices will show your commitment to high standards.

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