Third Chef (Live In)

Are you a passionate or aspiring chef looking for a rewarding role in a friendly, supportive team? Do you want a great work‑life balance while still doing what you love? Bedales School in Hampshire is looking for a Live in Third Chef to join our vibrant catering team, creating delicious meals for our students and staff. You’ll work in a professional kitchen alongside experienced chefs, supporting the Second Chef in delivering high‑quality meals.

Benefits

• Great Work‑Life Balance – Enjoy school holidays off! (Mostly term‑time role)
• Competitive Pay – £25,749 annual salary
• Accommodation provided (one bedroom flat)
• Free Meals – Enjoy breakfast & lunch on us during term time
• Career Development – Opportunities for growth & training
• Excellent Benefits – Pension, healthcare cash plan, life assurance, personal accident cover and Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive Team – Work with friendly colleagues in a positive environment
• Free On‑Site Parking & Uniform Provided

What We’re Looking For

• Catering Experience – Preferably in a high‑volume kitchen
• Passion for Food & Service – Motivated by quality & great customer experience
• Team Player – Friendly, approachable, and reliable
• Flexible & Hardworking – Can work under pressure and adapt when needed
• High Standards – Good personal hygiene and tidy appearance
• NVQ Level 2 in Catering is preferred but not essential; we would welcome applications from people interested in obtaining this qualification with our support.

Duties

• Preparing and cooking food items to the specifications determined by the Head Chef
• Being responsible for the provision of meals of excellent standards whilst working within the constraints of the catering budget and to a minimum wastage policy
• Working to high standards of hygiene and basic food hygiene

Hours of Work

45 hours per week term time (includes weekends), usually 33 weeks per annum, plus an additional 240 hours to be worked over the year normally during half‑terms for deep cleaning and/or pre‑ and post‑term duties. The post will be contracted up to a total of 42 weeks per annum.

This post is Regulated Activity.

Pre‑Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK on an ongoing basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this post please read the full Job Description and complete the application form on the Bedales Schools recruitment portal. CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form. For further details, visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website. All enquiries relating to the recruitment process should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 2 February 2026. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis during the advertising period. Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection; Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to; Playing a key role in prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm; When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil. All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the school Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.