At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students and staff in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to quality food and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no evenings or weekends, and access to training and discounts.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through food and creativity.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 17092 - 17092 € per year.
About the role
School Location: Vale of York - Secondary, Clifton, YO30 6ZS (& Local schools)
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 8am - 2pm (30 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time, inset days)
Pay Details: £17,092.50 per year
What will I be doing?
As a Chef, you’ll support the onsite Chef Manager in delivering high-quality, freshly prepared meals for students and staff. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation of main meals and snacks
- Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients for high-volume service (200+ covers)
- Supporting with occasional counter service and till work
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment at all times
What are we looking for?
We’re simply looking for great chefs who care about food.
- Experience as a chef, ideally within a school or contract catering environment (but not essential)
- A passion for cooking with fresh ingredients and delivering quality food
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
- Reliability and pride in maintaining high standards
We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we’re proud to have chefs with restaurant-quality experience working in our schools. If you’re passionate about food and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
This role offers a fantastic work-life balance:
- No evenings or weekends
- School holidays off
- No late nights or split shifts
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- Free meals on shift
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
- A staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
You’ll also have the chance to build meaningful relationships with students, helping them explore new cuisines and develop a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
Interested? If you think you’ve got what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note: A trade test will be required as part of the recruitment process.
IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG supply the cost for. We are committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Cook employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
At IFG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and communication. As a Cook in the Vale of York, you'll enjoy a fantastic work-life balance with no evenings or weekends, alongside opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. With free meals on shift and a chance to make a meaningful impact on students' relationships with food, this role is perfect for those passionate about cooking and making a difference.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! Visit the Vale of York or similar schools if you can. Familiarising yourself with the setting can give you a leg up during interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for cooking! When you get the chance, share your favourite recipes or cooking experiences. This will help us see your enthusiasm for food and how you can bring that energy to our kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your trade test skills! Brush up on your cooking techniques and food hygiene knowledge. Being well-prepared will not only boost your confidence but also impress us during the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and how you enjoy creating meals that make people happy. This is your chance to show us your enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a school kitchen before, tell us about any cooking experience you have. Whether it's in a restaurant or at home, we want to see how your skills can translate into our environment. Don't be shy!
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Use clear language and check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A polished application shows us you take pride in your work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in various dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you incorporate fresh produce into your cooking. This shows your passion for food and understanding of quality.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a kitchen, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others in high-pressure situations. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as this is crucial for any chef role, especially in a school setting.
✨Bring Your Can-Do Attitude
Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt. Share experiences where you've tackled challenges in the kitchen with a positive mindset. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
