At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, seasonal meals and support menu planning for students.
- Company: Join a prestigious school kitchen team focused on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with opportunities for culinary training and incentives.
- Why this job: Make a difference by serving delicious meals in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and a passion for high-quality food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
About the role
School Location: Danes Hill School, Leatherhead, KT22 0JG
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 34.4 weeks per year (term time only)
What you’ll be doing
As a Cook, you’ll prepare fresh, seasonal meals for our independent schools. You’ll focus on quality, presentation, and portioning to meet the expectations of students and staff.
Your responsibilities include:
- Preparing and cooking meals from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Supporting menu planning and adapting dishes to dietary requirements
- Preparing and assisting with catering events, banquets, and special functions
- Ensuring the kitchen is clean, organised, and compliant with food safety standards
- Working closely with the team to deliver consistently excellent meals
Skills & experience
- Previous catering experience, ideally in a professional or high-volume environment
- Passion for high-quality food, presentation, and attention to detail
- Experience or willingness to support catering events and special functions
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safe preparation practices
- Team player with strong organisational skills
Opportunities for professional development and culinary training
Work as part of a highly professional team in prestigious schools
Receive a free meal on shift.
Access a wide range of free qualifications and career development opportunities.
Benefit from a staff discount scheme at over 850 retailers.
Take part in monthly incentives for top-performing teams, including shopping vouchers.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, and the times above suit you, we’d love to hear from you!
A kitchen visit, trade test and interview will be required for this role.
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 will pay 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.
School Kitchen Chef: Fresh, Seasonal Meals (Mon–Fri) employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
At IFG, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where culinary passion meets professional growth. As a School Kitchen Chef at Danes Hill School, you'll enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, while also benefiting from opportunities for culinary training and development. With perks like free meals during shifts and access to discounts at over 850 retailers, we ensure our team feels valued and motivated in delivering high-quality, fresh meals to our students.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Kitchen Chef: Fresh, Seasonal Meals (Mon–Fri)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Danes Hill School. Understanding their ethos and what they value in their kitchen can help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along some examples of your work or even a dish you’ve prepared. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for high-quality food and presentation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with others, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in a kitchen setting. Highlighting your organisational skills and how you support your team can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you’re in the interview, show your enthusiasm by asking about menu planning or catering events. It shows you’re keen to be involved and helps you gauge if the role is right for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace School Kitchen Chef: Fresh, Seasonal Meals (Mon–Fri)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for high-quality food and cooking. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for preparing fresh, seasonal meals, as this will resonate with our values.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous catering experience you have, especially in high-volume environments. We want to know how your skills can contribute to our team, so be specific about your roles and responsibilities.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key in our kitchen, showcase your organisational skills in your application. Talk about how you maintain cleanliness and compliance with food safety standards in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh, seasonal ingredients you’ll be using. Be ready to discuss how you select and prepare these ingredients, as well as any dietary adaptations you've made in the past. This shows your passion for high-quality food and attention to detail.
✨Show Off Your Presentation Skills
Bring examples of your previous work or even photos of dishes you've created. During the interview, talk about how you ensure meals are not only tasty but also visually appealing. This will highlight your commitment to quality and presentation.
✨Teamwork is Key
Prepare to discuss your experience working in a team environment. Share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, especially during busy catering events or special functions. This will demonstrate that you’re a strong team player.
✨Be Ready for a Trade Test
Since a trade test is part of the interview process, practice cooking a few dishes that showcase your skills. Think about how you can adapt recipes to meet dietary requirements, as this will be crucial in your role. Being prepared will help you feel more confident during the test.
