We are Central Foundation Boys' School, a distinguished educational institution with a proud 150-year history located in the heart of the city. Our cohesive campus seamlessly blends heritage buildings, including a Grade II listed former county court and the Tabernacle Chapel, with state-of-the-art facilities such as a new science laboratory, subterranean sports hall, and Creative Arts Centre. Our commitment to excellence and sustainability has earned us multiple accolades, including the RIBA London Awards and the Education Estates Award.
We are currently seeking a Head Chef to join our team and lead the culinary services that support our vibrant school community. If you are passionate about creating nutritious and appealing meals in a dynamic educational environment, we encourage you to apply and become part of our forward-thinking institution.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be at the heart of this transformation, including:
Working in partnership with Chefs in Schools and benefiting from their specialist training and support.
Leading the delivery of an exciting new menu, with a focus on producing fresh, appealing and high-quality food for our school community.
Helping to shape the future operation of the kitchen as we undertake a revamp of our kitchen equipment and facilities.
Developing the skills and confidence of the wider catering team, supported by training from Chefs in Schools.
Leading a busy catering operation capable of producing up to 600 meals each day.
Building a positive, well-organised kitchen culture with high standards of food quality, consistency, hygiene and service.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience of catering.
- Previously managed, assisted or deputised own unit.
- Experience of leading a team and training them in basic kitchen skills.
KNOWLEDGE
- Good foundation and higher level knowledge of food preparation methods including: balancing meals, portioning, stock rotation and ordering.
- Strong knowledge of baking.
- Ability to cook to a high standard across multiple disciplines.
- Interest in cuisine and furthering knowledge of food.
SKILLS
- Ability to read and implement instructions, such as Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations.
- Ability to create and help implement interesting and healthy menus.
- Able to use and clean machinery and light equipment.
- Demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm for training and progression.
- Able to encourage children to select a balanced meal.
- Able to communicate and relate well with all kitchen, school staff and pupils.
- Able to train staff in basic kitchen skills.
- Able to plan and run cooking classes and impart knowledge and skills.
- Able to work on own and within a team.
- Able to lead and motivate staff.
- Display a commitment to the school's ethos and policies.
- Display and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.
- Work effectively in a busy environment.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check and other pre-employment vetting checks.
The successful candidate will be required to comply with safeguarding responsibilities as set out in the job description.
This post will involve working with children in a regulated activity. All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account.
Please email khanm@cfbs.islington.sch.uk to request an application form or any further information
Closing date: Monday 16th November 2026, 12pm
TPBN1_UKCT
Contact Details:
Central Foundation Boys' School Recruitment Team
