At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our catering team to prepare and serve delicious food while keeping the kitchen sparkling clean.
- Company: St Helena School, part of the Sigma Trust, known for its supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health cash plan, and fantastic employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in a fun setting.
- Qualifications: Previous catering experience and a passion for teamwork are essential.
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 19/11/2025 Midnight
Date of Interviews: 25th November 2025
About Us
St Helena School, part of the Sigma Trust, is a highly-regarded 11-16 co-educational Academy recognised as Good by Ofsted.
Job Summary
We are looking for a proactive and flexible Kitchen Assistant to join our established catering team. Ideally, you will bring previous catering experience and a strong foundation in Food Hygiene, Health and Safety, and safe working practices.
Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will work 22.5 hours per week (10:30am - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday).
- This is a 39-week-per-year role, which includes term time and non-pupil days.
- Preparation and simple cooking of food & beverages.
- Serving customers at the counter/hatch.
- Undertaking all aspects of cleaning equipment, fixtures and fittings, cooking utensils, cutlery, glassware etc. as directed.
- Ensuring that tables and counters are as clean as reasonably practicable and adequately stocked during service times.
Qualifications & Skills
- Team player
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Warm, approachable manner
- Excellent organisational skills
Professional Development
A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish. Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme, Perkbox membership, Blue Light Card, etc.
Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity
The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. All posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including criminal record checks, online checks and other vetting checks. We have a range of policies in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools. The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step? Find out more about the role and apply by Midnight on Wednesday 19th November via My New Term: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/137944/EDV-2025-SHS-80754. Please note that only fully completed application forms will be accepted and we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Contact Information
Sigma Trust HR Team
St Helena School
Sheepen Road, Colchester
Essex, CO3 3LE
Telephone: 01255 750913
Email: sth.recruitment@sigmatrust.org.uk
Kitchen Assistant in Colchester employer: Essex
At Chase High School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Sixth Form Reception and Administrator role. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as a pension scheme, mental health support, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Located in the vibrant community of Westcliff On Sea, our school is dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and students, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen team! If you can, pop by the school and introduce yourself. Building rapport with potential colleagues can give you a leg up and show you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your food hygiene knowledge before the interview. Being able to chat confidently about health and safety practices will show that you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some examples of how you've worked under pressure in previous roles. The kitchen can get hectic, so demonstrating your ability to stay calm and organised will definitely impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our fantastic catering team at St Helena School.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Kitchen Assistant and how your skills match up!
Show Off Your Experience:If you've got previous catering experience or knowledge of Food Hygiene and Health and Safety, let us know! We love to see how your background can contribute to our team.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for a warm and approachable person, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. A little bit of your character can go a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via My New Term by the deadline. We recommend applying early to avoid missing out, as we might close the advert if we get a lot of applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your food hygiene and health and safety knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in previous roles, as this will show that you’re proactive and understand the importance of safe working practices.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Kitchen Assistant, being a team player is crucial. Think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others, especially under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their established catering team.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm. Practise answering common interview questions out loud, focusing on how you handle stressful situations in the kitchen. This will help you convey your ability to remain composed when things heat up!
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their commitment to professional development.
