At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young people through engaging cooking lessons and practical life skills.
- Company: Join a leading specialist college dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, mental health support, and flexible benefits tailored for you.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with small class sizes and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while helping students gain independence and vocational qualifications.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Professional Cookery and a teaching qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 26100 - 31900 £ per year.
UK applicants only no sponsorship available
About the Role
We're seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Cooking Instructor / Teacher to join our specialist education team, delivering engaging vocational cooking programmes and practical life skills to young people aged 1419 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Every lesson is an opportunity to build confidence, celebrate success and help students prepare for adulthood, employment and independent living.
Whether your background is in education, professional catering, hospitality or the food industry, this could be the rewarding career you've been looking for.
Working with small class sizes, you'll tailor learning to individual needs, supporting students to achieve recognised vocational qualifications while developing essential everyday skills, whether you're introducing healthy eating, baking, budgeting or employability skills, you'll play a key role in helping young people realise their potential.
- What you will be doing
- Deliver engaging practical cooking and food preparation lessons to small groups of students.
Teach vocational cooking, catering and food preparation qualifications up to Level 2.
Support students to develop independence through practical life skills including meal planning, shopping, budgeting and healthy living.
Adapt learning to meet individual EHCP outcomes and pesonal development goals.
Assess student progress and celebrate achievements.
Promote food hygiene, kitchen safety and healthy lifestyle choices.
Maintain a safe, organised and fully compliant teaching kitchen.
- What you will bring
- Essential Holds a Level 3 qualification (or above) in Professional Cookery, Catering, Hospitality, Food Preparation, Nutrition or a related subject.
A teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, AET, PTLLS, DTLLS or equivalent).
An Assessor qualification (TAQA, A1, D32/33 or equivalent).
Food Hygiene certification.
- Has excellent practical cooking and food preparation skills.
- Can motivate and inspire young people through hands‑on learning,
- Is organised, creative and able to adapt lessons to meet individual learning needs.
- Understands food hygiene, kitchen safety and best practice.
- Is patient, resilient and passionate about helping young people succeed.
- Shares our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and personalised education.
- Driving licence required
Desirable
- Experience delivering vocational qualifications.
- Experience in catering, hospitality or the food service industry.
- Experience working with young people aged 1419, particularly those with SEMH or additional needs.
- Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and restorative approaches.
About Us
We are an independent specialist sixth form college that caters for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
We offer a unique and stimulating environment where every student is able to make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education.
Heath Farm College is situated in Maidstone and has capacity to support up to 58 students.
The provision facilitates a professional post 16 provision for students with EHCPs who are not ready for a large FE college or large school/academy 6th Form provision.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young peoples lives.
As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process.
All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Cooking Instructor/Teacher in Dartford employer: FirstGroup plc
GWR, as part of FirstGroup plc, is an exceptional employer that champions a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London Paddington. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to engage in innovative retail initiatives within the railway sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and prioritises customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooking Instructor/Teacher in Dartford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like FirstGroup plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to FirstGroup plc
Don't be shy about reaching out to FirstGroup plc directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cooking Instructor/Teacher in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about FirstGroup plc and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
