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- Tasks: Create delicious seasonal menus and manage kitchen operations for students.
- Company: Join GDST, a leading educational trust dedicated to empowering girls through quality education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, flexible hours, and discounts for your children at GDST schools.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' health while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing a busy kitchen and a passion for culinary creativity are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with occasional evening and weekend events; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 23988 - 27122 £ per year.
Join to apply for the School Chef role at GDST (The Girls\’ Day School Trust)
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Join to apply for the School Chef role at GDST (The Girls\’ Day School Trust)
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Employer Portsmouth High School – GDST Location Southsea, Hampshire Contract Type Permanent Hours Full Time, Term Time Salary £27,171 – £30,720 pro rata (ie: £23,988 – £27,122)
Posted 11th July 2025 Start Date As Soon As Possible Expires 5th August 2025 12:01 PM Contract Type Permanent Start Date As Soon As Possible Job ID 1498752 Job Reference Chef2025a
Start Date As Soon As Possible
- Contract Type :Permanent
- Job ID: 1498752
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School Chef
Are you looking for a catering role with regular hours during school term times? We offer competitive salaries and ample opportunities for professional growth, making this the perfect role for a passionate chef looking to promote healthy choices for our students.
Hours: Full Time (ie: 36 hours per week)
Weeks: Term Time plus 20 days during school closed periods
Salary: GDST Regional Support Grade 3 (£27,171 to £30,720 pro rata ie: £23,988.81 – £27,122.16)
An opportunity has arisen for a hard-working individual to contribute to the welcoming and professional image of Portsmouth High School. The successful applicant will be responsible for running kitchens at both our Prep and Senior School sites. You will primarily be based at our Senior School kitchen with an expectation that you will work from the Prep School kitchen at least one day a week to support staff. Our Prep School is located on a different site on the same road, a short walk from the Senior School.
As a School Chef, you will have a passion for creating seasonal menus to give our pupils a wide variety of hot and cold lunches, extended-hours provision, snacks and refreshments, whilst accommodating dietary requirements and allergies. You will be responsible for managing functions including large-scale formal events such as a summer ball.
The ideal applicant will be an experienced chef who has managed a busy kitchen / commercial restaurant and its catering team successfully, committed to not only your own personal development but also that of your team. You will work closely with the Catering and Cleaning Manager to ensure the day-to-day operation of the team is efficient and providing best value to the School.
The kitchen hours are 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday to Friday; your hours are flexible around those times, in discussion with your line manager. School holiday periods are generally not worked, except for deep cleans ahead of the start of each term, staff training and planning; dates are notified in advance. There is a requirement for occasional evening and weekend working to support school events (again dates are notified in advance). Pay is monthly, including during school holiday periods.
Benefits
We offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Flexible pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Employee discount benefits, financial advice and an employee assistance programme
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Applications
The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 5 August 2025. Applications will be assessed upon receipt and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
Interview date: Tuesday 12 August 2025 tbc. A practical cooking exercise will form part of the selection process for this role.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
Attachments
School Chef – Job Description Final
GDST Staff Brochure
Pensions information
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding Statement
The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
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School Chef employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the GDST's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to promoting healthy choices for students will help you align your culinary philosophy with theirs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your experience in managing a busy kitchen. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led a team and created seasonal menus that cater to dietary requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your cooking skills ahead of the practical exercise in the interview. Focus on creating dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing, as presentation is key in a school setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of GDST if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the School Chef position. Highlight your relevant experience in managing kitchens and creating seasonal menus.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your culinary skills and experience in a school or similar environment. Emphasise your ability to cater for dietary requirements and manage a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to promoting healthy choices for students. Mention specific examples of your previous work that align with the role's requirements.
Prepare for the Practical Exercise: Since a practical cooking exercise is part of the selection process, practice your cooking skills and be ready to demonstrate your ability to create nutritious meals under time constraints.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
As a School Chef, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for creating healthy and delicious meals. Be prepared to discuss your experience with seasonal menus and how you accommodate dietary requirements and allergies.
✨Prepare for the Practical Cooking Exercise
Since a practical cooking exercise is part of the selection process, practice your skills ahead of time. Focus on dishes that are popular in school settings and think about how you can present them appealingly.
✨Highlight Your Team Management Skills
The role requires managing a busy kitchen and catering team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, and ensured efficient operations in a previous role.
✨Understand the School's Values and Culture
Research GDST and Portsmouth High School to understand their values and culture. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding promoting diversity and inclusion in the kitchen.
