At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare fresh, nutritious meals that kids love every day.
- Company: Join the vibrant catering team at Portsmouth High School.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and discounts for your kids' education.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through delicious, healthy food.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and knowledge of food safety is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18214 - 20400 £ per year.
Are you passionate about great food and making a difference every day? As one of our Assistant Cooks, you'll use your cooking skills to help prepare daily fresh, nutritious meals that children look forward to. You'll use your cooking skills and food safety knowledge to deliver high standards.
Portsmouth High School has a vacancy for a permanent assistant cook to join our school catering team. This role will be from 7:30am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday during term time. In addition, there is a requirement to work 60 hours throughout the year to cover occasional evening and weekend working to support school events; to support deep cleaning ahead of the start of each term; staff training and planning during school holidays.
The successful candidate will help deliver the School's aims and objectives by preparing attractive, healthy, varied meals for students, staff and visitors. Health and Safety compliance is an integral part of the role so you will have knowledge of the relevant food safety and allergen considerations. As well as a daily lunch provision, you will be responsible for preparing break food and canapes and refreshments for after school functions throughout the school year.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Access to professional development opportunities
- Flexible Pension Plan
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 23 March 2026. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Interview date: Tuesday 31 March 2026 tbc.
Assistant Cook in Southsea employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Portsmouth High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where your passion for food can truly shine. With competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a range of benefits including discounts on school fees and a flexible pension plan, you will find a rewarding environment that values your contributions while allowing for personal growth. Join our dedicated team in Southsea, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of students through nutritious meal preparation.
Contact Details:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Southsea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Portsmouth High School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission of providing nutritious meals for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that reflect the kind of meals you'd be preparing. Bring photos or even samples to your interview to showcase your culinary flair and passion for great food.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni if possible. They can give you insider tips on what the school is looking for in an Assistant Cook and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Southsea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:Let us know why you're passionate about cooking and how it can make a difference in children's lives. Share any experiences that highlight your love for preparing nutritious meals!
Highlight Your Skills:Make sure to showcase your cooking skills and any relevant food safety knowledge. We want to see how you can contribute to our high standards in meal preparation.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the role. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you, like preparing healthy meals or working as part of a team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes you might be preparing. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you ensure they are nutritious and appealing for children. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the role.
✨Safety First
Brush up on food safety regulations and allergen considerations. Be prepared to answer questions about how you maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen. Demonstrating your knowledge in this area will highlight your commitment to health and safety.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked well in a team. Share stories that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, especially in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, like dealing with dietary restrictions or managing time during busy periods. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
