Assistant Cook at Harrogate Grammar School

Assistant Cook at Harrogate Grammar School

Harrogate Part-Time 9.9 - 12.1 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Harrogate Grammar School

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in food preparation and service, ensuring high standards of quality and hygiene.
  • Company: Join the supportive team at Harrogate Grammar School, part of Red Kite Learning Trust.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on respect, equality, and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant school community, creating enjoyable meals for students every day.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen environment and a passion for good food are essential.

The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.

Term Time + Training Days (39 weeks per year). Part-Time 32.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday 8am - 3pm.

We are seeking either an Assistant Cook or a Cook to join our experienced team. Although two roles for our school are advertised, only one position is available, with the successful candidate being offered the role that best matches their experience, qualifications, and skills.

We're looking for a friendly, enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our dedicated school kitchen team and help create meals that our students enjoy every day. Working closely with the Catering Manager and kitchen team, you'll support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, assist with food preparation and service, and help maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation. Our kitchen can be busy, especially at break and lunchtime, but you'll enjoy being part of a hardworking team that delivers a positive dining experience for students and staff.

You’ll have experience working in a kitchen environment, a passion for good food, and a willingness to learn and support others. With a positive, can-do attitude, you’ll work well under pressure, take pride in your work, and contribute to creating a welcoming and healthy dining environment at the heart of our school community.

About our School: At Harrogate Grammar School, we provide a positive and inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive academically, personally, and socially. Our talented, engaging, and supportive staff build strong relationships with students, families, and the wider community, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. We also provide opportunities for professional development, ensuring our team continually grows and evolves.

Our school is a large comprehensive school, where we encourage all children to develop their strengths and feel empowered to be the best that they can be. With over 2000 students and 260 staff at our school, our reputation for excellence is widely recognised and we have an absolute commitment to ensuring that all our young people benefit from what the school has to offer.

We are part of Red Kite Learning Trust, whose mission is to nurture ambition, deliver excellence, and enrich children’s lives. This is achieved by fostering our shared values of collaboration, integrity, and respect. Together, we are committed to delivering excellence across all areas of school life.

Here's what you can expect when you join us:

  • Generous pension scheme: Employer contribution rate of 14.90%, plus a wide range of benefits and discounts.
  • Flexible working options: We support work-life balance and are open to exploring suitable arrangements.
  • Supportive environment: We prioritise respect, equality, diversity, and well-being.
  • Community culture: Collaboration and generosity are at the heart of our team.
  • Professional development: We invest in your growth at every stage of your career.

About You: To be a good fit for this role, you will be:

  • Support and train colleagues, offering advice and guidance to maintain excellent standards.
  • Deliver a high-quality food service in a busy school setting with tight service deadlines.
  • Be a role model of professionalism, presentation and dedication within the catering team.
  • Demonstrate strong catering skills, encouraging creativity and keeping up to date with food trends.

Applicant Guidance: Red Kite Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer which welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to promoting diversity and want a workforce which reflects the local population of each of our schools.

Assistant Cook at Harrogate Grammar School employer: Harrogate Grammar School

Harrogate Grammar School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. With a focus on employee growth and development, this part-time role allows for a balanced work-life schedule while contributing to the success of students in a vibrant educational environment.

Harrogate Grammar School

Contact Details:

Harrogate Grammar School Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook at Harrogate Grammar School

Get Involved in Local Events

Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.

Join Hospitality Groups

Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!

Show Up in Person

For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!

Apply Through Our Website!

Don’t forget to check out the openings at Harrogate Grammar School and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook at Harrogate Grammar School

Food Preparation
Catering Skills
Hygiene Standards
Presentation Skills
Teamwork
Time Management
Creativity in Cooking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Harrogate Grammar School that you can keep it cool under pressure!

Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Harrogate Grammar School.

Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!

Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Harrogate Grammar School get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harrogate Grammar School

Show Off Your People Skills

In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!

Know the Menu Inside Out

You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Harrogate Grammar School and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.

Flexibility is Key

As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!

Role-Play Scenarios

Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.