At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with food prep, serving, and venue setup in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Harrow School is a prestigious independent boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunch, parking, pension enrolment, and access to sports facilities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team at a renowned school, making a real impact on students' daily lives.
- Qualifications: Warm customer service skills and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible evening shifts; early applications encouraged.
Join to apply for the Catering Assistant role at Harrow School.
Location: 5 High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Greater London, HA1 3HP
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Part-Time
Salary: Contact the recruitment team for salary details
Closing Date: 11:59pm, 13th Jul 2025
Positions Available: 1
About This Role:
An independent boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18. Average of 20 hours per week worked, over 40 weeks per year, 5 days out of 7 across a 3-week rota, to be worked in the evenings. Shifts will include weekends.
The environment: Harrow School is situated within a beautiful site in Harrow on the Hill, northwest London, and is one of the best-known schools in the world, with around 830 boys studying at Harrow. The School's Catering Department produces over 3,000 meals per day during term time and over 25,000 packed meals per year. The School also caters for sports teas, open days, parents' meetings, departmental dinners, working lunches, and provides high-end hospitality for events such as wedding receptions and conferences.
The role: This is a varied position, giving you the opportunity to assist with basic food preparation, set up the different venues within the School's large estate, serve food, operate dishwashers, and support colleagues with other duties at busy times.
The skills: You will have warm, welcoming and enthusiastic customer service skills, with the ability to respond politely and willingly to assist customers, staff and colleagues. You will enjoy working in different venues and at different events, using your eye for detail to notice when things need doing, and your initiative to take responsibility for providing a smooth and efficient service.
The Benefits Include:
- Free lunch
- Free parking
- Automatic enrolment in the School's pension scheme
- Use of the School's sports facilities such as the swimming pool, gym, and running
Applications will be processed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date, so early application is recommended. No member of staff will be able to start until these checks are complete and this process takes, on average, a month. Please plan accordingly.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are values that are important to us at Harrow. We believe in diversity of thought and actively welcome everyone regardless of their background to bring their valuable and relevant skills to our community.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with any past employer and the Disclosure and Barring Service, and it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Catering Assistant at Harrow School employer: Harrow School
Contact Detail:
Harrow School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant at Harrow School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Harrow School's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and child welfare will help you align your approach during the interview and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations with the recruitment team. Since the role requires warm and welcoming interactions, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully assisted customers or colleagues in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment. Mention your willingness to adapt to different venues and events, as this flexibility is key to succeeding in the Catering Assistant role at Harrow School.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the catering operations at Harrow School. Asking insightful questions during your interview can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant at Harrow School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that match these requirements.
Highlight Customer Service Skills: Since the role requires warm and welcoming customer service skills, make sure to provide examples in your CV or cover letter that demonstrate your ability to assist customers and work well with colleagues.
Show Enthusiasm for the Environment: Express your enthusiasm for working in a school environment and catering for various events. Mention any previous experience in similar settings or your willingness to learn and adapt to different venues.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow School
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Customer Service
As a Catering Assistant, you'll be interacting with students and staff regularly. Make sure to express your passion for providing excellent customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
The role requires working in various venues and at different events. Highlight your ability to adapt to changing situations and work collaboratively with colleagues. Discuss any past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, especially in busy environments.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills related to food preparation and service. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, such as managing a busy service or ensuring food safety standards are met. This shows you're not only enthusiastic but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Research Harrow School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Harrow School's commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding. During the interview, mention how these values resonate with you and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. This will demonstrate your alignment with the school's ethos.