School Cook

School Cook

Part-Time 16 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students and staff in a busy kitchen.
  • Company: Join the popular Ashcroft Technology Academy with a great reputation for catering.
  • Benefits: Earn £16 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and benefit from an occupational pension scheme.
  • Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a dynamic setting.
  • Why this job: Make a difference by providing tasty meals while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and good communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.

£16 per hour

Term time only

Can offer the following options:

  • 35 hrs per week - (7am to 2.30pm daily with 30-minute unpaid break)
  • 25 hours per week – (9.30am to 2.30pm daily)
  • 12 hours per week – term time (7am to 1pm + 8.30am to 2.30pm) 2 days a week - batch cooking only

Additional flexibility between the hours above may be considered. Some paid overtime required on occasions. Occupational pension scheme. Attendance Bonus Scheme.

We are looking to recruit an experienced cook to join our busy restaurant team at Ashcroft Technology Academy. Working under the Restaurant Manager, the successful candidate will be required to plan, prepare and cook meals for students and staff. We are looking for someone with good organisation and communication skills who has experience of working in a pressured kitchen environment.

The main duties include responsibility for the day to day preparation and cooking of meals using fresh ingredients, to meet the needs of its users. Other duties will include serving food during lunch service, assisting with monitoring stock levels and ensuring all kitchen equipment is suitably maintained to ensure a high standard of hygiene is maintained and complied with. The role is very hands on and would ideally suit someone who has catered for large volume and with the relevant catering qualifications, although training and support will be provided by the Restaurant Manager.

The batch cooking option would be to a large volume. Preparing and cooking of meals using fresh ingredients, to meet the needs of the Academy. Several recipes to include meat, vegetarian and some vegan options. 1 day to be a Friday with the option of either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

The post has no responsibility for the running of the kitchen. The Academy is extremely popular and is very heavily oversubscribed for places. It also has an excellent track record of public examination results and high standards of student behaviour. The Academy also has a well-earned reputation for its catering provision and is very popular with students.

Detail of this post and an application form are available to download from our website www.ashcroftacademy.org.uk or telephone us on 020 8812 3553. You should complete your application form electronically as soon as possible and return it via email to recruitment@ashcroftacademy.org.uk. Closing date: Friday 26 June 2026 (at noon). Although the Academy reserves the right to interview suitable candidates for the post whose applications are received prior to this date. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance. ATA safeguards children and actively promotes their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. ATA is an equal opportunities employer.

Ashcroft Technology Academy
100 West Hill,
Putney,
London
SW15 2UT
Tel: 020 8877 0357
Email: recruitment@ashcroftacademy.org.uk
Web: www.ashcroftacademy.org.uk

School Cook employer: LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS

Ashcroft Technology Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where culinary professionals can thrive. With flexible working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development, our school cook role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students while enjoying the camaraderie of a dedicated team in a highly regarded educational setting.

LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS

Contact Details:

LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land School Cook

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 LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS 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 School Cook

Organisation Skills
Communication Skills
Catering Experience
Batch Cooking
Meal Preparation
Cooking Skills
Hygiene Standards

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 LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS 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 LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS.

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 LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!

How to prepare for a job interview at LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS

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 LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS 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.