At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious meals to students and staff while creating a positive dining experience.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Lancaster Academy, part of the Learning without Limits Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension scheme, wellbeing services, and discounts at popular retailers.
- Other info: Flexible hours available, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a passion for catering and helping young people thrive.
The predicted salary is between 19897 - 19897 £ per year.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 16 hours per week, weeks per year to be negotiated
Salary: Grade 1, SCP 3 - £24,796.00 (pay award pending)
Posted: 22nd May 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Closing date: 4th June 2026, interviews to be held w/c 8th June 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if suitably qualified applicants are identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
For an informal chat please call Ben Stephenson, Trust Catering Manager.
Lancaster Academy is a thriving 11 - 16 school in Leicestershire. We are part of the Learning without Limits Academy Trust who offer support, an excellent range of CPD opportunities, staff rewards package and well-being services.
Due to the internal transfer of one of our catering assistants, we are looking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join our in-house catering team. You would be helping to serve students, staff, and visitors at lunchtimes. Experience in catering would be useful, but is not essential, and applications will be welcomed from anybody who shares a passion for catering for young people.
Lancaster Academy is a vibrant, exciting, innovative, and mixed 11-16 school. Our students are enthusiastic, and our staff are welcoming, hardworking, and supportive. If you would like to truly make a difference to our students and help us to progress and build on our previous successes, we would love to hear from you.
You will be given the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in this role and you will have access to meaningful professional development.
As a Trust, we value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you'd prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, please let us know on your application and we'll facilitate this wherever we can.
We offer:
- Access to the highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff Wellbeing Package - Access to a number of free services, including confidential counselling sessions, GP Helpline, physiotherapy, virtual gym, weight management, menopause, mindfulness and relaxation sessions.
- Staff Benefits Package - Access to a huge range of savings from retailers such as Currys, Halfords, Wilko, Asda, Tesco, M&S, Morrisons plus cinema and travel.
- Cycle to Work - This initiative also allows you to make huge Tax and National Insurance savings on the cost of a new bike and safety accessories.
- Free Financial Support Service from Barclays - support with all aspects of your financial health and wellbeing.
- Eye Test Vouchers - Free SpecSavers eye test voucher for eligible staff.
- Annual Flu Vaccine - Free flu vaccine voucher annually.
- Free onsite parking.
How to Apply:
For safer recruitment purposes, we will only accept fully completed application forms through eTeach. CVs and resumes will not be considered.
Safeguarding Statement: The Learning without Limits Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS with barred list check, and a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
Diversity Statement: As an equal opportunities employer, The Learning without Limits Academy Trust is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applications from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.
Social Media Checks: As part of the shortlisting process, in line with measures identified in statutory guidance relating to safeguarding practice, the Trust will conduct searches on candidates selected for interview, through a third party, on social media in order to identify anything that could give rise to a safeguarding concern in what has been said or done online.
Part-Time School Catering Assistant — Grow & Serve employer: Leaning Without Limits Academy Trus
At Lancaster Academy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff can thrive. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including wellbeing services and financial support, ensures that our team members feel valued and empowered. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in Leicester while enjoying the flexibility of part-time hours and a vibrant school community.
Contact Details:
Leaning Without Limits Academy Trus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time School Catering Assistant — Grow & Serve
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Lancaster Academy and its values. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to catering and working with young people. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lancaster Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time School Catering Assistant — Grow & Serve
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and what makes you passionate about catering for young people.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure to complete the application form fully and accurately. We only accept applications through eTeach, so don’t forget to stick to that – CVs won’t cut it!
Show Your Passion:Even if you don’t have loads of experience in catering, share your enthusiasm for working with students and staff. Tell us why you want to be part of our team at Lancaster Academy!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we find the right fit, so get your application in as soon as you can to avoid missing out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leaning Without Limits Academy Trus
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Catering Assistant does at Lancaster Academy. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as serving students and staff during lunchtimes. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Show Your Passion
Even if you don't have extensive catering experience, express your passion for working with young people and providing them with quality meals. Share any relevant experiences, like volunteering or cooking for family and friends, to highlight your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's catering services, the team you'll be working with, and opportunities for professional development. This shows you're genuinely interested in the position and eager to learn more.
✨Be Yourself
The interviewers want to see the real you! Be friendly, approachable, and authentic. Share your personality and how you would fit into the vibrant culture at Lancaster Academy. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with students and staff alike.