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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for students and staff in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and great wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives through the power of good food.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, catering experience, and a passion for quality food.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a brand-new specialist school opening in 2026.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Salary: ÂŁ25,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday TBC
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
We’re looking for a passionate and creative School Cook to take the lead in our kitchen at Abbey Gardens School. This is a rewarding role where you’ll play a key part in school life, preparing nutritious, great-tasting meals that support the wellbeing, energy, and enjoyment of both pupils and staff.
You’ll have the opportunity to plan varied menus, lead a small kitchen team, and make a meaningful impact every day — because great food really does make a difference.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
- Plan balanced, appealing menus within budget
- Lead and support kitchen staff
- Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen compliance
- Manage stock efficiently and minimise waste
Who We’re Looking For
- GCSEs in English and Maths
- Previous catering experience (school, residential, or similar setting)
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management
- Experience of menu planning and supervising staff
- A genuine passion for delivering quality food
- A full UK driving licence
If you love creating great food and want a role where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you — apply today.
About Us
Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, opening in April 2026. The school will provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Designed for young people aged 11–18, Abbey Gardens will offer personalised support to help every learner thrive.
This exciting new provision is committed to building confidence, resilience, and positive futures. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
School Cook in Grundisburgh employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Grundisburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Abbey Gardens and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what we’re about and how your passion for cooking aligns with our mission to support pupils' wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your menu planning skills! Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced, appealing meals on a budget. We want to see your creativity shine, so think of some unique ideas that could impress us during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! As a School Cook, you'll be leading a small kitchen team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed or supported others in previous roles. We love to hear about collaboration!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining #teamOFG and making a difference in our pupils' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Grundisburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create nutritious meals that make a difference in students' lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous catering experience, especially in schools or similar settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of School Cook and how you can lead our kitchen team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for Abbey Gardens School.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Abbey Gardens.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and plan a few sample menus that are nutritious and appealing. This shows your creativity and understanding of what makes a great school meal, which is key for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous catering experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you managed a kitchen, supervised staff, or ensured food safety compliance. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.
✨Passion for Food
Express your genuine passion for cooking and how it impacts the wellbeing of students. Share stories about how you've made a difference through food in past roles, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of the school.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety regulations and allergen management. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in the kitchen to ensure safety and compliance.
