At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: St Edmund’s Catholic School, a highly-rated school in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a rewarding role with potential for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a positive impact on students' daily lives.
- Qualifications: Team player with a flexible approach and a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 25147 - 27596 £ per year.
St Edmund’s is a popular Voluntary Aided secondary school in the heart of Portsmouth and serves a wide area. It is an Outstanding school (Ofsted 2016 and 2022) serving a diverse population. The Governors are seeking to appoint to the following post:
- School Cook (REF: CO26)
Pay Band 3
Salary £25,948 (Pro Rata £15,206.01)
Term Time Only
Hours of Work: 8am to 1pm Monday to Friday (With possibility of altering hours for right candidate)
25 hours per week
To Start September/October 2026
As a school cook you will assist the Catering Manager in preparing, cooking, packing food, and also be able to operate a till. In addition, you will set up and clear dining room areas and carry out cleaning duties. The school cook role is ideal for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, has a flexible approach and enjoys working with both adults and children.
An enhanced DBS will be required to be in place prior to the start of employment. Applications should be returned FAO: Headteacher, St Edmund’s Catholic School, Arundel Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1RX quoting the reference “CO26” or electronically to recruitment@saintedmunds.org.uk.
Please download the application pack from our school website: https://www.saintedmunds.org.uk/home/vacancies/vacancies-support.
In line with Safer Recruitment guidance we DO NOT accept CV’s. As part of our Safer Recruitment guidance social media profiles will be checked upon appointment. As we are unable to offer a sponsorship, we can only accept applications from candidates that already have the right to work in the UK. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application form and shortlisted candidates may be interviewed prior to this.
The closing date is Thursday 20th August 2026 at midday. The school is committed to safeguarding and the promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of appointment.
Cook - St Edmunds Catholic School in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - St Edmunds Catholic School in Portsmouth
✨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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Cook - St Edmunds Catholic School in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Portsmouth City Council.
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 Portsmouth City Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨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 Portsmouth City Council 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.
