At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a friendly team as a Chef de Partie, creating delicious menus and honing your cooking skills.
- Company: Reading School, a top-rated institution committed to social mobility and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, pension scheme, free parking, and access to the school gym.
- Other info: Work in a diverse community with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while developing your culinary expertise.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and strong customer service skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24033 - 29244 £ per year.
Starting April 2026, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. Working as part of a dedicated and friendly team, under the direction of the Catering Manager, we have an exciting opportunity for a Chef de Partie to join our Catering Team. You will input into menus, order food supplies and will be keen to develop your knowledge and cooking techniques in a busy, thriving environment.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has catering experience, operating to a high standard in a customer-focused catering environment.
- Has great customer service skills and is comfortable in a customer-facing role.
- Can evidence working successfully as a member of a team.
What we can offer you:
- Professional development opportunities.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Free, confidential access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of confidential counselling services.
- Free on-site parking.
- Access to the school gym.
About Reading School:
Reading School has a clear educational philosophy and a deeply rooted commitment to social mobility. In all we do we seek to nurture character and develop academic excellence, and we know that what we do really matters. More than 10% of our Year 7 students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we are proud of the difference that we make. In 2026, the school was rated the Sunday Times South East State Secondary School of the Year.
Location and hours:
We are a short walk from central Reading and close to transport links. Reading is a diverse place to live with arts, culture and heritage at the heart of the town. Hours of work: 37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, 11am to 7pm and Friday, 7.30am to 3pm, term time only plus one week, with occasional evening or weekend work required to support events.
Grade: RS04 points 10 to 22
Actual Salary: £24,033 per annum to £29,244 per annum
Deadline for Applications: Monday 9 March
How to apply:
To conform with our Safer Recruitment process, all applicants must complete an application via our recruitment portal. Links to the portal can be found on our website: https://www.reading-school.co.uk/vacancies. Application Forms will be reviewed on receipt. Early application is advised as we hold the right to close the application process early if a suitable applicant applies and is appointed.
Safeguarding and recruitment:
Safeguarding guidelines look to references being obtained prior to interview. Please ensure any referees who you are happy for us to contact before interview are aware that they may be asked to provide a reference with a relatively short deadline. Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Full details of our Safeguarding - Staff Recruitment Policy and Data Policy can be found on our website.
Reading School seeks to create a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
If you have any queries regarding our current vacancies or the Safer Recruitment process, please contact: hr@reading-school.co.uk or by telephone: 0118 901 5600.
Chef de Partie - Reading School employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading School is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and employee well-being, offering opportunities for growth within a supportive and friendly team environment. With benefits such as membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme, free access to counselling services, and on-site gym facilities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant town of Reading, known for its rich arts and culture, this role provides a fulfilling work-life balance in a community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie - Reading School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Reading School. Understanding their commitment to social mobility and character development can help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a dish or two that showcases your cooking techniques. This not only demonstrates your passion but also gives them a taste of what you can bring to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since they’re looking for someone who works well in a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you collaborated successfully with others. We all know teamwork makes the dream work!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Don’t forget to submit your application via the recruitment portal on Reading School’s site. Early applications are encouraged, so get your name in there before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie - Reading School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your catering experience in your application. We want to see how you've operated in a customer-focused environment and any specific skills or techniques you've developed along the way.
Be Personable:Since this role involves customer interaction, let your personality shine through! Use your application to demonstrate your great customer service skills and how you work well in a team.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how your values align with Reading School's commitment to social mobility and character development. We love seeing candidates who resonate with our mission!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review them as they come in, so applying early gives you a better chance. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that could work well in a school setting. Be ready to discuss your culinary inspirations and how you can contribute to the existing menu. This shows your passion for the role and your ability to think creatively.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves customer interaction, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous positions. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond for customers, as this will demonstrate your commitment to a high standard of service.
✨Team Player Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your experience working in a team. Share stories that highlight your collaboration skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment. This is crucial, as the role requires working closely with others under the Catering Manager's guidance.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Reading School's educational philosophy and commitment to social mobility. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the community.
