At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals for students in a supportive school kitchen.
- Company: Join a thriving Catholic school dedicated to nurturing every child's potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, on-site parking, and access to professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for training and growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's dining experiences while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Interest in food preparation and ability to work well in a team.
The predicted salary is between 26016 - 26846 £ per year.
Required for September 2026, the Academy Council are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and committed Cook to support the day-to-day running of our school kitchen and dining provision. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in providing healthy, nutritious meals for children. You will help prepare, cook and serve meals for pupils and staff, support menu planning, maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness, and contribute to a positive dining experience for our pupils.
About the role:
- Permanent, 25 hours per week, term time only plus 5 additional days
- Salary NJC Grade B1, Scale Points 4-6, £26,016 - £26,846 per annum (full time equivalent)
- Actual Salary £15,086 - £15,567 per annum
- Hours of work 9.00 am to 2.00 pm Monday to Friday
The successful candidate will:
- Support the preparation and service of meals using fresh ingredients where possible
- Assist with food storage and stock control
- Complete daily checks and records
- Ensure that kitchen and dining areas are kept clean, safe and well organised
You will also help meet special dietary requirements where needed and work collaboratively with catering and lunchtime colleagues to ensure pupils experience a calm, safe and enjoyable lunchtime.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has an interest in food preparation, cooking and healthy eating
- Understands the importance of high standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness
- Is organised, reliable and able to work well as part of a team
- Can provide a friendly, efficient and professional service to pupils
- Is willing to undertake relevant training, including food safety and safeguarding training
- Will support the Catholic ethos of the school
Allergens and food safety:
As this role involves the preparation and service of food to children, the successful candidate will be expected to follow all food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures, including the clear labelling of food prepared on site in line with current requirements, commonly known as Benedict’s Law. Relevant training will be provided where required.
What can we offer you?
- Support from an experienced and supportive team of staff
- Employee discount scheme (offering cycle to work scheme, gym membership, money saving offers across hundreds of the UK’s favourite high-street and online retailers, home and electrical items)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (Education Support)
- On-site parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- A supportive organisation with the commitment to professional development and wellbeing.
Why join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving Catholic school where Christ is at the centre of all we do. At St Mary’s, our values of Unity, Respect, Joy, Love and Courage shape a culture in which children and staff are encouraged to flourish, achieve their potential and make a positive difference to others. You will join a dedicated and supportive team committed to excellence in education and to nurturing the academic, emotional and spiritual development of every child. As part of our vibrant school community, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a shared vision that celebrates collaboration, inclusion and a genuine commitment to helping every child thrive.
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS enhanced disclosure certificate.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK-either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
We value diversity and seek a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Cook in Knaresborough employer: St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
Join St Mary’s, a thriving Catholic school where our values of Unity, Respect, Joy, Love, and Courage foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Cook, you will not only contribute to the health and wellbeing of our pupils through nutritious meals but also benefit from professional development opportunities, an employee discount scheme, and a commitment to staff wellbeing. With a dedicated team and a focus on nurturing every child's potential, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career in education.
Contact Details:
St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Knaresborough
✨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 St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy 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 in Knaresborough
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 St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy 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 St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy.
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 St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
✨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 St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy 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.
