At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team to prepare delicious meals and support a vibrant school community.
- Company: The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) - a supportive and values-led environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced holidays, subsidised childcare, and access to wellness programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team with opportunities for professional development and community involvement.
- Why this job: Achieve a great work-life balance while making a positive impact on students' dining experiences.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in food preparation and cooking, plus food hygiene certification.
The predicted salary is between 13.54 - 13.54 £ per hour.
Contract: Permanent, term-time only plus five days (with some requirement to work ad-hoc days during holiday periods for events)
Hours: 7am-3pm Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week term time only (school holidays off)
Salary: GSAL 12 (£26,104 FTE), Actual term time only salary is: £23,720.87 per annum, £13.54 per hour
A chef role with a better work-life balance! If you love working in a busy kitchen but are looking for a role that gives you more time away from work, this could be the perfect opportunity. As an independent school, GSAL has generous school holiday periods, and this role is primarily term-time only, giving you significantly more time off across the year than many traditional hospitality or catering roles.
With regular Monday to Friday hours of 7am –3pm, no regular late evening shifts and the majority of school holidays free, this role offers a level of routine and flexibility that can be difficult to find within the catering industry. There is some requirement to work occasional ad-hoc days during the school holidays for events, as well as some weekend sport fixtures on a rota basis, but overall the role provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a rewarding catering career alongside a healthier work-life balance.
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Chef to join our dynamic catering team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-quality environment where your culinary skills will make a difference to the daily experience of our pupils, colleagues, and visitors. As Chef, you will play a key role in the preparation and presentation of fresh daily salad bar and nutritious meals, ensuring they are delivered to the highest standards and in line with both school expectations and statutory regulations. You will support the Head Chef with maintaining allergen requirements and recipes, managing food safety and hygiene standards, and contributing to the overall smooth operation of the kitchen.
Our ideal candidate will hold NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds 706/1/2 (or equivalent) qualifications in food preparation and cooking, along with Level 3 Food Hygiene and Safety. You will have experience working in a large-scale commercial or school catering environment and enjoy being part of a team that values innovation, professionalism, and excellent customer service. Catering colleagues need to be available to work some ad-hoc days during the school holiday periods to assist with events as well as some weekends for school sport fixtures on a rota basis. In return, catering colleagues receive an additional retainer payment during this period which is included in the salary. Experience in a school or large commercial catering setting, along with a proactive attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team, is essential.
Our friendly catering team of 29 colleagues works across three kitchens and service areas and plays an important part in everyday school life. It is a supportive, sociable team where everyone works together to deliver a great experience for pupils, colleagues and visitors.
Why GSAL? GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues feel supported, trusted and encouraged to make a real difference. Food and hospitality are at the heart of school life, and we are committed to providing an exceptional dining and hospitality experience that reflects the quality and ambition of our school.
- The Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026
- Mental Health in Schools Award 2026
- Investors in Diversity Silver Award 2026
- North Independent School of the Year 2024
- Independent School of the Decade 2021
Most of all, we're proud of the colleagues whose expertise, commitment and professionalism help create an outstanding experience for our pupils, families and visitors every day.
Benefits:
- Enhanced school holidays (approximately 15 weeks taking into account the 5 paid plus days)
- Significant discount on school fees (eligibility applies)
- Subsidised childcare provided for colleagues’ children during school INSET days (from the age of 3 up to age 11)
- Personal pension plan with Aviva up to 5% employee contribution and 10% employer (with the facility to pay higher or lower employee contributions)
- Training and CPD available including 5+ inset days
- Colleague lunches: three courses for £2.40 available during school lunchtimes plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate
- Access to our GP provider, Health hero
- Access to a subsidised corporate Simplyhealth plan, helping you claim money back towards dental care, glasses, health assessments and a range of treatments
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme well-being app, Perkbox, offering telephone counselling, financial and legal advice plus 6-8 face-to-face counselling sessions
- Colleague discounts through multiple providers, including Perkbox discounts for teachers and Extras
- Beautiful lunch time walking routes around our 100+ acre site
- Onsite gym and swimming pool available for colleague use within set times as well as staff classes such as Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps
- Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle to work
- Free car parking available on site
- Use of the school’s extensive library facility
- Generous leave of absence scheme to support our employees when they need it
- Opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities such as the staff pantomime, well-being committee or volunteer for community events
- A great culture and supportive Senior Leadership Team
How to apply: At GSAL, we are committed to promoting equity and diversity, safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, and providing a safe, supportive environment for learning and development. If you share these values, we would love to hear from you. Complete the online GSAL application form on our website. For any enquiries about the vacancy, feel free to contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk
More information about the role and responsibilities are contained in the job description and person specification attached in the documents section on our website advert.
Closing date for applications: 8am Monday 28 September
Interview date: To be confirmed w/c 5th October
Prep chef (term time only) in Leeds employer: The Grammar School at Leeds
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance, offering a term-time only chef role with generous school holidays and regular hours. Our supportive and friendly catering team thrives in a dynamic environment, where professional growth is encouraged through training opportunities and a commitment to employee well-being. With a strong focus on community values and a range of attractive benefits, GSAL stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in catering.
Contact Details:
The Grammar School at Leeds Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prep chef (term time only) in Leeds
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Grammar School at Leeds. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Grammar School at Leeds
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Grammar School at Leeds directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Prep chef (term time only) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Grammar School at Leeds and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Grammar School at Leeds
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
