At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our catering team to create delicious lunches for students and staff.
- Company: St Hugh's, a respected school in beautiful South Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team, flexible hours, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on nurturing student development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase as we expand into a Senior School.
- Qualifications: Previous catering experience is a plus, but training will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 40000 £ per year.
The working days for this role will be Monday to Friday inclusive, 9.00am to 5.00pm with 30 minutes unpaid break. Working 34 weeks a year based around term time, plus one week (35 weeks in total).
Your role will be to work within the in‑house catering team, collaborating closely with the team to produce freshly prepared lunches for pupils and school staff. The successful candidate will be flexible and hardworking. You will be welcomed onto an enthusiastic, collaborative and dynamic team. Previous catering experience in a similar environment is desirable although full training will be given.
St Hugh's is a highly regarded co‑educational day and boarding school, situated on a beautiful green campus of 40 acres in the South Oxfordshire countryside, only 25 minutes from Central Oxford. In June 2025, the Headmaster and Governors announced that St Hugh’s would be opening a Senior School in September 2026. This opportunity is representative of the forecasted growth of the school in the years ahead. It is a very exciting time to be joining St Hugh’s.
St Hugh’s staff are an outstanding, hard‑working and collaborative team who aim to give all our children academic and pastoral experience in a nurturing environment with wide ranging facilities. Each child is, therefore, able to discover what they are good at, thrive and gain confidence in themselves.
To apply, please complete and return the application form which can be found on https://www.st-hughs.co.uk/news/staff-vacancies to recruitment@st-hughs.co.uk. This should include a supporting statement outlining the extent to which you meet our requirements as set out in the job description and person specification, and details of two referees, one of which should be a current or most recent employer. References may be taken up before interview. Online social media checks will be completed on shortlisted candidates prior to interview as part of KCSIE guidance.
Full details of our staff benefits and recruitment procedures can be found on our School recruitment page at https://www.st-hughs.co.uk/news/staff-vacancies. Applications will be considered on receipt and should arrive no later than 10.00am on Thursday 25th June 2026. We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (including a check against the Children’s Barred List), and other pre‑employment screening including a check on the Secretary of State list of prohibited staff.
Catering Assistant in Faringdon employer: The Independent Schools Council
St Hugh's is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment within a beautiful 40-acre campus in the South Oxfordshire countryside. With a commitment to staff development and a nurturing atmosphere for both employees and students, this role as a Catering Assistant provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the school while enjoying a balanced work schedule aligned with term times. Join a dedicated team that values hard work and flexibility, ensuring a rewarding experience in the education sector.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Faringdon
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
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✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like The Independent Schools Council are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Faringdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at The Independent Schools Council.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with The Independent Schools Council. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
