At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious seasonal menus and manage kitchen operations at Portsmouth High School.
- Company: Join the welcoming team at Portsmouth High School GDST.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and school holidays off.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and involvement in school events.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' meals while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing a busy kitchen and a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 21104 - 21104 £ per year.
School name: Portsmouth High School GDST, Kent Road, Southsea
Required from: September 2026
Hours: Part Time (32.5 hours per week)
Weeks: Term Time plus 15 days during school closed periods
Salary: GDST Regional Support Grade 3 (from £27,171 pro rata ie: £21,104.10)
An opportunity has arisen for a hard-working individual to contribute to the welcoming and professional image of Portsmouth High School. The successful applicant will be responsible for running kitchens at both our Prep and Senior School sites with responsibility for implementing Health and Safety compliance. You will primarily be based at our Senior School kitchen with an expectation that you will work from the Prep School kitchen at least one day a week to support staff. Our Prep School is located on a different site on the same road, a short walk from the Senior School.
As a School Chef, you will have a passion for creating seasonal menus to give our pupils a wide variety of hot and cold lunches, snacks and refreshments, whilst accommodating dietary requirements and allergies. You will be responsible for managing functions including large-scale formal events such as end of year dinners and awards evenings.
The ideal applicant will be an experienced chef who has managed a busy kitchen / commercial restaurant and its catering team successfully, committed to not only your own personal development but also that of your team. You will work closely with the Catering and Cleaning Manager to ensure the day-to-day operation of the team is efficient and providing best value to the School.
The kitchen hours are 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday to Friday. School holiday periods are generally not worked, except for deep cleans ahead of the start of each term, staff training and planning; dates are notified in advance. There is a requirement for occasional evening and weekend working to support school events (again dates are notified in advance). Pay is monthly, including during school holiday periods.
The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 29 June 2026. Applications will be assessed upon receipt and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Interview date: Monday 6 July tbc. A practical cooking exercise will form part of the selection process for this role.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
School Chef in Portsmouth employer: The Independent Schools Council
Portsmouth High School GDST is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its staff, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a School Chef, you will enjoy a flexible part-time schedule during term time, with opportunities for professional development and creativity in menu planning. The school's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children ensures a meaningful and rewarding workplace, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about nurturing young minds through quality food.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef 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 The Independent Schools 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 School Chef 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 The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools 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.
