Academy Cook

Ark; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academy in London seeks an enthusiastic Academy Cook starting September 2025. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy kitchen, preparing nutritious meals for students and contributing to an engaging school environment. Join a team committed to excellence as you provide daily breakfast and lunch to a diverse community.

Benefits

Tailored professional development

Regular rewards and recognition

Salaries 2.5% above the main pay scale

Generous pension scheme

Interest-free loans up to £5,000

Gym discounts up to 40%

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in large quantity catering is desirable.
• Ability to meet deadlines and use own initiative.
• Genuine passion for student potential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a daily changing menu for breakfast and lunch.
• Manage all aspects of food preparation and kitchen hygiene.
• Collaborate with team members in kitchen operations.

Skills

Experience working in a busy kitchen

Professional outlook

Attention to detail

Ability to multitask

Team player

Education

Professional catering qualifications

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint an Academy Cook starting from 1 September 2025. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a daily changing menu (breakfast and lunch) to cater for our diverse school community. This includes all aspects of food preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene, and other duties related to the operation of the kitchen and food service.

You will have:

• Experience working in a busy kitchen
• Experience catering in large quantities within a school setting (desirable)
• Professional catering qualifications
• A professional outlook, attention to detail, ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• A team player who can work collaboratively and use own initiative
• A genuine passion for and belief in the potential of every student

If you share our commitment to excellence, we want to hear from you!

If you would like to discuss this opportunity or have any queries, please contact Julie Rickard at [e-mail].

Benefits include:

• Tailored professional development based on departmental needs
• Regular rewards and recognition for effort
• Salaries 2.5% above the main pay scale
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to Ark rewards scheme
• Interest-free loans up to £5,000 for season tickets or bicycles
• Gym discounts up to 40%
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark here

About Us

Ark Putney Academy, established in September 2012 as part of the Ark network in Wandsworth, is a mixed school with 790 students from Year 7 to Sixth Form.

In our 2022 OFSTED inspection, we were rated ‘Good’ across all categories.

We adopt a holistic approach to education, emphasizing inclusion, equality, and attainment to prepare students to be valuable community members.

We have achieved strong GCSE results, placing Ark Putney in the top 20% nationally for progress, reflecting our excellent teaching and dedicated staff.

Visit arkputney.org/jobs to learn more about us and view current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion:

We strive to build a diverse and inclusive organization where everyone can excel and reach their full potential. For more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click here.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo a rigorous screening process, including an enhanced DBS check. Disclosing any convictions is required, but a criminal background does not necessarily disqualify you. For more, see our safer recruitment process.

Note: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role may close earlier depending on response. We encourage early application.