Assistant Cook / The Link Academy

Voyage Education Partnership; Netherton; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Link Academy is seeking an Assistant Cook to join our catering team at The Link Academy, DY2 0PB, UK. This permanent, full-time position offers a commitment to high-quality school meals and site services, with responsibilities rooted in catering support.

The post comes with a structured pay scale and alignment to the NJC Pay Award for 2026, pending final confirmation. Applicants should be prepared to contribute to the school's positive environment, supporting learners and staff through

Job description

Assistant Cook / The Link Academy (The Link Academy)

Location: The Link Academy, DY2 0PB, UK

Salary: 37 hours per week / 39 weeks per year / £21,740.25 - £22,083.82 per annum (2026 NJC Pay Award Pending)

Contract Type: Permanent

Education Phases: Secondary;

Job Roles: Catering, Cleaning And Site Management;

Working Patterns: Full-Time;

Application Deadline: Sunday, 20th September 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Expected Working Start Date: TBC

Is a Shared Job: No

About us

The Link Academy is in Netherton, Dudley, and draws pupils from across central and eastern Dudley as well as neighbouring Sandwell. There are currently some 1,000 learners on roll and the academy recruits at capacity. The principal, Emma Edwards-Morgan, is an ex-pupil of the school and shares the Trust’s determination to restore the reputation for excellence that it once held.

The grades that learners achieve at GCSE have improved for four successive years, with a rise in the proportion of learners achieving Grade 5 or higher in both English and Mathematics from 23% to 41%. The progress that learners make while they are at school is now well above national average.

An Ofsted report in 2022 raised The Link Academy by two grades to be ‘Good’ across the board, a result only achieved by twelve other schools in the previous ten years.

The Trust recognises that our staff are our most value asset and investing in our people is a key strategic priority. An extensive program of staff development is operated within school and across the Trust, and this is extended to senior and middle leaders, aspiring leaders, and teaching and associate staff.

You will be joining The Link Academy at an exciting time as we continue our journey to provide first class education for the young people of Dudley

Closing date is Sunday 20th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised.

All successful applicants will need to undertake an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and children and adults barred list checks, where the applicant will be employed in a regulated activity.

Dudley Academies Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including disabled, and black and ethnic minority applicants.

Job Description

Please see attached.

Dudley Academies Trust is fully committed to prioritising emotional health and wellbeing for all employees. We support our employees to make positive choices for their own wellbeing and encourage an open and understanding culture across and between all roles in the Trust. Our Employee Assistance programme offers 24/7, free legal, financial and counselling provision to all staff. Please see the attached wellbeing charter for further information.