Chef/Cook

Activate-Learning-1; Worplesdon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly Staff Awards

Wellbeing Groups

Eye tests and will writing

Health plan and benefits

Learning & Development

Pension schemes

Generous annual leave

Competitive pay scale

On-site facilities

Job summary

Activate Learning is seeking a Chef/Cook to join our in-house Catering team at Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon. You will deliver high-quality meals and refreshment services to students, staff, and guests.

The role runs 37 hours per week during 38 weeks of term-time, primarily 7am–3pm, with some evenings/weekends for events. Salary is up to £29,277 pro rata, with potential supplements based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role is essential.
• Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to work towards achieving one.
• An awareness of manual handling, COSHH and kitchen safety is essential.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team.
• Hold a minimum Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the daily catering requirements of the College, ensuring meals are freshly prepared and produced to high standards.
• Work under the Chef Manager and, when required, act as duty chef including food production, presentation, hygiene and safety.
• Support Open day events and other catering needs with a flexible approach.

Skills

Experience in similar role

Food Hygiene Certificate

Manual handling COSHH awareness

Clear communication

Literacy & Numeracy Level 2

Education

Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy

Job description

We are excited you have visited our Careers page. We are seeking talented individuals that are excellent in their field of expertise and are posed with all potential and skills necessary to help us meet future business challenges.

Chef/Cook

Reference: SEP20261182

Expiry date: 2026-09-30 22:59:00.000

Location: Worplesdon

Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, excellent pension scheme, great onsite facilities

We have a great opportunity for a Chef/Cook to join our in-house Catering team at our Merrist Wood College, to deliver excellent food & refreshment services to our students, staff and guests.
As a Chef/Cook you will be responsible for the daily catering requirements of the College, ensuring that all meals are freshly prepared and produced in a timely manner and to the highest standards.

As a Chef/Cook, you will be part of a Food service staff team and under the leadership of our Chef Manager, however on occasions, you will be required to work on their own as the duty chef and be temporarily responsible at these times for all aspects of food production, presentation, hygiene, health and safety within the kitchens.

This is a permanent, full-time post working 37 hours per week during 38 weeks of term-time (0.84). Primarily the hours will be 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday with a flexible approach to support on pre-planned Open day events on selected evenings and weekends with prior notice.

Salary: Up to £29,277 pro rata with a potential hard-to-fill supplement (dependent on qualifications and experience). (Term-Time Working: You will be required to work 38 weeks per year and will be paid for 44 weeks per year, which includes your annual leave entitlement).

What do you need to be successful as a Chef/Cook at Activate Learning?

We are looking for someone with strong practical chef skills and previous experience of basic kitchen management. You will be enthusiastic about developing your skills and contributing positively to the kitchen team.

You will have:

• Experience in a similar role is essential
• Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to work towards achieving one.
• An awareness of manual handling, COSHH and kitchen safety is essential.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team.
• Hold a minimum Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy.

Who we are:

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our Wellbeing Page

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.