Weekend Boarding Cook

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 14,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading selective school in Colchester is seeking a part-time cook for 18 hours per week, primarily on weekends. The successful candidate will have sole responsibility for meal preparation and service for boarders and staff, ensuring adherence to health and safety guidelines. Ideal candidates will have experience cooking from scratch and a desire to enhance their culinary skills. Benefits include free parking, a contributory pension, and access to facilities such as the swimming pool during summer. Apply soon as interviews may occur before the closing date.

Benefits

Free parking

Contributory pension

Death in service

Employee Assistance Programme

Use of swimming pool

Qualifications

• Experience of cooking meals from scratch.
• Ability to follow an agreed menu and recipes.

Responsibilities

• Preparation, cooking, and service of dinner for up to 35 boarders.
• Following menu and recipes adhering to health and safety standards.

Skills

Cooking meals from scratch

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Food hygiene regulations

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 12/01/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: TBC

18 hours per week on Saturday and Sunday

33 weeks per year (term-time only)

Scale 3 points 5-6 Local Government Scale

An exciting opportunity has arisen in one of the country's leading selective schools, (awarded The Sunday Times Parent Power East Anglia State Secondary School of the Decade and The Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year For Academic Excellence East Anglia 2026).

This is a unique and rewarding position with sole responsibility for the preparation, cooking and service of dinner for up to 35 boarders and duty staff. This person will have the ability to follow an agreed menu and recipes, as well as knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene regulations.

We are open to applications from candidates who have experience of cooking meals from scratch and who want to develop their skills in a welcoming and supportive kitchen.

Benefits include: free parking, contributory pension, death in service, an Employee Assistance Programme and the use of our swimming pool during the summer months.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more details.

To apply: Please return an application form to: [e-mail]

Closing date:12 noon on Monday 12 January 2026 (we reserve the right to interview before this date therefore we urge potential applicants to apply as soon as possible).

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Our School is enriched by a strongly multicultural and diverse student body. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, and would welcome applications from people who support and enhance this ethos. All candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be screened online. We have a Recruitment and Selection Policy Statement Policies, TSAT Trust (tsatrust.org.uk).

Information about the School

Boys 11-18, on roll approx. 1012 students of which 400 in the sixth form, 30 boarders

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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