Head of Kitchen / School Cook

About the job

Key information

Salary Grade:

• NJC point 8 £26,824 (based on 37 hours, all year round)
• Actual pay £21,506 (pay award pending)

Hours:

• Hours of work: 7.00am – 2.30pm. (35 hours per week)
• 38.3 weeks per year (term time plus 3 INSET days)
• Some flexibility may be considered for the right candidate

What will I be doing?

This role represents an exciting new chapter for our school. From September 2026, Orchard Grove will be producing freshly prepared meals on site, not only for our own pupils but also approximately 160 meals for three local primary schools for the first time. As this is a brand-new position, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and establishing a high-quality catering service that supports the health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of our children across all four schools.

Main Purpose of Job:

• Be responsible for ensuring a consistent and high standard of catering, including food preparation, cooking, presentation and serving meals.
• Create healthy and tasty meals, catering to a variety of dietary requirements.
• Maximise take up of free school meals.

Supporting documents and information

Proposed start date: Monday 29 June 2026

The closing date for this post is 9.00am on Monday 18 May 2026.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 21 May 2026

To make an application and for more information please use the online application platform, also available through our school website

Apply on the Orchard Grove Primary School website