Chef, Peterborough

Our Catering Department has an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, hardworking Chef to join their team.

The Chef is responsible for the successful production of healthy, balanced food for pupils, staff, and visitors at all services, within pre‑determined budgetary levels. The role involves producing as many dishes from fresh ingredients as possible and actively contributing to the introduction of new service innovations.

Working within the Kitchen team, the Chef reports to the Head Chef and has daily responsibility for General Catering Assistants, Kitchen Porters, and Pot Wash in the absence of the Head Chef. The role offers variety, diversity, and plenty of development opportunities.

• Pension Plan
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to discounted tickets to the Stahl Theatre and Music Productions
• Discounted Sports Centre and swimming pool membership

Hours of work: 80 hours over a two‑week rota, with every other weekend off. Some split shifts are required.

Working Weeks: 41.4 working weeks per annum, paid for 47 weeks to include annual leave entitlement.

Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open‑minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent.

A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.

Applicants must have been awarded at least NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation, Food Safety and Allergen Awareness and have awareness of health and safety regulations. Candidates should demonstrate previous experience working as a chef, a proven track record in providing quality food, willingness to learn and adapt, and a focus on continuous development. A positive, flexible attitude with the ability to prioritise and organise workloads is imperative.

Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known to the HR Department.

Both schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate will not be acknowledged or considered.