About this role
Post: School Head Chef
Required: September 2026
Pay scale and salary: C3, SCP 19-22 (£32,061 - £33,699 per annum FTE) negotiable for an exceptional candidate
Actual Salary: £28,989 - £30,470 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday 7:00am to 2:00pm, term time only plus 15 additional training days
Who we are looking for:
A strong, ambitious, and intelligent team player who brings passion and pride to leading a high‑quality school catering operation at Cockburn Multi‑Academy Trust. Someone who thrives on creating nutritious, exciting meals that support young people to enjoy their school day and succeed in their learning journey.An innovative, resilient, creative and motivated professional with an uncompromising belief that all children deserve an outstanding education - and that great food plays a vital part in this.An organised, reliable colleague who is committed to working with staff and students to deliver a smooth, efficient and welcoming dining experience every day.This is an exciting time to join a motivated, friendly and mission‑aligned growing team in a vibrant and successful school community, with many opportunities to develop in the future.
This role offers family‑friendly daytime hours with no late nights, and you’ll be paid all year while enjoying school holidays off, ideal for balancing work and home life.
Why join us
Competitive rates of pay and negotiable for exceptional candidatesA comprehensive induction, appraisal and continued professional development programAuto enrolment to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme/ Teacher’s PensionEnhanced occupational benefits such as leave of absence, adoption, maternity and paternity payA range of working patterns dependent on role/levelAccess to cover pool/flexible daysAccess to a Blue Light CardAccess to our Employee Assistance programme including counselling, CBT, physiotherapy, virtual GP and moreTrained Mental Health First Aiders on each Academy siteSupportive Wellbeing and Menopause Policy and groupsFree onsite parking with electric charging portsAccess to gym facilities on some sitesRegular wellbeing and social activitiesGenerous & supportive leave of absence policyAccess to a wide range of staff discounts You must be fully committed to optimising the opportunities that are available to children and young people, secure in the knowledge that you will be joining an ambitious, forward-thinking Academy Trust that sets the standards for our family of schools and academies.
The school is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, and applicants will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure.
This post expects the successful candidate to safeguard the welfare of children and young people and uphold your professional responsibility.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK-either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.