We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to join our Catering team. This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week, across 42 weeks of the year (term time plus four weeks). The post holder is expected to work a rotating shift pattern, involving weekday morning and afternoon shifts, and weekend shifts.

Reporting to the Catering Manager, you will be overseeing the preparation and delivery of fresh, home-cooked meals for approximately 1,500 pupils and staff, as well as a boarding community of around 120 boarders.

The successful candidate should: 

• Have relevant training and certificates in catering

• Have experience of high volume catering to a high standard

• Have line management experience of at least a team of 10 staff

• Demonstrate good communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders 

• Be proactive with strong problem-solving skills

Contract: Full-time, Permanent contract 

Grade: H9 (Full-time equivalent salary: £39,152 to £41,771 per year, plus outer fringe allowance of £729 per annum)

Actual Salary: £37,095 to £39,531 per annum (inclusive of outer fringe) based on a Term time plus 4 weeks (42 weeks) contract, with opportunity to work additional hours

Hours: 

• 37 hours per week with a rotating shift pattern

• Working across 42 weeks of the year, with opportunity to work additional hours

• Weekday shifts: include morning shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) and afternoon shift (11:00am - 7.30pm)

• Weekend shift: 10:00am - 7:00pm 

• Expectation to work one week in three of evenings and one weekend in three, depending on business needs

Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner) - subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks

For further details, please refer to:

• Application Pack & Job Description

• Working at St George’s School

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of two stages. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at St George's School. Candidates who are successful at interview stage will then be invited to complete a practical assessment within the catering environment to further demonstrate your skills, knowledge and suitability for the role.

We can offer:

• Additional training and support
• Ongoing professional development
• Free Lunch on working days
• Free parking on school site
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Use of the school’s fitness suite/Gym
• Staff Wellbeing Programme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers
• As a permanent member of staff you benefit from the application being favourably ranked if you apply for a day admission place for your child at St George’s school, subject to meeting the requirements of our published Admissions Criteria and Policy

Applications will be shortlisted throughout the process and we may interview and close the advert early if we are in a position to recruit a suitable candidate.  We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Your Application

Personal Statement

You will need to include a personal statement in your application, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of this position and why you specifically want to work at St George’s School. 

Please provide specific examples to illustrate your knowledge, skills, and experience. When writing your responses ensure to evidence additional aspects such as training, qualifications, together with your background and experience within the personal statement.

Gaps in Employment History

In order to comply with safer recruitment guidelines, we are required to view your full employment history and all gaps in employment must be explained. If there are any gaps within your employment history, please explain the reason(s) on your application.

References

Two references from previous employments will be sought, one of which must be from your current or most recent employer. The two references should be from two different employments / organisations. Please provide details of two people to whom reference may be made, including full name, job title, organisation name, capacity known, work address, professional work email address (not personal email) and contact number.

The first referee should normally be your current or most recent employer. If you are currently working in education, a reference from the Headteacher / equivalent person in Senior Leadership Team is required. If you are not currently working with children, please provide a referee from your most recent employment involving children, if applicable.

References from relatives or from people writing solely in the capacity of friends will not be accepted.

Please make sure your referees are aware of your application and that they are able to provide a swift turn round. References will be obtained prior to interview where applicable.

Safeguarding

At St George’s, we are committed to safeguarding to ensure that all of our students are safe and are well cared for. Safeguarding includes our commitment to safe recruitment of staff, security around the building, child protection, anti-bullying, online safety, equality, PREVENT Duty and many other areas. We make sure all policies under the safeguarding umbrella are reviewed regularly. The school’s child protection procedures are in accordance with the Hertfordshire Child Protection Policy and can be found in the School Website: ‘Statutory Information’ section.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment. 

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  A Full Enhanced, with List Checks Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check will be required, as part of the school’s pre-employment checks.

Online Searches

We are required to conduct online searches about all candidates as part of the selection and appointment process, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, in order to identify any incidents or concerns which are publicly available online. By submitting and signing your application, you acknowledge that such searches will be conducted as part of the selection and appointment process.

Right to work in UK

We will require you to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. By submitting and signing your application, you acknowledge that such evidence will need to be provided should an offer of employment be made.