Bring food to life. Inspire creativity. Teach skills for life.

Are you passionate about food, creativity and inspiring young people with skills they will carry beyond the classroom?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and imaginative Teacher of Food to join our dynamic STEM team. This role offers the opportunity to ignite a love of cooking and nutrition in students, helping them to develop confidence, independence and a real understanding of the world around them.

From mastering practical techniques to exploring healthy lifestyles and global cuisines, you will play a key role in delivering a rich and engaging curriculum that students genuinely value and remember.

The Hertfordshire & Essex High School is a vibrant and happy school providing an exciting variety of opportunities for girls and Sixth Form for girls & boys to develop their talents, to enjoy themselves and to flourish as individuals.  Rated as Outstanding in our latest Ofsted inspection “”Excellence for All” runs through all aspects of this exceptional School”.  Herts & Essex provides an excellent educational experience for students, and a first-rate experience for staff looking to develop their careers in education.

We have invested in developing our food technology accommodation in the last year and are looking to expand our food curriculum in the coming year.

You will:

• Deliver engaging, practical lessons that develop students’ culinary skills and knowledge of nutrition
• Contribute to a well-resourced and collaborative STEM department
• Support the development of schemes of work and enrichment opportunities
• Promote high standards of achievement, behaviour and engagement

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Has proven experience of teaching Food & Nutrition
• Is able to inspire students to develop confidence in cooking, nutrition and healthy living, encouraging curiosity, independence and pride in students’ work
• Has excellent subject knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for Food & Nutrition
• Believes in every student’s potential and is committed to inclusive, high‑quality teaching
• Has passion about pupil development and supporting them to achieve their best
• Embraces professional development and contributes positively to department and whole‑school life

What we can offer you:

• Enthusiastic, motivated students with a genuine interest in Food & Nutrition
• Strong leadership with a commitment to staff development and wellbeing
• A positive, inclusive school culture where both students and staff flourish
• Encourages and supports career development including opportunities for research and NPQ qualifications
• Offers Coaching as part of its excellent wellbeing offer
• Has been awarded the Carnegie Mental Health Award
• Has staff and student networks for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities through our DARE and Kaleidoscope groups

At Herts & Essex, Food is more than just a subject – it is a space where students create, experiment and succeed. Our well-equipped kitchens and supportive team provide the perfect environment for both staff and students to thrive.

You will be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking department that values practical learning, creativity and high-quality teaching. Working at Herts & Essex will mean joining a team of highly committed, well qualified teachers and support staff who work hard to provide the best possible education for our students.

We welcome applications from Early Career Teachers searching for their first teaching role and more experienced teachers looking for a new challenge.

We reserve the right to form a shortlist once sufficient suitable applications have been received. Early application is therefore encouraged.

 Should you have any queries about the post or should you have any difficulties submitting your application, please email: hr@hemat.org.uk or call the school on 01279 654127.

 Herts & Essex is dedicated to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the school community. 

 The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.  Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including satisfactory Criminal Records Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service and online searches.