Portsmouth High School - School Chef

Summary

Are you looking for a catering role with regular hours during the school day? This is a perfect role for a creative chef looking to promote healthy choices for our students.

Detail

School name: Portsmouth High School GDST, Kent Road, Southsea

Required from: September 2026

Hours: Part Time (32.5 hours per week)

Weeks: Term Time plus 15 days during school closed periods

Salary: GDST Regional Support Grade 3 (from £27,171 pro rata ie: £21,104.10)

An opportunity has arisen for a hard-working individual to contribute to the welcoming and professional image of Portsmouth High School. The successful applicant will be responsible for running kitchens at both our Prep and Senior School sites with responsibility for implementing Health and Safety compliance. You will primarily be based at our Senior School kitchen with an expectation that you will work from the Prep School kitchen at least one day a week to support staff. Our Prep School is located on a different site on the same road, a short walk from the Senior School.

As a School Chef, you will have a passion for creating seasonal menus to give our pupils a wide variety of hot and cold lunches, snacks and refreshments, whilst accommodating dietary requirements and allergies. You will be responsible for managing functions including large-scale formal events such as end of year dinners and awards evenings.

The ideal applicant will be an experienced chef who has managed a busy kitchen / commercial restaurant and its catering team successfully, committed to not only your own personal development but also that of your team. You will work closely with the Catering and Cleaning Manager to ensure the day-to-day operation of the team is efficient and providing best value to the School.

The kitchen hours are 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday to Friday. School holiday periods are generally not worked, except for deep cleans ahead of the start of each term, staff training and planning; dates are notified in advance. There is a requirement for occasional evening and weekend working to support school events (again dates are notified in advance). Pay is monthly, including during school holiday periods.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 29 June 2026. Applications will be assessed upon receipt and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Interview date: Monday 6 July tbc. A practical cooking exercise will form part of the selection process for this role.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents

• School Chef - Job Description Final PDF Document