Prep Chef

Job title and organisation: Prep Chef - The Grammar School at Leeds

Salary: GSAL 12 (£26,104 FTE), Actual term time only salary is: £23,720.87 per annum, £13.54 per hour

Hours: 37.5 (term time only + 5 days) (with some requirement to work ad-hoc days during holiday periods for events)

Contract: Permanent

Location: The Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley Gates Harrogate Road, Leeds LS17 8G

Closing Date and Time: Monday 28th September 2026 at 8am

A chef role with a better work-life balance!

If you love working in a busy kitchen but are looking for a role that gives you more time away from work, this could be the perfect opportunity. As an independent school, GSAL has generous school holiday periods, and this role is primarily term-time only, giving you significantly more time off across the year than many traditional hospitality or catering roles.

With regular Monday to Friday hours of 7am
-3pm, no regular late evening shifts and the majority of school holidays free, this role offers a level of routine and flexibility that can be difficult to find within the catering industry. There is some requirement to work occasional ad-hoc days during the school holidays for events, as well as some weekend sport fixtures on a rota basis, but overall the role provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a rewarding catering career alongside a healthier work-life balance.

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Chef to join our dynamic catering team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-quality environment where your culinary skills will make a difference to the daily experience of our pupils, colleagues, and visitors.

As Chef, you will play a key role in the preparation and presentation of fresh daily salad bar and nutritious meals, ensuring they are delivered to the highest standards and in line with both school expectations and statutory regulations. You will support the Head Chef with maintaining allergen requirements and recipes, managing food safety and hygiene standards, and contributing to the overall smooth operation of the kitchen.

Our ideal candidate will hold NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds 706/1/2 (or equivalent) qualifications in food preparation and cooking, along with Level 3 Food Hygiene and Safety. You will have experience working in a large-scale commercial or school catering environment and enjoy being part of a team that values innovation, professionalism, and excellent customer service.

Catering colleagues need to be available to work some ad-hoc days during the school holiday periods to assist with events as well as some weekends for school sport fixtures on a rota basis. In return, catering colleagues receive an additional retainer payment during this period which is included in the salary. Experience in a school or large commercial catering setting, along with a proactive attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team, is essential.

Our friendly catering team of 29 colleagues works across three kitchens and service areas and plays an important part in everyday school life. It is a supportive, sociable team where everyone works together to deliver a great experience for pupils, colleagues and visitors.

GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues feel supported, trusted and encouraged to make a real difference.

Food and hospitality are at the heart of school life, and we are committed to providing an exceptional dining and hospitality experience that reflects the quality and ambition of our school.

We're proud to be:

• The Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026
• Mental Health in Schools Award 2026
• Investors in Diversity Silver Award 2026
• North Independent School of the Year 2024
• Independent…