Location: Barnet, London - a five minute walk from High Barnet tube station

Start: March / April 2026

Contract: 36 hours per week, term time only

Opportunity for an exceptional candidate to be a Cook. Ark Pioneer, a non-selective secondary school, We deliver a standard of education matching the very best schools in the country.

What’s special about this role?

As a Cook, you will work with an integral part of ensuring Ark Pioneer Academy is a happy and enjoyable place for pupils, staff and visitors by ensuring the highest quality of food provision.

Who are we looking for?

Across school life, we embed high aspirations and a growth mindset in all of our children. We believe that every single child who joins us has the potential to be knowledgeable, articulate and successful. It’s important this resonates with all candidates. The ideal candidate will:

• Have demonstrable experience of cooking for an organisation, ideally within a school
• Be passionate about providing high-quality food
• Have knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition and creating related menu’s
• Vision aligned with Ark Pioneer’s high aspirations and high expectations of self and others

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure food is prepared in accordance with relevant regulations and the procedures expected by the Chef Manager
• Assist with stock control/stock taking including receiving and checking supplies and safe storage
• Carry out additional tasks concerned with the operation of the kitchen, as and when required

Qualification Criteria:

• Relevant catering qualification
• Health & Hygiene Certificate L3 (desirable)
• First Aid qualification (desirable)
• Right to work in the U.K.

Safeguarding Statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. xbpsjku To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, click here.