For someone who enjoys educating young people and cooking, the position of School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs in UK 2026 is a warm and fulfilling opportunity. Every day, you will cook fresh, healthful meals and lead students in hands-on catering sessions that develop practical skills. Supporting students with SEMH and SEND requirements in a nurturing, structured school setting makes the position very fulfilling.
Every day has the opportunity to positively impact a student’s self-esteem, conduct, and future. You will be a member of a helpful group that emphasizes patience, friendliness, and inventiveness in the classroom. This role offers stability and professional purpose, with an annual pay of between £36,000 and £38,000.
Details of School Chef and Catering Teacher Job:
- Title: School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs in UK 2026
- Salary: £36,000 – £38,000 per year
- Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (42.5 hours per week)
- Contract: All Year Round (39 weeks per year)
- Closing Date: 29 May 2026
- Interview: To be confirmed
- Octavia House Schools, Great Baddow CM2 7HH, Essex, UK
About Octavia House Schools:
Octavia House Schools has been delivering specialist therapeutic education since 2012. We support young people with complex emotional and behavioral needs through a nurturing, structured, and relationship-focused approach. Our commitment is to transform lives through education, care, and stability.
Responsibilities for School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs in UK:
- Prepare and arrange for staff and students’ breakfast, snacks, hot lunches, and desserts.
- Oversee culinary operations while paying close attention to hygienic, safety, and health requirements.
- Make sure that all dietary requirements and food allergies are handled securely.
- Keep the kitchen-classroom learning environment peaceful, secure, and organized.
- Teach the KS4 Catering Pathway while assisting students in developing their skills.
- Participate in school events including assemblies, extracurricular activities, and enrichment
- Monitor and evaluate students’ academic and SEMH development progress.
- Work with a trauma-informed, relationship-first mindset.
Candidate Requirements for School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs:
Essential:
- Obtaining or pursuing Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- strong subject-matter expertise in catering or a similar topic
- Experience working with students that are SEND or SEMH
- Outstanding ability to communicate with professionals, families, and students
- Capacity to maintain composure under pressure
- strong knowledge of special education needs and child development
- Excellent organization, dependability, and attention to detail
Desirable:
- Experience attending special education or independent schools
- Extra instruction in SEMH/SEND
- Experience instructing secondary or vocational courses
Benefits of School Chef and Catering Teacher:
- Competitive Compensation Package: Get a solid yearly pay in the range of £36,000 to £38,000, which will provide you with both financial security and fulfilling remuneration for your combined roles as a catering instructor and chef in a specialized school setting.
- Significant Effect on Students’ Lives: Make a significant impact by providing food, education, and care to help youth with SEMH and SEND requirements develop their self-esteem, life skills, and emotional growth in a trauma-informed educational environment.
- Long-Term, Full-Time Career Security: Take advantage of long-term career growth chances and a stable, full-time job with regular working hours in a reputable and well-established educational institution.
- Career advancement and professional development: Get access to top-notch instruction, chances for skill development, and funding for additional certifications to help you advance as a professional chef and seasoned teacher.
- All-inclusive Benefits Package for Workers: Take advantage of discounted gym memberships, private healthcare coverage, dental and medical insurance, and other lifestyle benefits that promote your general well-being.
- A therapeutic and encouraging work environment: Work in a supportive, disciplined, and trauma-informed school culture where respect, cooperation, and student welfare are valued, resulting in a secure and rewarding work environment.
Check Also: Hospitality & Catering Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsor
Application Process for School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs in UK 2026:
If you are interested in applying for this role at Octavia House Schools, the process is simple and structured to ensure fairness and suitability for a specialist therapeutic environment.
1. Submit Your Application:
Send your CV and cover letter outlining:
- Your teaching and/or catering experience
- Experience with SEMH, SEND, or vulnerable learners
- Why you are interested in this dual-role position
- Your availability and notice period
2. Application Review:
The recruitment team will carefully review your application against:
- Teaching qualifications (QTS or equivalent)
- Catering skills and experience
- Experience working in specialist or mainstream education settings
- Safeguarding awareness and suitability
3. Initial Shortlisting:
If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an initial discussion. This may include:
- A phone or video interview
- Questions about your experience and approach to SEMH education
- Availability and role expectations
4. Formal Interview:
Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person or structured interview, which may include:
- Teaching demonstration or practical discussion (catering/lesson planning)
- Scenario-based questions (behaviour, safeguarding, SEN support)
- Meeting with senior leadership team
5. Safer Recruitment Checks
Before the appointment, you will need to complete the following:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Right to work in the UK verification
- Reference checks from previous employers
- Qualification verification
6. Offer & Onboarding:
If successful, you will receive:
- Formal job offer
- Contract details
- Induction schedule
- Start date confirmation (flexible start available where required)
Is visa sponsorship available for this job role?
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position in UK schools, so applicants must already have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom through citizenship, settled status, or an eligible work visa.
What salary is offered for this position?
The salary for School Chef and Catering Teacher Jobs in UK 2026 typically ranges from £36,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities within the school and catering teaching environment.
What are School Chef Catering Teacher roles?
School Chef and Catering Teacher roles combine preparing nutritious meals and teaching catering skills to students in UK schools, especially those with SEMH and SEND needs, supporting both practical learning and emotional development in a structured educational environment.
