Catering Assistant

Varndean School is looking for a reliable and hardworking Catering Assistant to work alongside our kitchen team. 20 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year) 9.30am to 2pm Monday to Friday (inc 30 min unpaid break) Salary scale 3, point 7-8 (27,274 - £27,709 pro rata). Actual starting salary £12,772.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate excellent customer service skills. The role will include basic food preparation such as baking cakes, making sandwiches and salads, washing up, general cleaning duties and serving customers in a polite, friendly and professional manner. A food safety certificate Level 1 would be favourable but full training will be given.

Reporting to the Catering Manager and Head Chef, this is an important role in maintaining the school’s high hygiene and kitchen standards. we are looking for someone who works well in a team, who has a systematic approach to their work and who is able to follow established procedures.

Varndean is an excellent place to work. Ofsted in 2022 described the “inspirational leaders” , the “expert” teachers, “impressive” pupils and the “exceptionally strong” staff training.

We hope you will want to pursue an application further and you are welcome to make a pre-application visit to the school.

To apply please complete the application form and send/email it, with a covering letter to Lynn Hill, Director of Finance and Operations, Varndean School vacancies@varndean.co.uk

The closing date is 9am on Monday 2 November 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the school reserves the right to interview excellent candidates in advance of this date.

What Varndean Can Offer You

Varndean School is forward thinking and innovative, with the highest aspirations for all of our students, supported by highly trained and motivated professionals in their fields.

As an integral member of our team, you will have the opportunity to develop and further your own leadership skills and career ambitions.

Our whole community benefits from a wide range of learning experiences across each academic year, with whole school CPD, tailored training for subject departments and specific teams of staff and individual support to help you achieve your potential.

We are determined to create the best working environment for our colleagues where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. You will find a school that is welcoming, supportive and with a highly collaborative environment to work in and belong to.

Varndean School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to have a staff body that matches the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.

The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check. The school welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Please note: online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks for any shortlisted candidates Brighton & Hove Schools - Taking Action for Equality