Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week! Job Title: School Cook Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA Salary:
£25,000 per annum (
not pro rata
) Hours:
37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday TBC Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start:
April 2026 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week ( 4DWW ) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join
#teamOFG! About the Role We’re looking for a passionate and creative School Cook to take the lead in our kitchen at Abbey Gardens School. This is a rewarding role where you’ll play a key part in school life, preparing nutritious, great-tasting meals that support the wellbeing, energy, and enjoyment of both pupils and staff. You’ll have the opportunity to plan varied menus, lead a small kitchen team, and make a meaningful impact every day — because great food really does make a difference. What You’ll Do Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff Plan balanced, appealing menus within budget Lead and support kitchen staff Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen compliance Manage stock efficiently and minimise waste Who We’re Looking For You will have: GCSEs in English and Maths Previous catering experience (school, residential, or similar setting) Knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management Experience of menu planning and supervising staff A genuine passion for delivering quality food A full UK driving licence If you love creating great food and want a role where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you — apply today. About Us Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, opening in April 2026. The school will provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Designed for young people aged 11–18, Abbey Gardens will offer personalised support to help every learner thrive. This exciting new provision is committed to building confidence, resilience, and positive futures. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running. Why Join Us? We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits Hundreds of UK and international discounts Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. #1