Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, 39 weeks a year (term time plus 5 weeks). 12pm - 8pm, 5 days out of 7 Monday - Sunday, to include one day at the weekend.
Salary: 21,592 per annum
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. With a kitchen brigade of 15 which includes Chefs, Commis Chefs, Kitchen Assistants and Catering Stores staff, our catering department runs an in-house, fully catered service for pupils and staff, serving breakfast, lunch, tea and supper, 7 days a week during term time. We are a busy and committed team, providing meals to around 560 pupils and 450 staff. In addition, we hold numerous hospitality events and formal dinners throughout the year.
We are looking for an organised and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team. This is a varied role where you will be involved in the preparation and presentation of high quality fresh food, packed meals, cold buffet and deli bar food. Ideally, you will have previous experience of working in a similar role within catering or hospitality, and an understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements - however full training will be given.
Main Duties
To support with the production of meals during the lunch and dinner service
To assist with the day to day running of the kitchen, such as food prep for the salad/deli bar
To support the production of all cold buffet services
To maintain high standards of food presentation and quality at all times
To ensure all food hygiene and Health & Safety requirements are carried out
Benefits Include
Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions at 9%
Delicious free meals while on duty
Life insurance and critical illness cover
A modern gym and swimming pool facilities available for staff use at set times
H
ow to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the advert on our website https://www.downehouse.net/about/vacancies
Please send your completed application form to recruitment@downehouse.net by the closing date 18th August 2025
. We will review applications upon receipt and reserve the right to interview before the closing date.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.
For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email recuitment@downehouse.net
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.
At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Recruiter contact:
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About
Downe House
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Downe House
Cold Ash, Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9JJ
United Kingdom
+44 1635 200286
Situated in the town of Thatcham, in Berkshire, Downe House is an independent secondary school for girls aged between 11 and 18. It is both a day and boarding school. There are around 580 students enrolled at the school, the majority of whom are boarders. Downe House School was established in 1907 in Charles Darwin's formal home. It is located on 110 acres of land. There are 12 houses for those living on the campus. One of the houses is located in France where year eight students have the opportunity to spend a term.
Headteacher
Emma McKendrick
Values and Vision
Downe House aims to give every girl attending the school equal opportunities. The goal is for them to develop positive attitudes towards learning and become important figures in the local and global community. Children are encouraged to have excellent exam results, as well as personal development.
ISI Report
"There is positive leadership and a proactive approach to the health and well-being of the boarders. The health centre provides an outstanding service to the whole school. The welfare of pupils is at the heart of all the work that is done and the systems that are in place to support this aim. The pupils are well protected from harm with a written child protection policy that is regularly reviewed. The headmistress is the designated person in charge of child protection and works closely in this area with other members of the leadership team. Good attention is paid to overall health and safety matters supported by robust policies and comprehensive risk assessments."
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