About The Role

Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only, plus one extra week (40 weeks per year)

Closing date: Sunday 20th September 2026, 11.59pm

Interview date: Monday 28th September 2026

How to apply: Please apply via our website at https://careers.arkonline.org/vacancies/1765/catering-assistant.html . For further information, please see the Job Description and Information Pack .

Who to contact if you have a query: If you have any questions about the role, please contact HR on [email hidden] . Please be aware there may be a delay in responding due to the summer holiday.

The school reserves the right to withdraw this advert if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for this role to avoid disappointment.

A note for recruitment agencies

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we require additional support. We will be in touch if we need you.

This is a rare opportunity to join our hard-working, dedicated catering team in our growing academy. As a catering assistant you will be based at one of our two campuses under the direction of a Catering Supervisor. This is a term time only position, which means you will only work 39 weeks of the year, plus one extra week in the school holidays as directed by your manager. Pay is spread evenly over the year so you would never have a month without money.

Our standards are high and meals are prepared daily from fresh ingredients. We need someone who can work quickly and safely, be part of a team and has the confidence to interact with staff and students. We will show the successful applicant how to operate our cashless tills and any other items of catering equipment.

As the ideal candidate you will

Have experience of working in a busy kitchen
Be available to work the hours of 9.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday
Have a resilient character and a strong personal drive
Be able to take ownership of tasks and complete to a high standard
Have a health & safety and/or food hygiene qualification or be willing to train towards
Be a team player that can work collaboratively as well as using your own initiative
Be flexible in covering other team members when required, even if it’s on the other campus
Be committed to Ark’s ethos of high expectations and no excuses

Working Hours: 9.30am - 2.30pm, Monday - Friday

Our school

We are aiming to create one of the top performing schools in the UK right here in Hastings.

Ark Alexandra Academy is a popular secondary school in Hastings. We operate a ‘One School, Two Campus’ model, which brings with it unique opportunities for career growth and development. The school is on an exciting and rapid journey of improvement which is underpinned by research and best practice. We place primacy on traditional values: discipline, courtesy and respect. Our students are smart and ready to learn and thrive. We are a strict no mobile phone school.

As part of the Ark network, Ark Alexandra Academy has access to the dedicated support of a highly successful MAT with a well-regarded CPD offer for leaders and teachers at all levels. In addition, the school is part of the Hastings DfE Education Investment Area giving an increased focus on the region, potential funding, and genuine opportunities for collaboration between schools.

What we offer

A friendly but professional working environment
Twice as many training days as standard and network-wide events with Ark colleagues
Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the network
Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution
Unique opportunities for growth and development
Access to Ark Rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support

Please note: we are unable to accept applications via CV. We will also be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. Early application is strongly encouraged. You will be able to pause, save and log back in to complete your application up until the vacancy closes.

If you’re interested in further information about our school, please visit our website, www.arkalexandra.org

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. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please read the page in the information pack available for download.