Sous Chef

Job overview

Sous Chef

Required: Asap

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:00pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break (37.5 hours per week). The role is term-time only plus 2 weeks.

Salary:
£28,657 - £30,647 Actual, Gr 7 Pt 25-28 LAE pay scale, (£34,622 -£37,026 FTE),dependent on experience.

(2025/2026 rates subject to pay award increase)

London Academy of Excellence (LAE) is embarking upon an exciting period of growth and transition into its new school premises, Hawthorne House in Summer 2026. In preparation for this, the LAE is seeking to recruit a Sous Chef to support the in house catering provision at LAE.

The Sous Chef is a new role to LAE due to expansion of the team and will support the delivery of high-quality and nutritious meals for students, staff, and LAE events. Working closely with our highly esteemed Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, menu planning, and maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. You will also be expected to contribute ideas and add to the forward thinking dynamic of the catering provision at LAE.

We are looking for a motivated team player, with experience in a professional kitchen, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Candidates should have a Food Safety Level 2 certificate and be keen to develop their skills.

The LAE is one of the most successful sixth form schools in the country and unrivalled in its commitment to recruiting scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds. LAE scholars from all backgrounds progress in substantial numbers to some of the most competitive universities in the UK and around the world. The LAE is ranked among the top A level providers in the country by both The Times and The Telegraph and is the first state school in the world admitted to the World Leading Schools Association.

The LAE’s success is founded on its highly competent, committed and caring staff dedicated to the Academy mission of social mobility. Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our Staff Wellbeing Charter prioritises high quality professional development but also the cultivation of a sustainable work-life balance, tailored wherever possible to individual circumstances.

The LAE is located in the heart of Stratford, opposite one of the largest and most accessible public transport hubs in London.

If you believe that you align to the school’s core values and mission, please submit an application to become part of the LAE community. To apply, please complete an application via the TES website by Monday 23rd February 2026 by 9.00am.

LAE reserves the right to appoint ahead of the deadline and therefore early application is advised. For more information, please contact HR@lae.ac.uk

The LAE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment screening, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. LAE is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.