Food Technology | Secondary School in Waltham Forest

Teacher of Food Technology & Culinary Science (January 2027 Start)

Location: Waltham Forest, East/Outer London

School Type: Outstanding Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational, Ages 11–18)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent or Fixed-Term

Start Date: January 2027 (Winter Term Start)

An Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' secondary school and Sixth Form in the East London Borough of Waltham Forest is seeking an articulate, creative, and safety-conscious Teacher of Food Technology & Culinary Science to join their dynamic Design & Technology faculty this January . Situated in a culturally rich borough celebrated for its vibrant food scenes, creative arts, and strong community traditions, this mid-year appointment offers an exceptional opportunity for a Food Technology specialist—whether an experienced practitioner or an ambitious Early Career Teacher (ECT)—to foster culinary skills, nutritional science, food safety, and product development across a high-aspiring student body.

About the Role

Stepping into the food rooms for the January term, you will combine practical culinary techniques, nutritional science, food provenance, macro/micronutrient chemistry, and dish development into high-rigor, engaging learning experiences. Joining a collaborative and supportive team, you will deliver compelling lessons across Key Stage 3 (Food & Nutrition) and Key Stage 4 (GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition / Vocational Hospitality & Catering), equipping young chefs and future food technologists with practical culinary mastery, dietary awareness, and portfolio precision.

• Environment: A state-of-the-art Outer London campus featuring modern, fully equipped commercial-grade teaching kitchens, individual student cooking stations, sensory evaluation suites, and interactive demonstration spaces

• Culture: An academically ambitious, health-conscious, and welcoming learning environment focused on practical skill, food sustainability, high hygiene standards, and outstanding examination outcomes

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver academically rich, hands-on Food Technology lessons across Key Stages 3 and 4 covering knife skills, cooking methods, food safety, recipe modification, and nutritional science.

• Prepare GCSE and vocational candidates thoroughly for written theory examinations and practical culinary assessments through structured non-exam assessment (NEA) guidance, time-plan execution, and data-driven progress tracking.

• Maintain strict kitchen hygiene and safety standards (Food Safety Act / COSHH / HACCP guidelines), ensuring routine equipment maintenance, safe appliance handling, and impeccable storage of fresh ingredients.

• Track, evaluate, and monitor student progress systematically, tailoring feedback to stretch ambitious young culinary scholars considering food science, nutrition, or hospitality careers while building kitchen confidence in developing learners.

• Contribute actively to departmental enrichment, including student cooking competitions, masterclasses, bake-offs, sustainable food initiatives, and healthy eating campaigns across the school.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree or specialized qualification in Food & Nutrition, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, Home Economics, or a closely related discipline.

• Level 2 (or higher) Award in Food Safety in Catering / Food Hygiene accreditation.

• Proven track record or demonstrated capability of delivering outstanding Food Technology instruction across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition / Level 1/2 Hospitality & Catering).

• Exceptional classroom and kitchen management skills, high organizational standards, and an infectious enthusiasm for culinary arts, food science, and healthy living.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Main / Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS Outer London, commensurate with experience), with potential TLR opportunities available for Subject Lead or Health & Nutrition Coordinator.

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), structured mentoring pathways, kitchen technician support, and staff health and wellbeing benefits.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious Food Technology specialist ready to make an immediate impact this January at an Outstanding school in Waltham Forest, we encourage you to apply promptly. Please submit your application form and CV as soon as possible for consideration.