Assessment Methods
On-programme assessment includes regular workplace observations, skills logs, product evidence, recipe files and supervisor reviews, combined with knowledge checks and reflective journals. Readiness for end-point assessment is confirmed through a gateway review.
The end-point assessment typically includes an observation of practical skills in service, a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio and a knowledge test, assessing culinary competence, food safety, menu understanding, organisation and behaviours aligned to industry standards.
Progression Options
On completion, learners can progress into roles such as junior sous chef, pastry chef de partie or chef de partie in larger brigades. Suitable next steps include the senior culinary chef (level 3–4 local equivalent), senior production chef (level 3), or hospitality supervisor (food and beverage pathway) to broaden leadership capability.
Longer-term aims may include sous chef or head chef roles, or specialist routes such as patisserie and confectionery, bakery or sustainable kitchen management. Learners may also progress to level 4 or 5 hospitality management programmes to develop operational and people leadership skills.
Entry Requirements
GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above is desired and you must also have secured suitable employment in a professional kitchen before starting the apprenticeship, as on-the-job training is essential to the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.