Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Ipswich

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Professional Cookery Course in Ipswich. Classes run at Suffolk New College, full-time during the day. You'll need three GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including maths and/or English, or a Level 1 qualification with maths and/or English at Level 1. Over the course of a year, you'll develop kitchen and restaurant skills, work with guest chefs and industry professionals, and cook for real events including the Suffolk Show and the University of Suffolk Summer Ball. You'll also build bakery skills and gain front-of-house experience.

Who this course is for

This is the study programme that will challenge both your kitchen and restaurant skills and inspire you to craft your own dishes and get your own style. Guest chefs and industry professionals will take you to the next level of taste and service! You will showcase your talents at festivals and competitions such as the Suffolk Show and University of Suffolk Summer Ball – you will work on a range of high profile events in our own Shelley’s restaurant and develop your bakery skills in our Granary.

Entry requirements

Three GCSEs at Grade 3 including maths and/or English, or a Level 1 qualification plus maths and/or English at Level 1.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knife skills, cooking techniques, and kitchen craft across a range of dishes.
  • You'll create your own dishes and develop your personal cooking style.
  • You'll work with guest chefs and industry professionals to raise your technical and creative standards.
  • You'll gain front-of-house and restaurant service skills.
  • You'll build bakery skills in a dedicated bakery environment.
  • You'll cook for high-profile events and competitions, including the Suffolk Show and the University of Suffolk Summer Ball.
  • You'll manage food preparation and service in a professional kitchen setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in professional kitchens and a working restaurant. Teaching is classroom and kitchen based, with input from guest chefs and industry professionals. You'll be assessed through practical tasks, observations, and coursework. Working on live events and competitions forms a core part of how your skills are tested and developed.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Suffolk New College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie: section chef in a professional kitchen
  • Commis chef: junior kitchen role, how to become a chef starting point
  • Pastry chef: specialist bakery and patisserie work
  • Kitchen supervisor: overseeing a team in a catering environment
  • Catering assistant: supporting kitchen operations in hospitality venues
  • Restaurant kitchen cook: preparing dishes in a restaurant setting
  • Events catering chef: cooking for large-scale events and functions

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (City and Guilds) - the next step for chefs aiming for senior kitchen roles or head chef positions.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery - a work-based route that builds on Level 2 skills in a real kitchen environment.
  • Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering - a short compliance qualification many employers require alongside a cookery qualification.
Apply on suffolk.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Suffolk New College

More courses near you