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Level 3 Professional Cookery Course at London South East Colleges Orpington

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Bromley. Classes run at London South East Colleges Orpington. You'll need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 qualification at Merit or Distinction in a related subject. The course runs full-time over 35 weeks, covering advanced kitchen and larder skills to professional chef standard. This City and Guilds level 3 professional cookery qualification opens doors to chef roles across restaurants, hotels, and catering operations. City and Guilds Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery (Kitchen and Larder) with certificate.

Who this course is for

Further information is available on our website

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 9 - 4/A* - C, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 qualification (Merit or Distinction) in a related subject. Note: for skills-based qualifications you might need the skills at Level 2 in order to enrol onto the Level 3.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced knife skills and larder preparation techniques.
  • You'll prepare, cook, and present complex dishes to professional standards.
  • You'll plan and produce menus for a range of service styles.
  • You'll apply food safety and hygiene practices in a professional kitchen.
  • You'll work with a wide range of ingredients, including meat, fish, and specialist produce.
  • You'll manage time and workflow during high-pressure kitchen service.
  • You'll understand kitchen brigade structure and your role within it.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a professional kitchen environment, alongside classroom-based theory. Assessment includes practical observations, written assignments, and portfolio evidence. You'll be assessed on your ability to produce dishes to a professional standard under realistic kitchen conditions.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. London South East Colleges Orpington will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de partie: runs a specific section in a professional kitchen.
  • Commis chef: entry-level role supporting senior chefs in service.
  • Larder chef: specialises in cold preparation, charcuterie, and garnishes.
  • Sous chef: second-in-command, overseeing kitchen operations day to day.
  • Pastry chef: focuses on desserts, bread, and patisserie production.
  • Catering supervisor: manages food production for large-scale catering.
  • Private chef: cooks for individuals, families, or corporate clients.

What you could study next

A Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery can strengthen your practical credentials and support your route toward senior kitchen roles. If you want to move into kitchen management, a Level 4 Award in Food Safety Management or a hospitality management qualification builds on your technical skills. Apprenticeships at Level 3 or Level 4, such as the Chef de Partie Apprenticeship, are another option for earning while you develop.

Apply on lsec.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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