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Free Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Daventry

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Professional Cookery Course in Daventry. Classes run full-time at Northampton College at Daventry, one day a week over one year. To join, you'll need a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery (Chef) and GCSE English and maths at grade 3 or above. Those with relevant kitchen experience may also apply, subject to a skills assessment. This professional cookery qualification covers advanced techniques in kitchen and larder work, preparing you for unsupervised roles in a commercial kitchen.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you have an interest in catering and want a Level 3 qualification offering advanced skills and in‑depth knowledge. It prepares you to work as a professional chef in a commercial kitchen, often progressing quickly into unsupervised roles such as Chef or Demi‑Chef de Partie. This qualification supports a clear career path as a professional chef and increases employment opportunities.

Entry requirements

You will need to have achieved the Level 2 Diploma Professional Cookery (Chef). You will also need to have achieved GCSE English and maths at grade 3.

Those with experience of working with a wide range of commodities in the preparation, cooking and presentation of dishes may apply - however, you will need to satisfactorily demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to study at this level.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced preparation, cooking and presentation techniques for a wide range of dishes.
  • You'll learn kitchen and larder skills to a professional standard.
  • You'll apply food safety and hygiene practices in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • You'll plan and produce dishes to the standard expected in unsupervised chef roles.
  • You'll build knowledge of commodities, including how to select, store and use them correctly.
  • You'll practise the organisational skills needed to work efficiently during a service.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical sessions in a professional kitchen environment, supported by classroom-based teaching. Assessment is a mix of practical observations, where an assessor watches you work, and written assignments that test your underpinning knowledge. You'll build a portfolio of evidence over the course of the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College at Daventry will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Chef de Partie: runs a specific section of a professional kitchen.
  • Demi-Chef de Partie: supports section leadership, often the next step up.
  • Commis Chef: entry-level kitchen role in hotels, restaurants or contract catering.
  • Kitchen Supervisor: oversees kitchen operations and junior staff.
  • Larder Chef: specialises in cold preparation, charcuterie and larder work.
  • Sous Chef: second-in-command in a professional kitchen brigade.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts: deepens management and advanced culinary skills for senior kitchen roles.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery: a work-based route that builds on your skills in a live kitchen environment.
  • Food Safety and Hygiene qualifications (Level 3): strengthens your credentials for supervisory kitchen roles and is often expected by employers.
Apply on northamptoncollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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