4 WEEK INTRODUCTORY AWARD IN

COOKING SKILLS

This fast-paced, hands-on course focuses on mastering essential cookery skills. Most of your time will be spent in the kitchen – cooking, plating, tasting, and refining your techniques through daily practice, demonstrations, and expert feedback.

You’ll build strong foundations in meat, poultry, fish and shellfish preparation, knife skills, breads, pastry, cakes, and desserts. Over four weeks, you’ll gain the building blocks of any entry-level career in cookery — versatile skills that travel anywhere and open doors across the globe.

This course also suits passionate home cooks looking to elevate their repertoire, gap-year students eager to gain confidence before university or work, and those exploring opportunities as private chefs in chalets, lodges or family homes. You’ll leave able to cook healthy, sustainable, and delicious meals from scratch for both mainstream and special diets – a life skill worth investing in and a launchpad for creative culinary careers.

Professional Courses FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for people with a solid knowledge and ability in basic cookery. It’s ideal for those wishing to take their cookery skills to the next level or for competent cooks who wish to have a formal training. Some prior experience is required and we suggest a conversation with our Principal if you are considering jumping straight to the intermediate level to ensure that it is right for you.

Qualifications:

• ENTCS Introductory Award in Cookery Skills

• REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate

• Allergen Awareness Certificate

Those who join us might be:

School leavers who are on a gap year or those who do not want to go on to further education

University leavers who want a career in food


Career changers who would like to work with food in some capacity


Life enhancers who have a some time and space to explore the art of cooking in detail

Anyone with a desire to work in the food and drink industry

As with our other courses, at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, it is not just what you learn—it is how you learn, where you learn, and who you learn from, that sets us apart.

We are fortunate to be located in an historic five story Georgian townhouse in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town. Our school offers not only an inspirational environment, but immediate access to what is recognised across Britain, and globally, as one of the UK’s most exciting and vibrant food destinations.  From street food and food markets to Michelin star restaurants – Edinburgh has it all on offer.

Over the years, students have consistently praised our teaching staff for their dedication, expertise, and supportive teaching style. You will learn from chefs who genuinely care about your progress, and who want to see you succeed.

Students will work in a team to plan, prepare, and serve a lunch service—developing organisation, timing, and communication under real-world conditions. You will also cover business planning, costings, and nutrition.

From the very first day, you’ll be immersed in the kitchen. With guidance from our expert tutors, you’ll work hands-on every day to build up your skills, refine your technique, and start thinking like a professional chef.

The school is known for its welcoming, calm and encouraging atmosphere that respects different learning styles and supports individual growth allowing for successful learning.

Don’t just take our word for it! We are so proud of our graduates. Alumni from our professional courses have gone on to:

  • Work in Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Launch their own catering businesses
  • Bake in artisan bakeries
  • Become private chefs around the world
  • Appear on and win TV cooking competitions
  • Food policy
  • Food influencer

We’ll help prepare you for the next step with advice on CVs, job applications, and access to our network of recruitment partners . Many of our alumni have gone on to exciting roles in kitchens, bakeries, and their own businesses.

STILL GOT QUESTIONS? read our FAQs.

Professional Courses FAQs T&C's for certified courses

We know this is a big decision, so lets talk about it.

click here to arrange a chat

We know ths is a big decision, so lets talk about it.

click here to arrange a chat
Course DateCourse TitlePriceAvailability
Three Month Beginners Course at cook school
Mon 5th January 2026Introductory Award in Cookery Skills£3,995.00

Places Available

Pay a deposit of £399.50 per item
Professional Courses Taster Day
Sat 29th November 2025Professional Courses Taster Day£100.00

Places Available

Our past students and their success stories.