Delivered over 12 weeks through evening classes and weekend sessions, this course provides the same high standards of training as our daytime programmes, making it the ideal entry point into professional cookery without the need to step away from full-time employment.
Based in central Edinburgh, the school is easily accessible from Waverley Train Station, the Edinburgh Trams, and multiple major bus routes, making it convenient for students travelling from across the city and beyond.
Whether you are pursuing a career in the hospitality industry or looking to develop advanced culinary skills, this course offers a practical, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of professional cooking – set within one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations.
Course Overview
This intensive, hands-on cookery course focuses on developing essential kitchen skills through practical learning, demonstrations, and continuous feedback from our experienced teaching team. Students spend the majority of their time in the kitchen – preparing, cooking, plating, and refining dishes – while building a strong understanding of ingredients, techniques, and kitchen organisation.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, students benefit from being immersed in a vibrant and evolving food scene, with access to outstanding local produce from Scotland’s renowned natural larder – seafood, game, seasonal vegetables, and artisan products that inspire modern Scottish cooking.
The course forms the first stage of our Diploma in Professional Cookery and provides the core skills required for entry-level roles in the industry.
This Evening Introductory Award in Cookery Skills will start on the evening of Monday 7th Sept and run each Monday and Wednesday evening, 6-9pm, for the following 12 weeks (until Wednesday 25th November).
No class on Wednesday 7th Oct.
Half term break, no classes on Monday 12th and Wednesday 14th October.
There will also be 3 weekend sessions as follows:
Saturday 12th September – Demonstration -10am-3.30pm
Saturday 10th October – Demonstration – 10am-3.30pm
Sunday 11th October – Practical – 9.30am-4.30pm
Saturday 7th November – Practical – 9.30am-4.30pm
The Evening Introductory Award in Cookery Skills offers a practical and accessible route into professional cookery. With flexible scheduling, expert teaching, and industry-standard training, students gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to begin a career in the culinary industry or elevate their cooking to a professional level.
Duration: 12 weeks
Attendance: 2 evenings per week plus 3 weekend sessions
Format: Practical, hands-on training
Level: Entry level
Qualifications
REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate
EFDA Award in Cookery Skills
Progression
Direct entry into the intermediate stage of the Diploma in Professional Cookery upon successful completion.
Career Opportunities
“The cook school put me in touch with Castle Terrace, a good portion of my career was spent there… it’s great the connections you can make on the back of a course at the cook school.”
“The cookery school gave me the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to see it through and make a living out of doing something I’ve always loved”
“…what really stood out to me was its reputation for high-level training in a supportive environment… The technical knowledge, attention to detail, and efficiency I have learned have all shaped how I think about food, whether I’m cooking myself or talking about it in my work.”
We understand the significance of this decision, and are always happy to arrange a call or tour with our Head Teacher for anyone with interest in our Professional Course Programme.
