What are the entry requirements for Galley Academy?
Galley Academy does not require prior professional cooking experience. It is specifically designed to be accessible to people at the beginning of their culinary journey, including those with no kitchen background at all.
What we do look for
While there is no technical bar on cooking ability, a successful Galley Academy student needs:
A genuine desire to learn. The week is intense and the feedback is honest. You will only get the most from it if you are genuinely motivated, not just curious.
The ability to follow instruction under pressure. A professional kitchen runs on clear communication and fast compliance. Students who struggle to take direction slow down the whole group.
A willingness to receive direct feedback and apply it immediately. Your instructor will tell you what you did wrong, in the moment. The students who improve fastest treat this as information, not criticism.
Physical stamina. You will be on your feet from early morning until after dinner service every day. Good footwear and the ability to stand and work with your hands for extended periods are practical requirements.
How Galley Academy differs from Host Academy
Host Academy has a high cooking bar at entry: it requires proven, documented cooking or hospitality experience because students cook for real paying guests. Galley Academy has no such bar. It is the place to build that experience. If your goal is Host Academy but your kitchen background is limited, Galley Academy is the right first step.
Age requirement
The minimum age to attend Galley Academy is 20.
Questions? Get in touch at info@quarterdeck.co
QD Team