Gardener

Due to relocation, we are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled and proactive Gardener to join our friendly Estates team of maintenance and grounds staff and help maintain and continue developing the gardens and wider grounds of our beautiful 130-acre school site.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating inspiring outdoor spaces where children can learn, explore and thrive. The role offers the opportunity to work within a well-maintained and supportive school environment where high standards of presentation are valued.

The role includes general garden maintenance such as lawn care, pruning, deadheading, trimming, shrub maintenance, planting, weeding and mulching beds and borders in accordance with good horticultural practice. The role also involves contributing to garden development and design using appropriate tools and machinery.

In addition to horticultural work, the gardener plays an important role within the wider Estates team. The role also includes assisting with general grounds upkeep such as maintaining the appearance of paths and driveways, seasonal clearance work, and supporting colleagues in the maintenance and grounds teams with larger outdoor projects.

This variety makes the role well suited to someone who enjoys practical work and contributing to the overall presentation and upkeep of a busy school site.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven practical gardening/horticultural experience and sound plant knowledge.

• A recognised horticultural qualification and PA1/PA6 spraying certificates (or willingness to obtain).

• A full clean driving licence.

• Experience operating and maintaining a range of horticultural machinery including tractors, pedestrian and ride-on mowers, two-stroke equipment and modern battery-powered tools.

• Knowledge and understanding of lawn care, ground preparation, composting and mulching.

• Excellent communication skills and a positive, proactive approach to work .

• The ability to demonstrate an enthusiasm for horticulture.

• A practical, self-motivated approach with pride in maintaining high standards.

• The ability to work independently as well as part of a small team.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with a 1-hour unpaid break each day.

In return, we offer a generous salary, pension scheme, first-class resources and the very best facilities. 

Further details of the school may be found on our website: ludgrove.net

For details about the role, and how to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Noon on Monday 11th May 2026.

Interviews are planned for week commencing 18th May 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advert and interview early.

Ludgrove is committed to building a truly inclusive school and cultivating a culture of equality, diversity and kindness. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our students and wider society. We are an equal opportunity employer and in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including an Enhanced DBS check.