Groundskeeper

Maintain the school’s outdoor areas to a consistently high standard, ensuring grounds are suitable and prepared for school and external events

Ensure that the bins in the playground, pavilion and astro areas are emptied on a regular basis

Plan and implement the annual grounds and garden maintenance schedule, ensuring seasonal appropriateness and alignment with the school calendar

Lead routine gardening and grounds maintenance tasks including lawn care, hedge trimming, weeding, pruning, and planting

Oversee the marking, preparation, and maintenance of sports pitches and playing surfaces

Carry out regular maintenance of the astro sports pitch, including brushing, applying court care products, and replenishing sand as needed. Ensure the cricket practice nets, astro surfaces, and hard courts are kept clean, well-maintained, and free from moss and debris

Keep gutters and gully's clear of leaves

Ensure excellent standards of garden presentation throughout the year; proactively review and adjust work schedules as needed

Conduct and maintain up-to-date Risk Assessments and method statements.

Apply strict adherence to health and safety legislation in all tasks and oversee safe use of chemicals, tools, and machinery

Maintain secure storage for equipment and chemicals, keeping records in compliance with regulations

Operate, maintain, and ensure safe use of all grounds maintenance machinery and vehicles

Apply fertilisers and pesticides in accordance with current certifications and legislation

Control pests and vermin across the estate as necessary.

Manage the upkeep of boundary fences, hedges, grass verges, roadways, and associated infrastructure

Assist with the maintenance and safety of the school swimming pool, ensuring water quality is regularly tested and meets current health and safety standards

Help to maintain logs of water testing, chemical use, and equipment servicing (pumps, filters, heating)

Ensure pool area is safe, clean, and compliant with relevant regulations (e.g. COSHH, HSG 179)

Support the Site Manager to liaise with Swimming Teacher, Head of Sport, and external providers for servicing and emergency repairs

Ensure correct storage and handling of pool chemicals, with appropriate PPE and ventilation

Oversee the school’s annual tree survey, working with external consultants and staff as necessary

Manage associated works including planting, pruning, or felling, ensuring compliance with tree risk assessments

Vehicle and Plant Management

Oversee the care, maintenance, and compliance of the school’s minibus fleet and all grounds-related plant and machinery

Act as point of contact for grounds-related aspects of school lettings and external events

Prepare outdoor spaces for key school calendar days and support smooth event delivery

Help with setting up of the sports hall and front lawn for events, putting up and taking down the stage and gazebo's, moving tables and chairs, piano, stage equipment and props

Lead on the implementation of the school’s ‘Snow Plan’, including gritting and snow clearance of access roads and paths

Teamwork and Collaboration

Liaise with school staff, particularly sports teachers, to coordinate pitch use and availability

Communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders, including external contractors and lettings clients

Support other departments as required to contribute to the effective running of the school

Training and Development

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are expected to always act in the best interest of the child and to comply with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and procedures. Any concerns regarding a child’s welfare must be reported immediately to the DSL or the Headteacher. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and suitable references.

Terrington Hall School values flexibility and adaptability. This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed or amended, in consultation with the postholder, to meet the evolving needs of the school.

Person Specification

Full UK Driving Licence

PA1/PA6 Certificates for the safe use of pesticides

Experience in managing sports grounds, cricket squares, artificial playing surfaces and gardens

Experience using and maintaining grounds machinery and equipment (e.g. ride-on mowers, strimmers, tractors, verti-drain and tractor mounted sprayer)

Proven ability in seasonal planning and landscaping

Sound knowledge of sports turf care and pitch marking

Understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including risk assessments and COSHH

Hard-working, reliable, and proactive attitude

Ability to lead by example and work both independently and as part of a team

Flexible approach to seasonal and operational demands

Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of presentation

Good communication skills with a range of stakeholders

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Commitment to safeguarding and child protection

NVQ Level 2 or higher in Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or similar

Chainsaw qualifications (e.g. CS30/CS31)

First Aid at Work certificate

Experience working in a school or with children

Experience managing staff or contractors

Knowledge of wildlife and ecological considerations

Familiarity with irrigation and drainage systems

Experience with tree management and annual tree surveys

Willingness to undertake further training

Keen interest in school life and engagement with the wider school community

Resides within reasonable commuting distance of the school

Deadline for applications: 15th Aug 25 but early applications are encouraged

Interviews: Late July