Groundsperson Apprentice

THE SCHOOL

Established in 1652, Colfe’s is an academically selective co-educational school for children aged 3-18, with around 1300 pupils across both the senior and junior schools. We have a record of academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care, but our ethos is as a real-world school, grounded in its local community - a part of the world, not apart from it. We are proud of our 360-year history but not burdened or defined by it.

Academic standards are high. In 2025, 97% of students went on to their chosen university including Oxbridge, medical school and Russell Group institutions. We were ranked 47th among all independent schools in the country in the 2025 Sunday Times Parent Power league table, and 14th for A-level performance.

Colfe’s offer outstanding scholarship opportunities, including academic and co-curricular scholarships at Year 7 and Year 12. We are particularly proud to offer the groundbreaking Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, providing fully funded, means-tested Sixth Form scholarships awarded to talented pupils based on academic potential and economic need.

Colfe’s Senior School has around 850 pupils. Entry is at Year 7 following the 11+ Entrance Examination. Approximately a third of the Year 7 pupils transition from the junior school, with two-thirds external candidates. Of these, the split is approximately 50-50 from independent and state-maintained primary schools.

Colfe’s is in Lee, a leafy corner of south-east London. We have excellent transport connections: the school is less than five minutes’ walk from Lee railway station with quick connections to central and outer London, and a short distance from Lewisham (railway and DLR) and Blackheath (railway). Many local bus routes serve the area.

FACILITIES AND CO-CURRICULAR

We have an abundance of green space, a performing arts and media centre, purpose-built theatre, sports centre with a full-size swimming pool and two additional extensive sports grounds. In sport, we compete in netball, rugby, hockey, swimming, water polo, cricket, football, athletics, cross-country, tennis and biathlon. Theatre productions, concerts and musical performances, art and photography exhibitions and dance performances punctuate the year. Pupils take part in many academic competitions from French debating competitions to STEM Olympiads.

Our dedicated Outdoor Education programme includes residential and day-long courses for pupils across the school. Enrichment trips, events and expeditions take place throughout the year, from museums and galleries, theatre productions and concerts to scientific symposiums and academic institutions. Trips abroad range from the ruins of Pompeii and natural wonders of Iceland to cultural trips to the most exciting European cities. These activities are only possible with staff involvement, and we support and encourage staff to participate. Co-curricular opportunities are plentiful, with an extensive range of clubs, societies and House activities.

WORKING AT COLFE’S

The wellbeing, personal and professional development of our staff is fundamental, and we value every member of staff for the part they play in the success of the school. Our staff community is supportive, inclusive and vibrant. Staff are relaxed without being casual, and professional without being stuffy. A Colfe’s teacher is dedicated and passionate, and will recognise, nurture and develop the potential in every child. Our support staff are talented professionals welcomed from a wide range of backgrounds.

Like our pupils, Colfe’s staff are diverse, ambitious, enthusiastic, and willing to have a go. Staff are supported to follow their passions and interests, and there is always something happening, whether it’s a staff football tournament, joining the staff band or an author talk. Staff are encouraged to join societies or sports teams, get involved in House and co-curricular activities or join the many enrichment trips that take place in London, across the UK and abroad.  There are also opportunities to take on additional responsibilities such as Head of House or Personal Tutor.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A high level of structured support and guidance (meeting statutory requirements) is provided to graduates, trainees and Early Career Teachers to ensure progression towards the successful completion of their training or induction period. We pride ourselves on the level of support and care given to teachers in the early stages of their careers.

There is an in-house programme of staff development, and all staff are encouraged and supported to take up external CPD opportunities.

STAFF BENEFITS

Competitive salaries

Generous pension provision

Protected time for training and professional development

Free lunches

Free use of sports centre, including fitness suite and swimming pool

Support with extracurricular involvement

Wellbeing support including access to a counsellor, medical professionals, and an activities programme

Use of a Microsoft Surface digital device

Fee concession (subject to usual Admissions policy)

Cycle to Work scheme

Excellent transport links to central and outer London

POLICIES

It is the school’s policy to recruit for each vacancy using objective criteria describing the skills, knowledge and experience requirements necessary for the role and to make appointments regardless of sex, race, colour, nationality, national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or perceived age or disability or of an applicant’s trade union membership or non-membership. Wherever possible, existing employees will be invited to apply for promotion opportunities when a suitable vacancy arises. Staff concerned with recruitment will ensure that they comply fully with the school’s equal opportunities policy at every stage of the recruitment process.

It is the policy and practice of the school to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. The school does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or similar, philosophical belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. In addition, all the school’s policies relating to recruitment, training and development, remuneration and compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, transfers, disciplinary and severance matters are based solely on the qualifications and general performance of each individual and are administered to ensure equality of opportunity for all categories of employees.