Groundsperson (Sports Turf / Horticulture)

2 posts - full-time, permanent, required as soon as possible

Please contact Syd Townsend, Grounds Manager, on 07935342660 for an informal discussion or more information about this post.

Ipswich School has been listed as one of the top 130 schools in the country and is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. We were established prior to 1399, moving to our present site in 1852. 

The original buildings stand in front of fine modern classrooms, science laboratories and an award-winning sports hall. These, together with the School Library and performing arts centre, face the School Field. There are further extensive playing fields within easy walking distance and our Sports Centre, with further grass pitches and sand-dressed artificial pitches for hockey and netball, is based at Rushmere. Our Westwood Boarding House, just five minutes' walk away on Constitution Hill, is set in wooded grounds, and our Anglesea Heights Boarding House is located adjacent to the Senior School.

The School benefits from a dedicated team of Estates staff who work to maintain and continually improve the School’s buildings and grounds. We are looking for a keen, enthusiastic person who will take pride in ensuring the School always looks its best. We offer a range of sports (including hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, tennis, football and athletics).

You will assist in maintaining our sports pitches and grounds to a very high standard. You will be able to work independently as well as in a small team, and be responsible, positive in your approach, willing and flexible and able to get on well with others.

You will primarily be based at the Senior School (located on Henley Road) and our Notcutts (Senior School) Sports Field, which is located nearby, but you will be required to work at other school sites on a regular basis to ensure that the School’s grounds are kept in excellent order at all times. You will be working with the Grounds Manager to ensure that all sports pitches and grounds are prepared and ready for use throughout the year.

●       An annualised hours contract (total 1950 hours) is in operation to ensure that the School runs smoothly (which will mean longer days on some occasions such as throughout the Cricket season, and shorter days on others, and will be directed by the Grounds Manager). You are likely to be required to work between the following hours, but as explained above, these timings may change to reflect seasonal requirements:

o  Summer working hours (from around the beginning of April to around the end of September) as required during the hours of 7.00am -5:00pm, Monday to Sunday.

o  Winter working hours (from around the beginning of October to around the end of March) as required during the hours of 8:00am -3:00pm, Monday to Friday.

o  Occasional evening and weekend work

Benefits 

Your starting salary will be competitive and will depend on your skills and experience.  

You will be entitled to 28 working days’ paid holiday per year, including public holidays. One extra day’s holiday may be taken for each completed 2 years’ of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days. This brings the total holiday allowance up to 33 days after 10 years’ service.You will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme (with 10% employer contributions), and you will benefit from 3x salary death in service cover.

After 3+ years’ service with the School you will be entitled to generous fee remission.

You will have access to Smarthealth, an employee wellbeing app with 24/7 GP access and mental health support.

We offer free lunch in the dining hall during term time, and free use of the School’s swimming pool and gym.

To apply

A full job description is available on our website – www.ipswich.school/vacancies or by calling the HR team on 01473 408300 or emailing hr@ipswich.school.

Completed application forms should be returned by noon on 2 April 2025 to: the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or email hr@ipswich.school. 

Candidates may be contacted or invited to interview prior to the closing date, and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates apply. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note

●       Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. The Ipswich School policy on the recruitment of ex offenders and the Code of Practice relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service are available on request.

●       Ipswich School’s employees are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people they are responsible for, or come into contact with. The post holder must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Children Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out his/her duties, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School he/she must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (the Senior Deputy Head, Pastoral for Senior School pupils, the Prep Deputy Head for Prep pupils and the Nursery Manager for The Lodge Day Nursery).

●       Ipswich School’s employees are expected to attend training in safeguarding children as directed.

●       Applicants are advised that in the interests of the health and safety of all its pupils and employees, Ipswich School operates a No Smoking Policy and employees are expected to comply with the statutory restriction on smoking in public places.