Head of Grounds

Be Appreciated!

Running a school’s grounds team can often be a thankless task, you work through rain and shine, yet your hard work and dedication can go unnoticed…

But not at Pipers Corner. Here, it’s different. Grounds and outdoor spaces are a top priority.

You’ll notice this the moment you visit. Tucked away at the end of a country lane, Pipers Corner is a hidden gem. Thanks to the welcoming staff, friendly pupils, and stunning setting, everyone who steps onto the site comes away with a warm feeling. Nestled in 35 acres of grounds, including six acres of woodland, this will be your new office.

The role will keep you on your toes. Around 60% of your time will be horticulture-focused, with the rest dedicated to sports facilities and other wider support. From woodland management and keeping the Forest School thriving, to lawn care, planting, and maintaining pitches, including AstroTurf and hard courts, you’ll play a key role in shaping and developing the Grounds Management Plan.

Your first major task? Getting the school ready for Speeches Day in July, when all eyes will be on the site for the end-of-year celebrations.

Some schools treat their grounds team as separate, but here, you and your team of three assistants will be an integral part of the Estates team. Working closely with the Estates Manager, Maintenance Manager and SLT, your input and ideas will be valued, whether it’s discussing tulip colours with the Head or working with the Director of Sport on improvements.

Due to the nature of the site, you’ll need experience working in a school setting, ideally with horticultural qualifications. On top of grounds maintenance, your team will also oversee litter, bins, traffic management, and occasionally assist with whole-school events.

In return, you’ll receive:

• 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• A pension contribution of up to 9% from the school
• An annual professional review and commitment to CPD
• Free lunch during term time
• Use of the fitness suite and swimming pool
• Staff clubs such as yoga, running, football, and choir
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• On-site car parking
• Access to a counselling service
• Cycle to work scheme

Apply below, or to learn more, please contact Broghan Morning at Oyster. We understand that your CV might not be up to date, so please send us what you have or find us on LinkedIn, and we can arrange a conversation from there.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with other safeguarding checks, will be required. Oyster has partnered exclusively with Pipers Corner School; all direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Oyster.