School Caretaker in Thatcham

Put your practical skills to work in a varied, permanent role where your work keeps a busy school safe, welcoming and running smoothly.

Maintenance and Caretaking Operative

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent, full time, 52 weeks per year Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Start date: October 2026 Closing date: 8am on Monday 31 August 2026

A practical role where every day is different

Do you enjoy fixing problems, working with your hands and taking pride in seeing a job properly finished?

Our client is an established independent school looking for a reliable and experienced Maintenance and Caretaking Operative to join its Estates Team. This hands on role will suit someone who enjoys variety, uses their initiative and is happy turning their skills to whatever the day brings.

One day you might repair a door, sort out a plumbing problem or assemble furniture. The next could involve safety checks, preparing rooms for an event or helping maintain the grounds and swimming pool.

You will help keep the school’s buildings, grounds and facilities safe, secure and well presented for pupils, staff and visitors.

About the role

You will carry out planned and reactive maintenance across the school’s local sites, including general repairs, basic plumbing, simple electrical tasks, painting, decorating and carpentry.

You will also support deliveries, room setups, grounds care, site security and routine compliance checks. Occasional out of hours callouts may be required, but these are infrequent and paid as overtime or given back as time off in lieu.

Key responsibilities

• Complete day to day repairs and general maintenance
• Diagnose faults and find safe, practical solutions
• Carry out basic plumbing, decorating, carpentry and minor electrical tasks
• Maintain doors, locks, windows, flooring, furniture and fittings
• Complete fire alarm and emergency lighting checks
• Support school events, deliveries and equipment moves
• Keep external areas and facilities safe and presentable
• Update maintenance jobs using a smartphone or computer

About you

You may have worked in maintenance, facilities, caretaking, property repairs or as a multi skilled handy person. Previous school experience would be useful, but it is not essential.

You will need practical maintenance experience, good judgement and the ability to prioritise urgent work.

You will also bring:

• A positive, practical and helpful approach
• Good organisation and time management
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A polite and professional manner
• The physical ability to lift equipment, use ladders and work outdoors
• A full, clean UK driving licence

A trade qualification or relevant safety certificates would be useful, but are not essential.

Benefits

• A permanent Monday to Friday role
• A good pension scheme
• Free parking at each school site
• Uniform and equipment provided
• Meals and refreshments during the school day when the kitchen is operating
• Death in service cover and personal accident insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• School fee concession, subject to qualifying conditions
• Regular professional development and training opportunities
• Overtime or time off in lieu for occasional callouts
• Varied work with visible results
• Supportive colleagues and a positive working environment
• The chance to become a valued member of the Estates Team

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.