Caretaker / Gardener in Southampton

Oxford High School is seeking a reliable, proactive and hardworking Caretaker/Gardener to help maintain our school premises and grounds to a high standard.
This role is essential in ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
Site & Security
Assist in the security of the school premises, including locking/unlocking buildings and monitoring alarms and surveillance systems.
Ensure external areas, gym and swimming pool are secure when not in use.
Support the maintenance of access systems, locks and keys.
Premises Maintenance
Carry out general repairs and maintenance to buildings, furniture and equipment.
Support planned preventative maintenance and respond promptly to emergency repairs.
Assist with monitoring heating, lighting, water systems, fire alarms and other site services.
Help maintain records relating to safety checks and inspections.
Grounds & Gardening
Maintain landscaped areas, lawns, hedges, planted areas and sports fields across all school sites.
Carry out mowing, pruning, planting, watering, weeding and seasonal garden maintenance.
Keep school grounds free from litter and vegetation debris.
Maintain gardening equipment and report faulty tools or machinery.
Assist in designing and developing attractive planting schemes.
Health & Safety
Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments.
Assist with fire safety checks, evacuation procedures and site safety routines.
Support waste management and site cleanliness.
Provide emergency first aid if qualified.
General Duties
Assist with porterage, deliveries and room setups for school events.
Support school functions, lettings and open days when required.
Maintain positive working relationships with staff, pupils, parents and contractors.
Opportunity to assist with minibus driving following appropriate training.
About You
The successful candidate will:
Have practical maintenance and gardening experience.
Be organised, dependable and able to work independently.
Take pride in maintaining high standards across the school environment.
Have good communication and teamwork skills.
Be flexible to support occasional evening or weekend requirements.
Hold a driving licence (desirable).
About Oxford High School:
Since its foundation over 150 years ago in the heart of Oxfords historic city centre, Oxford High School GDST has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls education.
Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls education, we are committed to investing in our staffs personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls Day School Trust network.
Benefits:
As part of the Girls Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:
Competitive salaries and pay progression
Access to extensive professional development opportunities
Training grants for qualifications
Generous pension schemes
Free life assurance benefit
Free school lunches
A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
A Cycle to Work scheme
Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply please click on the apply button.
The closing date for application is Wednesday 5th August 2026 at 23:59.
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and online checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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