At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain school grounds and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
- Company: Join the vibrant Oxford High School community with over 150 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working outdoors and developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Practical maintenance and gardening experience, plus good communication and teamwork skills.
Working Pattern: As required. Please be aware that a degree of flexibility with your working arrangements is required to meet the needs of the busy school calendar.
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.
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).
Since its foundation over 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford's 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 staff's personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls Day School Trust network.
BenefitsAs 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 button below. Closing Date: 2359 Monday 31st August 2026. 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.
Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Southampton employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Southampton
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like All The Top Bananas are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like All The Top Bananas.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like All The Top Bananas that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at All The Top Bananas, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with All The Top Bananas. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at All The Top Bananas and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to All The Top Bananas with your unique skills and passion!
