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- Tasks: Lead and manage grounds across two prestigious schools, ensuring top-notch sports surfaces and beautiful landscapes.
- Company: Join Ardingly College and Great Walstead School, renowned for their commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' experiences through outstanding grounds management.
- Qualifications: Expertise in sports turf, horticulture, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to develop a skilled team and enhance school environments.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
This is a newly created, senior operational leadership role with responsibility for the grounds and gardens across two leading independent schools: Ardingly College and Great Walstead School.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Grounds will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership to deliver outstanding sports surfaces, landscaped grounds and areas that enhance the educational, co‑curricular and commercial activities of both schools. The role requires a high level of professional expertise in sports turf, horticulture and grounds management, alongside strong people leadership and planning capability.
Across both schools, the grounds include extensive sports facilities (football pitches, tennis courts, cricket squares and all‑weather pitches), landscaped gardens, woodland areas and ancillary areas. You will lead a multi‑site team and work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure the grounds are safe, attractive, sustainable and fit for year‑round purpose.
Reporting to the Director of Estates and Facilities, you will lead, manage and develop a skilled and committed team comprising two Deputy Heads of Grounds and nine groundspersons and gardeners.
Benefits and Professional Development
This role provides numerous opportunities for professional development and personal growth, with a salary ranging from £45,000 to £48,000, depending on experience. The total remuneration offered represents a salary, pension and benefits package that reflects the substantial contribution made by staff towards the success of the College.
How to Apply
Please visit Working here - Ardingly to find out everything the College has to offer and all the benefits available to our staff. To view the full job description and apply online, please visit ardingly.com/vacancies.
Closing Date
Closing date: 12.00pm on 20 February 2026, although applications may be considered upon receipt.
About the School
Ardingly College is an independent co‑educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2‑18, a member of the HMC and a school of the Woodard Corporation.
Child Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All employees are required to undertake child protection screening appropriate to the post, including enhanced DBS checks.
Head of Grounds in Ardingly employer: Ardingly College
Contact Detail:
Ardingly College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds in Ardingly
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with alumni from your school. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your work in grounds management or landscaping, make sure to bring it along to interviews. Visuals can really help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle specific challenges related to grounds management. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the schools there.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds in Ardingly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Grounds role. Highlight your experience in sports turf, horticulture, and grounds management, as well as your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our schools!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your people leadership approach. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in multi-site environments. We’re keen to know how you inspire and develop your team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, you can check out all the benefits we offer while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardingly College
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific grounds and facilities at Ardingly College and Great Walstead School. Understand the unique challenges and opportunities they present, especially in terms of sports surfaces and landscaped areas. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their outdoor spaces.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, particularly in grounds management. Discuss how you've successfully managed multi-site operations and developed team members in previous roles. This is crucial as the role requires strong people leadership capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would approach strategic planning for the grounds. Be prepared to discuss your vision for maintaining and improving the sports facilities and gardens. Consider sustainability practices and how they can be integrated into the grounds management strategy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you would communicate and collaborate with them effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, ensuring the grounds meet educational and commercial needs.
