At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful grounds, including grass cutting and flower bed care.
- Company: Cognita Schools is a global leader in independent education with over 100 schools worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free lunches, and exclusive discounts while working part-time.
- Other info: Part-time role, 0.5FTE, across 3 days per week.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and contribute to a thriving school environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in groundskeeping and horticulture is essential; a driving license is required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
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About The School - St Margaret\'s Prep
At St. Margaret\'s our children are happy, curious and kind. They thrive in our beautiful, countryside school, where we prioritise a holistic education, fostering character development alongside academic excellence. Our school runs from ages 2 through to 11 years old, we will support every child through every stage of their education.
About The School - St Margaret\'s Prep
At St. Margaret\'s our children are happy, curious and kind. They thrive in our beautiful, countryside school, where we prioritise a holistic education, fostering character development alongside academic excellence. Our school runs from ages 2 through to 11 years old, we will support every child through every stage of their education.
Whilst academic achievement is high, so is our focus on wellbeing, as we know that happy children are high achieving children. We nurture our pupils and develop the characteristics and qualities we know they will need to build bright futures. We ensure they are fully prepared for the next steps in life, both in the classroom and beyond.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Groundskeeper to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 95,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About The Role
St Margaret\'s Preparatory School is looking for a part-time Site Groundskeeper (0.5FTE) to join our dedicated team and help maintain our beautiful 7-acre grounds in Gosfield, North Essex. In this role, you’ll be responsible for grass cutting, lawn care, flower bed maintenance, and ensuring all areas are safe and tidy. You will also assist with setting up events, inspecting outdoor equipment, and supporting the school community through additional tasks like managing car park duties for special events. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply and develop your groundskeeping skills in a supportive environment.
This is a part-time role, 0.5FTE, needed across 3 days per week.
To View a Full Job Description, Click Here .
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking a skilled individual with previous experience in groundskeeping, gardening, or a similar role. A practical knowledge of horticulture, including plant and tree care is essential. You should be experienced in using grounds machinery such as ride-on mowers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers. A driving license is required, and you should be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate will be proactive, safety-conscious, and passionate about maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
If you\'re looking to contribute to a well-maintained school environment and enjoy outdoor work, we\'d love to hear from you.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Pension scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Professional Development
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Friday 19th September 2025
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
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Professional Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Operative
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#J-18808-LjbffrGroundskeeper in Braintree employer: Cognita Schools
Cognita Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at St Margaret's Prep in the picturesque countryside of North Essex. As a Groundskeeper, you will enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and unique benefits such as free lunches during term time and school fee discounts, all while contributing to the holistic education of happy and curious children. Join our dedicated team and help maintain our beautiful 7-acre grounds, ensuring a safe and inviting space for our school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundskeeper in Braintree
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Cognita Schools.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Cognita Schools.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Cognita Schools; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundskeeper in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Cognita Schools.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Groundskeeper.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Cognita Schools is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Cognita Schools a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Cognita Schools might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
