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.
- 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.
- Other info: Part-time role, 0.5FTE, across 3 days per week.
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
How To Apply
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
Professional Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Operative
Colchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
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Groundskeeper employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundskeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific groundskeeping tasks mentioned in the job description, such as lawn care and flower bed maintenance. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with grounds machinery like ride-on mowers and hedge trimmers. If you have any certifications or training related to these tools, be sure to mention them when you get the chance.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of Cognita Schools on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights about the school culture and what they look for in a Groundskeeper.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your proactive approach to safety and maintenance during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully managed outdoor spaces and ensured safety for users.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundskeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Groundskeeper position at Cognita Schools. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in groundskeeping, gardening, or similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your practical knowledge of horticulture and experience with grounds machinery. Mention any specific tasks you've performed that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as lawn care or flower bed maintenance.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces and contributing to a positive school environment. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate your proactive and safety-conscious approach.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Show Your Passion for Outdoor Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working outdoors and maintaining beautiful spaces. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for gardening and groundskeeping.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with horticulture and the specific grounds machinery mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant skills you have, such as lawn care techniques or flower bed maintenance.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence
Since the role requires both independent work and collaboration, share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams as well as times when you've taken initiative on your own. This will show that you can adapt to different working styles.
✨Prepare Questions About the School Environment
Research St Margaret's Prep and prepare thoughtful questions about their grounds and community. This shows your genuine interest in the school and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.