Premises Assistant

About The School – Downsend Sixth

We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures. Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, with a connection to the rest of the Downsend community. Students will have a greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state‑of‑the‑art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish. Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course. We are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures and other staff will be on hand to help support and guide students as they think about next steps. In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 90 schools located in 21 different countries, will facilitate many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries, in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, serving more than 100,000 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

In your new role as Premises Assistant, you will be assisting in promoting the education and welfare of pupils in line with Downsend School’s aims and policies. The role involves working under the Head of Facilities to ensure the safety and security of the school sites. You will collaborate with the Premises team to handle general site maintenance, drive school minibuses, manage site security, and perform minor repairs and health and safety tasks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the premises.
• Report hazards.
• Unlock and secure the site.
• Respond to alarms.
• Manage the car park.
• Maintain the swimming pool.
• Ensure clear entrances.
• Monitor contractors.
• Test alarms.
• Assist with large displays.
• Move furniture.
• Work full‑time, year‑round on a shift rota to support out‑of‑hours activities and lettings.

Who we are looking for

• Excellent time management skills.
• Practical skills (e.g. carpentry, painting and decorating or plumbing repairs).
• Ability to drive the school minibus (desirable as full training will be provided).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexible worker to ensure site coverage throughout and beyond the school day.

Benefits At Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience.
• Free lunch provided during Term Time.
• School holidays and public holidays.
• 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: Sunday 15th February 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. 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.