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- Tasks: Join our team to keep the school clean and welcoming for everyone.
- Company: Be part of George Heriot's School, Edinburgh's leading independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly policies, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a community-focused school while working flexible hours.
- Qualifications: Previous cleaning experience and good communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role involves working with children, requiring PVG membership.
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Cleaner (Monday to Friday 3.15pm-7.15pm)
Job Reference schooltalent/TP/606/2355
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Part Time Permanent
Location:
Edinburgh
Closing Date:
20/02/2026
Department:
Operational/Professional Services
Region / Division:
George Heriot\\\’s School
Job Role:
Operational/Professional Services
Package Description
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of our school, so distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded our school.
Our staff survey in 2019 revealed that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer, which, for Support Staff, in addition to basic salary, includes:
- Family friendly policies
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, which is committed to upholding the ethos of our school and, as an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The Role
Cleaners (2-3 positions) required to join friendly and committed school in-house services team.
Hours of work are 3.15 – 7.15pm
Monday to Friday 20 hours per week
Main Responsibilities
- Emptying waste bins, transporting waste to designated collection points.
- Dusting, damp wiping
- Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floor areas
- Cleaning toilets, urinals, and hand basins
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven work experience as a cleaner
- Must have excellent written and verbal skills for the purpose of Health and Safety and ability to follow instructions.
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Please note that parking is not available on our campus
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463
About the school/organisation
George Heriot’s School
George Heriot’s School is Edinburgh’s leading independent school. Academically proven and recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland in June 2024, the school’s best practice expertise in wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and in raising attainment and achievement, is acknowledged. The school has 1,670 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.
As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I and his wife Queen Anne. Goldsmiths at that time were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and over the years has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a fully funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes.
Separately, the school has continued to apply the transformative powers of education, opening 21 Out Schools in the 1800s which educated over 100,000 boys and girls in Edinburgh before the advent of the Children’s Act, and more recently supporting Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees to build a better life in Scotland. Each year the school spends approximately £1.3 million to support the education of bursary and Foundation pupils.
Today the school is an award-winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and being voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey.
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Cleaner (Monday to Friday 3.15pm-7.15pm) employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaner (Monday to Friday 3.15pm-7.15pm)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of George Heriot's School. Understanding their motto, 'to distribute chearfullie', can help you align your approach during any interviews or discussions, showing that you share their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your previous cleaning experience in a way that demonstrates your attention to detail and ability to follow health and safety protocols. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled that relate directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your communication skills. Since the role requires excellent verbal and written skills for health and safety instructions, think of examples where you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the school’s community involvement and be prepared to express your interest in participating in wider school activities. This shows your commitment to being part of their community and enhances your appeal as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaner (Monday to Friday 3.15pm-7.15pm)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific duties and responsibilities of the Cleaner position. Highlight your relevant experience in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your cleaning experience and any relevant skills, such as attention to detail and ability to follow health and safety instructions. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role at George Heriot’s School. Mention your commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment and how your values align with the school's ethos.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Show Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous cleaning experience during the interview. Discuss specific tasks you've handled, such as emptying waste bins or cleaning toilets, to demonstrate your capability and familiarity with the role.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal skills are essential for following health and safety instructions, be prepared to discuss how you communicate effectively in a team. You might even want to share examples of how you've followed instructions in past roles.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with George Heriot’s School's motto, 'I distribute chearfullie', and be ready to explain how you embody these values in your work. Showing that you align with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about training opportunities or how the cleaning team collaborates with other staff. It shows your interest in the role and the school community.
