Grounds Operative - Immediate start

We are seeking to appoint a keen and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the schools grounds team. The Groundsperson is responsible for undertaking tasks to assist with the maintenance of the general condition and availability of the schools sports facilities, whether at the main KCS site or at Kingsway. They will work as part of an overall team of 6 grounds staff, and will report to the Head Groundsperson or his deputy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the head groundsperson, preparing and maintaining the sports facilities, including artificial surfaces, at the main Kings College School site and the sports grounds at Kingsway, to recognised national standards and to the satisfaction of all users.
• Providing grounds staff support to matches/fixtures when required.
• Implementing weekly, monthly and annual agreed maintenance programmes for all facilities, including the Old Boys sports pitches.
• Liaising with appropriate staff on the availability of sports facilities for lessons and matches, and advising on the fitness of pitches.
• Working with various different types of machinery and equipment to prepare and maintain football, rugby, cricket and hockey pitches, as well as artificial surfaces.
• Undertaking general maintenance of equipment as directed.
• Assisting with light tree pruning, hedge cutting and maintenance of paths, including leaf collection and spraying.
• Reporting problems on the ticketing system.
• Attending meetings and events, as directed.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by the head groundsperson.

Person Specification:

This is an ideal opportunity for an able and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the schools grounds team. The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a groundsperson or similar.
• A good understanding of field markings.
• Experience of mechanical repairs and the ability to mend machinery and make small repairs.
• Knowledge and experience of working with synthetic sports pitches/surfaces.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.
• Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload according to fixture lists and weather conditions.
• Relevant qualification in turf management (NVQ or similar) (desirable).
• Driving licence (desirable).

Ideally, we are looking for someone with relevant grounds experience, however we would consider applications from candidates seeking a change in career path and have a genuine interest in working outdoors with the schools grounds team. Full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Terms and Conditions:

• Start date: September/October 2026.
• Salary: £32,078 per annum.
• 40 hours per week, normal working hours based around the core hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although some flexibility is required to accommodate seasonal variations.
• There may be a requirement to work every other Saturday with paid overtime.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Programme of health benefits.
• Free lunch in the Dining Hall during term-time.

Closing date: 9.00am on Thursday 30th July 2026. Interview date to be confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Kings is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Kings College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.