At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive students to and from school, covering various routes and events.
- Company: Join a supportive school community dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £14.44 per hour with flexible hours and great perks.
- Other info: Enjoy discounts at local businesses and access to school facilities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while enjoying a fun driving role.
- Qualifications: D1 driving licence required; must be 21+ and medically fit.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
We are seeking Minibus Drivers to join our team of drivers to support staff absences, transporting students to and from school. The post holder will cover any of the routes from/to destinations such as Bar Hill, Bottisham, Bury St Edmunds, Chatteris, Huntingdon, Kentford, Newmarket, Trumpington, Saffron Walden and other villages that may be added. Additional ad‑hoc opportunities may arise during term‑time, for example driving students to sports fixtures or events. The driver must be able to operate up to 17‑seat minibuses and hold a D1 category licence. A D1 licence with a 101 restriction is acceptable provided full D1 training and testing will be undertaken. Flexibility, including occasional short‑notice work, is essential.
Essential Requirements
- UK or EU full car driving licence with Category D1 or D1(101) held for at least 2 years, or a UK‑compliant EU licence
- Minimum age of 21 years
- Medically fit to drive under DVLA regulations
- Clean, no‑points or 3 or fewer points licence (no dangerous or reckless offences)
- Understanding of general vehicle function and basic maintenance
- Basic awareness of Safeguarding/Child Protection and Health & Safety (training will be provided)
- Successful completion of a minibus driving assessment demonstrating confidence and safe driving of a 17‑seat vehicle
- Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexibly and independently, sometimes at short notice
- Reliable, with good time management
- Professional, presentable and able to deal pleasantly with children, parents and colleagues
- Strong safety awareness concerning road and passenger safety
- Patience and a sense of humour
Desirable Requirements
- First Aid certificate (training can be provided)
- Comfortable using technology (GPS / Sat Nav, internet, smart‑phones, SMS, email)
- Living locally or within a short commuting distance of Ely
- Previous experience as a passenger vehicle driver
- PCV Category licence
- Full D1 + "E" Category UK licence
Remuneration and Hours
- Casual hours
- Start date: September 2026
- Salary: £14.44 per hour
Terms and Conditions
- Enrolment in the statutory auto‑enrolment pension scheme (Employee 5% and Employer 3%)
- Staff may educate their own children at any of the school parts or at Fairstead House, subject to availability and admissions procedures.
- A discretionary discount on fees for children in Reception year onwards is provided.
- School lunch provided when at work over lunch time and tea and coffee throughout the day.
- Limited use of school gym facilities (during specific times) and use of the school swimming pool during summer school holidays (small fee applies).
- Limited free on‑site parking.
- Employees and their dependants have access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to Salary Sacrifice Schemes such as Cycle2Work, Home and Tech Scheme and Local Gym Membership.
- Members of staff are entitled to a 10% discount on all King’s Ely school uniform ordered for their own children from Schoolblazer.
- Discounts at local businesses including Poet’s House, The Almonry Kitchen & Tearoom, Ely Grazing Company, Sushi and Salad, Griddle Bar and Meathouse, and The Pantry (Newmarket).
King’s Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Casual Minibus Driver in Ely employer: King's Ely Today
At King’s Ely, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and community. Our casual Minibus Drivers enjoy competitive pay, access to employee benefits such as a pension scheme, discounts at local businesses, and opportunities for personal growth through training. With a focus on safeguarding and a commitment to the welfare of our students, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Minibus Driver in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the routes! Familiarise yourself with the areas you'll be driving in, like Bar Hill and Newmarket. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your flexibility! Highlight your ability to work on short notice and adapt to changing schedules. Being reliable and ready to jump in when needed is a huge plus for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills! You'll be interacting with students, parents, and staff, so being friendly and approachable is key. Practice how you’d handle different scenarios to showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Minibus Driver in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Driving Skills:Make sure to highlight your driving experience and any relevant qualifications, especially your D1 licence. We want to see that you’re confident behind the wheel of a minibus, so don’t be shy about sharing your driving history!
Flexibility is Key:Since this role requires flexibility, mention any previous experiences where you had to adapt quickly or work on short notice. We love candidates who can roll with the punches and keep things running smoothly!
Communication Matters:Good verbal communication is essential for this role, especially when dealing with students and parents. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles to show us you can handle this aspect with ease.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's Ely Today
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes mentioned in the job description, like Bar Hill and Bottisham. Being able to discuss these areas confidently will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Driving Skills
Be prepared to talk about your driving experience, especially with 17-seat minibuses. If you have any specific examples of safe driving or handling challenging situations, share those to demonstrate your competence.
✨Emphasise Flexibility
Highlight your ability to work flexibly and at short notice. Share any past experiences where you successfully adapted to changing schedules or unexpected demands, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be interacting with students, parents, and colleagues, showcase your verbal communication skills. Practice how you would explain safety protocols or address concerns, as this will reflect your interpersonal abilities.
