At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain school grounds and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students and staff.
- Company: Join the vibrant Oxford High School community with over 150 years of educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Practical maintenance and gardening experience, plus good communication and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37440 £ per year.
Required: June 2026
Contract Term: Permanent
Competitive Salary plus benefits: £27,171.00
Working Pattern: Full time, all year round, 36 hour week, working five days out of the seven. There will be a requirement to work early, late and occasional weekend shifts. Hours will vary due to lettings and events and may include week and weekend days. Please be aware that a degree of flexibility with your working arrangements is required to meet the needs of the busy school calendar.
Oxford High School is seeking a reliable, proactive and hardworking individual to help maintain our school premises and grounds to a high standard. This role is essential in ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.
Key Responsibilities- Site & Security: Assist in the security of the school premises, including locking/unlocking buildings and monitoring alarms and surveillance systems. Ensure external areas, gym and swimming pool are secure when not in use. Support the maintenance of access systems, locks and keys.
- Premises Maintenance: Carry out general repairs and maintenance to buildings, furniture and equipment. Support planned preventative maintenance and respond promptly to emergency repairs. Assist with monitoring heating, lighting, water systems, fire alarms and other site services. Help maintain records relating to safety checks and inspections.
- Grounds & Gardening: Maintain landscaped areas, lawns, hedges, planted areas and sports fields across all school sites. Carry out mowing, pruning, planting, watering, weeding and seasonal garden maintenance. Keep school grounds free from litter and vegetation debris. Maintain gardening equipment and report faulty tools or machinery. Assist in designing and developing attractive planting schemes.
- Health & Safety: Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments. Assist with fire safety checks, evacuation procedures and site safety routines. Support waste management and site cleanliness. Provide emergency first aid if qualified.
- General Duties: Assist with porterage, deliveries and room setups for school events. Support school functions, lettings and open days when required. Maintain positive working relationships with staff, pupils, parents and contractors. Opportunity to assist with minibus driving following appropriate training.
The successful candidate will:
- Have practical maintenance and gardening experience.
- Be organised, dependable and able to work independently.
- Take pride in maintaining high standards across the school environment.
- Have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Be flexible to support occasional evening or weekend requirements.
- Hold a driving licence (desirable).
Since its foundation over 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School GDST has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education. Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network.
Benefits:- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Free school lunches
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Closing Date: 2359 Wednesday 5th August 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford employer: Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School GDST is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow and thrive. The school not only prioritises the education of girls but also invests in its staff through extensive training opportunities and generous benefits, making it a rewarding place to build a career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Oxford High School GDST often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Oxford High School GDST does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School GDST
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Oxford High School GDST will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Oxford High School GDST.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Oxford High School GDST.
