At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain school grounds and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students and staff.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Oxford High School, a leader in girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- 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, with good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Oxford High School is seeking a reliable, proactive and hardworking Caretaker/Gardener 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.
About You
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).
About Oxford High School:
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:
As part of the Girls Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:
- 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
For further details and to apply please click on the apply button. The closing date for application is Wednesday 5th August 2026 at 23:59. 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.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and online checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Caretaker / Gardener in Jericho employer: Oxford High School
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to maintaining high standards in education and facilities, employees benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a range of perks including generous pension schemes and discounts for children at GDST schools. Located in the historic city centre of Oxford, this role not only contributes to a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students but also allows for meaningful engagement with the school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker / Gardener in Jericho
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Oxford High School.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Oxford High School.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Oxford High School; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker / Gardener in Jericho
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Oxford High School.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Caretaker / Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Oxford High School is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Oxford High School a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Oxford High School might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
