At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain school grounds and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
- Company: Join the vibrant Oxford High School, a leader in girls' education for over 150 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for evening or weekend work; driving licence preferred.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a lively school setting while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Practical maintenance and gardening experience; good communication and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 30348 - 37092 £ per year.
Working Pattern: As required. 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 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
Application Details:
For further details and to apply please click on the button below. Closing Date: 2359 Monday 31st 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.
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.
Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Lincolnshire 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 generous pension scheme, all while contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students and the community. Located in the historic city centre of Oxford, the school provides a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering institution that values teamwork and individual contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Lincolnshire
✨Join Local Trade Associations
Get involved with local trade associations or unions relevant to your field – they often have job boards and networking opportunities. This is a great way for us to get our foot in the door and meet folks who already work in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your best work, whether that's before-and-after photos of projects or testimonials from past clients. Let’s make your skills visible online and offline, helping potential employers see what you can do!
✨Network at Local Events
Attend local job fairs or trade shows – these are gold mines for making connections in the skilled trades. Speak to the booths and don’t be shy about handing out your CV. We never know who might be looking for part-time help!
✨Utilise Social Media Communities
Join groups on social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn that are focused on skilled trades. Engaging with these communities can lead to job opportunities, and sometimes even gigs that aren’t publicly advertised. Let's put ourselves out there and connect!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Caretaker / Gardener in Lincolnshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:In the skilled trades, your on-the-job experience speaks volumes. Make sure to highlight any apprenticeships, relevant projects, or even DIY jobs you've tackled. Specifics about tools you've used or methods you've mastered can really set you apart.
Include Certifications:If you’ve got any trade-specific certifications or licenses, feature them prominently in your CV. These are often essential in our field and show you're serious about your craft. Don't forget to mention any ongoing training too – it shows your commitment to learning!
Express Your Flexibility:Since this is a part-time role, it's crucial to emphasise your availability in your cover letter. Let Oxford High School know when you can work and that you’re open to different shifts. Being flexible can be a major selling point for part-time positions!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure you customise your CV and cover letter for Casual Caretaker / Gardener at Oxford High School. Mention specific skills that align with the job description – whether it's carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, showing you’ve done your homework makes a great impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Skills
In the skilled trades, it’s all about showing what you can do! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work – think photos of projects, testimonials from past employers, or even a list of tools you’re comfortable using. This will give a tangible proof of your expertise and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running with Oxford High School.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some hands-on questions during your interview. The interviewer might ask you how you’d tackle specific job scenarios. Brush up on techniques and tools relevant to your trade, and think through solutions for common challenges you’ve faced in the past. We want you to demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your problem-solving skills!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since it's a part-time position, it's crucial to emphasise your adaptability. Be ready to discuss how your schedule can fit in with the needs of Oxford High School. If you’re available for emergencies or extra hours, let them know – this flexibility can set you apart from other candidates who may only want to stick to a strict schedule.
✨Communicate Your Learning Attitude
As a part-time worker, demonstrating your willingness to learn and adapt is key. Share examples of how you've picked up new skills in previous roles or training sessions. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job to fill some time, but that you’re genuinely interested in growing within the skilled trades sector with Oxford High School.
