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- Tasks: Lead a dedicated grounds team, focusing on horticulture and sports facilities.
- Company: Pipers Corner is a welcoming school set in stunning 35 acres of grounds.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' holiday, pension contributions, free lunches, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a valued team, shaping beautiful outdoor spaces for students and events.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school setting with horticultural qualifications is essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive community and make a real impact on the school's environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Be Appreciated! Running a school’s grounds team can often be a thankless task, you work through rain and shine, yet your hard work and dedication can go unnoticed... But not at Pipers Corner. Here, it’s different. Grounds and outdoor spaces are a top priority. You’ll notice this the moment you visit. Tucked away at the end of a country lane, Pipers Corner is a hidden gem. Thanks to the welcoming staff, friendly pupils, and stunning setting, everyone who steps onto the site comes away with a warm feeling. Nestled in 35 acres of grounds, including six acres of woodland, this will be your new office.
The role will keep you on your toes. Around 60% of your time will be horticulture-focused, with the rest dedicated to sports facilities and other wider support. From woodland management and keeping the Forest School thriving, to lawn care, planting, and maintaining pitches, including AstroTurf and hard courts, you’ll play a key role in shaping and developing the Grounds Management Plan. Your first major task? Getting the school ready for Speeches Day in July, when all eyes will be on the site for the end-of-year celebrations.
Some schools treat their grounds team as separate, but here, you and your team of three assistants will be an integral part of the Estates team. Working closely with the Estates Manager, Maintenance Manager and SLT, your input and ideas will be valued, whether it’s discussing tulip colours with the Head or working with the Director of Sport on improvements. Due to the nature of the site, you’ll need experience working in a school setting, ideally with horticultural qualifications. On top of grounds maintenance, your team will also oversee litter, bins, traffic management, and occasionally assist with whole-school events.
In return, you’ll receive:
- 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- A pension contribution of up to 9% from the school
- An annual professional review and commitment to CPD
- Free lunch during term time
- Use of the fitness suite and swimming pool
- Staff clubs such as yoga, running, football, and choir
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- On-site car parking
- Access to a counselling service
Apply below, or to learn more, please contact Tom Morrison at Oyster. We understand that your CV might not be up to date, so please send us what you have or find us on LinkedIn, and we can arrange a conversation from there. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with other safeguarding checks, will be required. Oyster has partnered exclusively with Pipers Corner School; all direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Oyster.
Head of Grounds employer: Oyster
Contact Detail:
Oyster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pipers Corner's grounds and facilities before your application. Visit the school if possible, or explore their website and social media to understand their values and priorities regarding outdoor spaces.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at Pipers Corner. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations for the Head of Grounds role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific horticultural projects or initiatives you've led in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience and innovative ideas will demonstrate your capability to contribute to the Grounds Management Plan.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for collaboration by thinking of ways you could work with other departments, like the Estates team or the Director of Sport. Presenting ideas on how to enhance the school's outdoor spaces will set you apart as a proactive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Head of Grounds position. Highlight your relevant experience in horticulture and grounds management.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in a school setting and any horticultural qualifications you possess. Emphasise your teamwork skills, especially your ability to collaborate with other departments like Estates and Sport.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for grounds management and your commitment to creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Mention how you can contribute to the school's vision and your excitement about preparing for events like Speeches Day.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, consider reaching out to Tom Morrison at Oyster for any additional questions or to express your enthusiasm for the role. This shows initiative and genuine interest.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster
✨Show Your Passion for Grounds Management
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for horticulture and grounds management during the interview. Share specific examples of your previous work in similar roles, especially in a school setting, to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the unique challenges involved.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss past experiences where you successfully worked with others, particularly in managing projects or events, to show that you can integrate well into the Estates team.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills related to grounds maintenance. Be ready to discuss how you would approach tasks like woodland management or preparing sports facilities for events, showcasing your expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for the Role
Articulate your vision for the grounds management plan and how you would enhance the outdoor spaces at Pipers Corner. Share innovative ideas or improvements you would implement, showing that you are proactive and forward-thinking in your approach to the role.
