At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain a safe and clean school environment while supporting leisure facilities.
- Company: Kendrick School, an outstanding girls' grammar school in Reading.
- Benefits: Generous leave, training opportunities, free parking, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real difference in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Good practical skills; previous caretaking experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for Saturday work and career development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
23.75 hours a week. Monday to Friday 4.45pm to 9.30pm. Band 5. Range P4-P6. 52 weeks a year with 5 weeks holiday.
Kendrick School is a successful 11-18 girls’ grammar school in the centre of Reading. Graded ‘Outstanding’ in its recent OFSTED inspection, Kendrick School is a centre of academic excellence with a track record of high performance and achievement. These high standards are extended to our school site, and we are looking for a hardworking and enthusiastic School Caretaker to work as part of the Premises Team to ensure these standards are maintained.
Joining us in March 2026, the successful candidate’s role would involve general caretaking duties, working as part of a team to ensure the security, safety, cleanliness and general maintenance of the school site, and supporting the operation of the busy leisure facilities for hirers. The ability to work flexible hours during the week and on a Saturday to cover sickness and holiday is essential. There is a possibility, in the future, to extend the hours to work on a Saturday.
We are looking for someone who has good practical skills and/or maintenance experience and who takes pride in their work. You must be professional, reliable and flexible in your approach and enjoy working as part of a team but also be able to work on your own initiative and be self-motivated. Previous school caretaking experience is desirable but not essential, and full training would be given.
Responsibilities/Role DetailsGeneral caretaking duties as part of the Premises Team to ensure security, safety, cleanliness and general maintenance of the school site, and support the operation of busy leisure facilities for hirers. Flexibility to cover sickness and holiday, including some Saturday work. There is potential to extend hours to Saturdays in the future.
Benefits- Friendly, welcoming and supportive colleagues.
- Access to a free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Training and development.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years of continuous service.
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Free onsite parking.
- A subsidised canteen.
- Access to our swimming pool and fitness and wellbeing initiatives.
An application form and a job description can be downloaded from the school website or obtained by contacting Mrs Amanda Emberson-Powney at the school. Visits to the school are encouraged. Please contact Amanda Emberson-Powney (aemberson@kendrick.reading.sch.uk) to arrange.
Further details and an application form can be downloaded from the school website here. CVs cannot be accepted as a method of application. Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested in the role, please submit your application as early as possible.
Kendrick School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure & Barring Service. Kendrick School is an Equal Opportunity employer.
School Caretaker - Kendrick School employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker - Kendrick School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a stroll around Kendrick School or chat with current staff. This will give you a feel for the place and help you tailor your application to show how you fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet the team, highlight any practical skills or maintenance experience you have. Even if you haven't worked in a school before, share examples of how you've tackled similar tasks.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Make sure to emphasise your willingness to cover shifts and work weekends. Schools often need extra hands during busy times, so showing you're up for it can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Kendrick School team. Don’t wait too long; apply early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker - Kendrick School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to check out Kendrick School's website. Familiarising yourself with our values and what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure you download the application form from our website and fill it out completely. Remember, we can't accept CVs, so stick to the application form to ensure your application is considered!
Show Your Skills: When filling out the application, highlight any practical skills or maintenance experience you have. Even if you haven't worked as a school caretaker before, showcasing your relevant abilities can really make you stand out.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! The closing date is 27th February 2026, but we might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications. So, get your application in as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Kendrick School and its values. Understanding their commitment to academic excellence and student welfare will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.
✨Highlight Your Practical Skills
As a School Caretaker, practical skills are key. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it’s maintenance work or general caretaking duties. If you’ve worked in similar environments before, share specific examples of how you contributed to the safety and cleanliness of those spaces.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be prepared to discuss your availability. Mention any previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing schedules or cover for colleagues. This shows that you’re reliable and can handle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the school supports its staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.