At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance the school's beautiful grounds and sports pitches.
- Company: Ipswich School, a top independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and access to fitness facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and take pride in keeping our school looking its best.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, teamwork skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
The School
Ipswich School has been listed as one of the top 130 schools in the country and is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. We were established prior to 1399, moving to our present site in 1852.
The original buildings stand in front of fine modern classrooms, science laboratories and an award-winning sports hall. These, together with the school library and performing arts centre, face the school field. There are further extensive playing fields within easy walking distance and our sports centre, with further grass pitches and sand-dressed artificial pitches for hockey and netball, is based at Rushmere. Our Westwood Boarding House, just five minutes\\\' walk away on Constitution Hill, is set in wooded grounds, and our Anglesea Heights Boarding House is located adjacent to the senior school.
The Post
The school benefits from a dedicated team of estates staff who work to maintain and continually improve the school’s buildings and grounds. We are looking for a keen person who will take pride in ensuring the school always looks its best. We offer a range of sports (including hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, tennis, football and athletics).
You will assist in maintaining our sports pitches and grounds to a very high standard. You will be able to work independently as well as in a small team, and be responsible, positive in your approach, willing and flexible and able to get on well with others.
You will primarily be based at the senior school (located on Henley Road) and our Notcutts (senior school) sports field, which is located nearby, but you will be required to work at other school sites on a regular basis to ensure that the school’s grounds are always kept in excellent order. You will be working with the grounds manager to ensure that all sports pitches and grounds are prepared and ready for use throughout the year.
An annualised hours contract (total 1950 hours) is in operation to ensure that the school runs smoothly (which will mean longer days on some occasions such as throughout the cricket season, and shorter days on others, and will be directed by the grounds manager). You are likely to be required to work between the following hours. These timings may change to reflect seasonal requirements:
- Summer working hours (from around the beginning of April to around the end of September) as required during the hours of 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Sunday.
- Winter working hours (from around the beginning of October to around the end of March) as required during the hours of 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Occasional evening and weekend work.
Benefits
- Your starting salary will be competitive and will depend on your skills and experience and can be discussed during the application process.
- You will be entitled to 28 working days’ paid holiday per year, including public holidays. One extra day’s holiday may be taken for each completed 2 years’ of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days. This brings the total holiday allowance up to 33 days after 10 years’ service. You will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme (with 10% employer contributions), and you will benefit from 3x salary death in service cover.
- Staff can use the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations)
- You will have access to Smarthealth, the School’s wellbeing app for staff which offers 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
- After 3 months’ service and/or in line with workplace pension legislation, you will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme and will receive 3x death in service life cover.
- After 3+ years’ service, support staff are eligible for staff fee remission.
- Free lunch is provided during term time in the school dining hall when the kitchen is in operation.
How to apply
Please feel free to contact Syd Townsend, Grounds Manager, on 07935342660 or emailing: hr@ipswich.school
To find out more, please visit our website (Ipswich School)
To apply, please submit your completed Application Form by email to: hr@ipswich.school
Alternatively, please post your application, to arrive prior to the closing date, to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SG
Candidates may be contacted or invited to interview prior to the closing date, and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates apply. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible. Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us.
Closing date: 23 September 2025.
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Groundsperson in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Ipswich School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and access to excellent facilities such as a swimming pool and fitness gym, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life experience. The school also prioritises professional growth, providing opportunities for staff fee remission and wellbeing support through the Smarthealth app, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment in a prestigious educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson in Ipswich
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Suffolk County Council's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Suffolk County Council. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Suffolk County Council.
