Groundsperson

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.