Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure site security, perform maintenance tasks, and assist with event setups.
- Company: Join Downe House, a leading independent school for girls in a beautiful setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free meals, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for social events throughout the year.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a real difference in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Previous maintenance experience and a current driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 27500 £ per year.
Shift Pattern:
- Option 1 - 1.30pm – 9.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Option 2 - 35 hours alternating from: Week one 1.30pm - 9pm, Week 2 10.30am - 6pm
- Option 3 - Weekend only: From 8am - 4.30pm including residential and 25 days holiday cover a year
- Option 4 - Weekend only - 48 hours: From 8am Saturday to 8am Monday, with no holiday cover
Salary Range: £26,000 - £27,500 per annum FTE
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, near Thatcham. Our Estates team is committed to the upkeep of our attractive school site and ensuring the safety of pupils and staff at all times. We are looking for an experienced and reliable Caretaker to join our friendly team. The duties are varied, including site security, responding to emergency requests, and undertaking a range of maintenance tasks. You will need previous maintenance experience, ideally in a school or hotel environment, and will also need to be proactive and trustworthy. A current driving licence is required. Part of this role will involve covering as relief Caretaker (for up to 25 days of the year), where you will be required to work the shift pattern of the Residential Caretaker including on-call overnight shifts – we will provide onsite accommodation for you during these shifts.
Main Duties
- Carry out any minor maintenance tasks as directed by your manager, or that have been reported through the school system.
- Act as out-of-hours site security.
- Carry out the school ‘lock up’, including locking doors and windows, security inspections, and perimeter walks.
- Liaise with house staff about maintenance issues in the boarding houses.
- Assist with the set-up of events when required.
- Ensure that health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
Benefits Include
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas shutdown.
- Delicious free meals while on duty.
- Generous employer Pension Scheme, with employer contributions at 9%.
- Life insurance & critical illness cover.
- Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times.
- Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location.
- A variety of social occasions throughout the year.
We will review applications on receipt and reserve the right to interview before the closing date. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links. For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email recruitment@downehouse.net. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks. At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Caretaker in Thatcham employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Downe House and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their commitment to safety and community. It’ll make you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to chat about your past experiences. Think of specific examples where you've handled maintenance tasks or dealt with emergencies. We want to see how your skills can directly benefit the team at Downe House.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress smartly but comfortably for your interview. You want to look professional while also being ready for a hands-on role. Show them you’re serious about the position and ready to jump into action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of events you might help set up, or how they handle maintenance requests. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in maintenance and site security. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Caretaker at Downe House.
Show Your Reliability: Since we're looking for someone trustworthy, be sure to mention any previous roles where you demonstrated reliability. We love candidates who can show they’re proactive and dependable!
Highlight Your Flexibility: With various shift patterns available, let us know your availability and willingness to adapt. If you're open to covering shifts or working weekends, make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Shift Patterns
Familiarise yourself with the different shift patterns mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to the various schedules, especially if you're considering the weekend-only options.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to showcase any previous maintenance experience, particularly in a school or hotel environment. Prepare specific examples of tasks you've handled that relate to site security and emergency responses, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Trustworthiness
Since the role requires being proactive and trustworthy, think of instances where you've taken initiative or been relied upon in past jobs. Share these stories during the interview to illustrate your suitability for the position.
✨Ask About Health and Safety Standards
Show your commitment to maintaining health and safety standards by asking questions about the school's policies. This not only demonstrates your understanding of the importance of safety but also your eagerness to contribute positively to the environment.