At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful school grounds and sports facilities while working in a friendly team.
- Company: Join King Alfred School, a progressive independent school in North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, free lunches, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for additional work and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant school environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 15000 € per year.
Part‑time – one day per week, preferably a Monday or Friday, 52 weeks per year. Hours: 07:45am to 16:30pm. Occasionally the postholder may be asked to work additional hours to cover staff absence or specific events.
King Alfred School (KAS) is a progressive independent school in North London. Our independence means we can take a holistic approach to education, value progress in every area, and experiment with innovative ideas.
Responsibilities- Provide grounds maintenance support to the school's two sites, Manor Wood and Ivy Wood, including maintenance of sports facilities.
- Work in a small, friendly team with the two gardeners to ensure the grounds and sports facilities are safe, well‑maintained and presentable.
- Provide general caretaking support.
- Work independently on Sundays.
- Experience of providing grounds maintenance services.
- Full, clean driving licence.
- Experience of the safe and effective use of fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides, coupled with a sound knowledge of organic gardening methods and propagation.
- An understanding of health and safety issues appropriate to school grounds and sports maintenance.
- Experience of working in a school setting.
- Level 2 Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Maintenance or other practical horticultural training (desirable).
- Pesticide training (desirable).
- Patient and friendly manner with a flexible approach to work and a willingness to work as part of a team.
- Good communication skills, including the ability to receive, record and transmit messages accurately and quickly.
- Hard‑working with the ability to meet the demands of a busy school.
- Self‑motivated, able to take initiative and work without direct supervision, particularly on a Sunday.
- Strong at building relationships and eager to work with students, staff and contractors.
- Maintain a level of fitness appropriate to the responsibilities of the post, including the ability to move heavy items of equipment.
- Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking this work.
- 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time staff).
- Free lunch during term time.
- Contributory Pension Scheme (5 % employee contributions, 10 % employer contributions) and associated life assurance scheme.
- Termly opportunity to participate in a car parking permit scheme.
- Use of school gym facilities.
- Staff CPD.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
All members of the King Alfred School community are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and social media checks, and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We value diversity and aim to provide a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Groundsperson employer: The King Alfred School
King Alfred School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and innovative work environment, perfect for those passionate about grounds maintenance in an educational setting. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer generous benefits including 26 days of holiday, a contributory pension scheme, and access to gym facilities, all while working within a friendly team dedicated to maintaining our beautiful school grounds. Located in North London, our independent school values progress and creativity, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research King Alfred School and its values. When you show genuine interest in their holistic approach to education, it’ll make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical questions! Since this role involves grounds maintenance, be ready to discuss your experience with tools, safety practices, and organic gardening methods. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in grounds maintenance. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant details!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show us you understand what we need and how you fit into our team at King Alfred School.
Be Yourself:We’re all about a friendly vibe here, so let your personality shine through! Share your passion for gardening and working with students, as we value those personal qualities just as much as your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The King Alfred School
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific grounds maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your previous experience with sports facilities and organic gardening methods, as this will show that you understand the role and can contribute effectively.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with a small team, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate well with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before, especially in a school or similar environment, to demonstrate your friendly and flexible approach.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on health and safety regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety when using fertilisers, herbicides, and other equipment. This shows that you take the responsibility seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
✨Be Ready for the Unexpected
Since the role may require you to work additional hours or independently, think of examples where you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances. This will showcase your self-motivation and ability to take initiative, which are key qualities for this position.
