At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Housekeeping team to keep The Perse School sparkling clean and welcoming.
- Company: The Perse School, a leading independent school in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, rising to £13.15, plus a £500 joining bonus!
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant school environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Reliability, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 € per hour.
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £12.71 per hour (Rising to £13.15 from 01/09/2026)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time
The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co‑educational day schools for children aged 3-18. We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful.
The roles offer a joining bonus of £500, to be paid after a probationary period. The Perse School currently has a vacancy within our Housekeeping team for a reliable and hardworking cleaner to work part time in the late afternoon/evening for 2 hour shifts between the hours of 5pm and 8pm (10 hours a week), at our Upper site on Hills Road.
This opportunity will allow a self‑motivated individual to be a part of a dynamic team to ensure that The Perse School is presented in the best light possible, involving cleaning tasks such as cleaning of furniture, high level dusting and cleaning of internal glazing.
The successful candidate will be honest and reliable with high standards and attention to detail.
Job Description
Working with colleagues to clean and prepare buildings for the school day and for various evening and weekend events, and for ensuring the School is presented in the best light.
Key Responsibilities
The Cleaner will generally be based at the Upper School in Hills Road, but may also provide support at the School’s other sites on occasions. The Cleaner is expected to carry out a number of varied duties as instructed at various school sites including:
- Term time cleaning of all furniture (including the removal of any graffiti), skirting boards, ledges, shelving and high level dusting
- Emptying rubbish bins
- Hoovering or sweeping and mopping floors as applicable
- Removal of marks on walls
- Cleaning of internal glazing
- Cleaning of sinks and toilet areas as applicable
The Cleaners may be asked on occasions to assist in the cleaning of other areas during periods of staff absence.
School Holidays
In addition to the items detailed above, the Cleaner will complete a deep clean for their area during school holidays, duties to include:
- Moveable items to be moved and cleaned behind (i.e. cupboards on wheels)
- Walls to be washed and any marks removed
- Blu tack to be removed from walls
- Woodwork cleaned (door frames, doors, interior window frames)
- All areas to be checked for cobwebs. An extendable brush is available for high areas
- Carpeted areas to be hoovered and spot washed where there are stains
Person Specification
Desirable Knowledge
An understanding of cleaning practice and associated safety procedures.
Desirable Relevant Experience
Working in a school environment. Experience of cleaning work.
Essential Skills And Abilities
- Honesty and reliability.
- High standards and attention to detail – the ability to achieve and maintain a consistently high standard in work undertaken.
- The ability to work as part of a team, communicate with staff at all levels, and to establish good working relationships.
- Good organisational skills and self‑motivation.
Working Hours
This is an afternoon/evening role of 2 hours per shift (10 hours per week), to be worked within the hours of 5pm‑8pm. Interested applicants must be able to commit to work Monday – Friday during term time.
Application Deadline
Closing date: Thursday 28th May at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.
Equal Opportunity
The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding
The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment.
Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.
Cleaner employer: The Perse School, Cambridge
The Perse School Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits scheme, including a £500 joining bonus after probation. Our supportive work culture prioritises personal and professional development, ensuring that staff feel engaged and purposeful in their roles, contributing to the happiness and success of our pupils. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, this part-time Cleaner position provides a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team in a prestigious educational environment.
Contact Detail:
The Perse School, Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Perse School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and the kids.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a cleaning role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and respect the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what The Perse School is looking for in a cleaner and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Show Off Your Experience:When writing your application, highlight any relevant cleaning experience you have, especially in a school environment. We want to see how your skills can contribute to keeping The Perse School shining!
Be Honest and Reliable:Since honesty and reliability are key traits for this role, make sure to emphasise these qualities in your application. Share examples that demonstrate your commitment to high standards and teamwork.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly from interested candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Perse School, Cambridge
✨Know Your Cleaning Practices
Familiarise yourself with basic cleaning techniques and safety procedures. Being able to discuss your understanding of these practices during the interview will show that you’re serious about maintaining high standards.
✨Highlight Your Reliability
Emphasise your honesty and reliability in previous roles. Share specific examples where your dependability made a difference, especially in a team setting, as this is crucial for the role at The Perse School.
✨Show Attention to Detail
Prepare to discuss how you ensure a thorough clean, from high-level dusting to removing marks on walls. Mention any past experiences where your attention to detail led to positive outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues, be prepared to answer questions about teamwork. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, and how you communicate effectively to get the job done.
