At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive school minibus routes and ensure pupil safety during transport.
- Company: The Portsmouth Grammar School, a leading co-educational institution.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while enjoying flexible working hours.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, good communication skills, and a passion for working with young people.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to student welfare and development.
The predicted salary is between 16582 - 18500 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £16,582 (pro-rated salary for 30hrs per week based on FTE salary of £26,745 per annum)
Job type: Permanent, Part Time (30hrs/week OR 15hrs/week, worked across 5 days, Monday to Friday)
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the heart of historic Portsmouth.
The Role
Our Minibus Drivers work on a term time and part-time basis working Monday to Friday for either 30hrs per week, for AM and PM runs, or 15hrs per week, for either an AM or PM run. They drive school minibus routes as part of the school’s home to school transport services for pupils. The routes to be covered by this service include Bishop’s Waltham, Corhampton/Droxford, Clanfield, Chichester, Hayling Island and Eastney, and the Isle of Wight Hovercraft, although this may be subject to change. We are recruiting for roles starting in September 2026. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
Main Responsibilities
- To drive a transport route, with pupils, in the mornings before school and/or at the end of each school day.
- To conduct vehicle inspections and undertake related vehicle cleaning and vehicle maintenance tasks, as required for the role.
- To undertake other ad hoc driving duties such as driving the minibus shuttle service to and from our main site in Old Portsmouth and our sports ground at Hilsea.
- To maintain appropriate electronic and paper records and registers, using school email and phone systems.
- To report accidents, pastoral concerns, vehicle defects, following the school’s procedures, as required.
- To undertake all necessary training required by the school, to include safeguarding and manual handling.
- To ensure the safeguarding of pupils.
The Ideal Candidate
- A good standard of education with excellent spoken and written English.
- Hold a full clean and current UK driving licence and have at least 2 years of driving experience.
- Hold a D1 licence MIDAS qualification (assessment for this qualification can be provided by the school).
- Experience of driving a minibus.
- Able to follow instructions safely and effectively.
- Professional and friendly and able to demonstrate an interest in working with children and young people in an educational setting.
- Able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills for effective communication with pupils, parents and staff.
- Adaptable and resilient to respond to the varied needs of pupils who use the minibus service and to follow appropriate school channels for reporting any pastoral concerns.
- Proactive and flexible to adapt on a daily basis to the driving conditions on the roads, and to plan ahead in accordance with varied bookings and pupil numbers.
- Able to deal with day to day issues on own initiative.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to use email and school transport management software.
- Previous experience of a similar paid or volunteer role offering a professional driving service would be an advantage.
- Willingness to undertake all necessary safeguarding and other staff training.
To Apply
For further details of the role including the job description, and application form, please click apply to be redirected to our website. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Minibus Driver in Portsmouth employer: The Portsmouth Grammar school
Contact Detail:
The Portsmouth Grammar school Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Minibus Driver in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Portsmouth Grammar School and understand their ethos. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what the school is really looking for in a Minibus Driver.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to driving, safety, and working with children. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to be part of the team at Portsmouth Grammar School.
We think you need these skills to ace Minibus Driver in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Driving Experience: Make sure to highlight your driving experience in your application. We want to see that you’ve got a full clean UK driving licence and at least two years behind the wheel. If you've driven a minibus before, definitely mention that!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the role. Use the job description as a guide and sprinkle in keywords that match what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Professional Yet Friendly: Since you'll be working with pupils, it’s important to convey a professional yet friendly tone in your application. Let us know about your interpersonal skills and how you can connect with young people in an educational setting.
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage early applications and might even interview before the closing date. Head over to our website to submit your application and make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Portsmouth Grammar school
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the minibus routes mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these routes and any potential challenges shows your preparedness and genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Be ready to talk about your driving experience, especially with minibuses. Share specific examples of how you've handled different driving conditions or situations involving passengers, particularly children.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with pupils, parents, and staff, it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in a school or similar environment.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is paramount when driving children. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you ensure the safety of your passengers. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have.