Deputy Head Grounds Person in Uckfield

We are seeking to appoint an astute and dependable Deputy Head Grounds Person to work as part of a team to ensure that the site is maintained to the highest possible standards in accordance with the contract and good horticulture practice for the enjoyment, recreation and safety of site employees and visitors. Please note that due to the nature of the position, a valid driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a full range of Grounds and Landscaping teams
• Preparation, repair and general maintenance of various multi-use grass sports pitches including rugby, football, cricket, athletics
• Setting up and removal of requirements for various sports and games related events
• Setting up and maintenance of sports equipment
• Grass cutting, verti draining, fertilising, pitch and line marking and other related responsibilities
• Pruning, strimming, weeding, leaf collection etc.
• Management of stock orders, (safe) storage and use of said stock, as well as a clear commitment to achieving best value from all expenditure
• Keeping the Head of Groundsman fully advised on the progress of all works

What we are looking for

This is a physical role so you must be reasonably fit to cope with the demands of the role, which include lifting, carrying and working outdoors in all weather conditions. A flexible approach is needed to working hours, with some requirement to work early mornings and later evenings. Team members may be required to work paid overtime on Saturdays during the Summer term to prepare wickets prior to school cricket matches. A full, clean UK driving licence is a requirement of the role.

Personal Specification

• Ability to work diligently and apply strategic thinking to the management of the estate.
• Proactive with a good eye for detail.
• Ability to guide, train and motivate the team.
• Self-driven with a keen desire to want to improve standards.
• Good knowledge of all aspects of sports turf and landscaping maintenance.
• Experience in the use of various types of machinery and equipment.
• Experience in good quality sports pitches and general grounds maintenance.
• Experience in the preparation of cricket pitches will be necessary.
• Good understanding of all Health & Safety obligations relevant to the role and ability to identify and resolve any issues proactively.

Benefits

The School offers its own generous salary scale and an enhanced benefits scheme including an employee assistance programme, meal provision and enhanced pension contribution. Employees have access to our facilities and benefit from free parking, social events and discounted school fees.

Worth is a highly successful co-educational, Catholic, Benedictine, 11-18 HMC boarding and day school of circa 600 pupils. It offers a broad curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate and A levels in the Sixth Form.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to apply online by using the Quick Apply button. Alternatively, an application form and job details are available from the HR Department. Email: recruitment@worth.org.uk Telephone: 01372 710215

Closing date for applications: 28 February 2026. We reserve the right to invite candidates for interview prior to the closing date and to close vacancies early if we have sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy; Worth School is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children, all employees must have the ability to understand and adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding legislation. The role holders safeguarding responsibilities are set out in the job description. References may be taken prior to interview and DBS and other vetting checks will be conducted on the successful applicant.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.

The MOJ’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Section 7(1)(a) states that it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity related to children.