We are seeking an Assistant Groundsperson to work with the Grounds team to prepare and maintain the School’s playing fields, pitches and grounds, ensuring the professional appearance of the School to all visitors, parents, pupils and staff.

Description

Required: As soon as possible

Reporting to: Head Groundsman

Salary: £17,500 per annum

Hours: Part-Time (25 hours per week)

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Wednesday 14th January

The Role

The King’s School, Gloucester is seeking an Assistant Groundsperson to work with the Grounds team to prepare and maintain the School’s playing fields, pitches and grounds, ensuring the professional appearance of the School to all visitors, parents, pupils and staff. Additionally, as a member of the wider Estates team, the Assistant Groundsperson will undertake a range of duties across the site to support on-site events and the day-to-day operation of the School.

The School

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last six years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

Main Duties

• Lay out and mark sports pitches for play, including cricket, football, rugby, hockey, tennis, netball and athletics;
• Maintain grass and artificial sports pitches to an excellent standard;
• Carry out operations on sports pitches and lawns with the use of pedestrian and ride-on equipment to scarify, aerate, top-dress, over-seed, lift and lay turf, feed, irrigate and cut;
• Periodically assist with garden maintenance and horticulture operations (such as planting, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants) within the School as directed by the Head Groundsman;
• Keep grounds free from litter, debris and weeds;
• Safely use, maintain and clean grounds and horticulture equipment;
• Assist with the set-up of School events as necessary;
• Support PE and other departments as and when required;
• Work in a safe and tidy manner and ensure that all work activities are conducted in line with risk assessments and relevant regulations so as not to put yourself or others at risk;
• Work within the School’s Safeguarding guidance for staff and follow relevant organisational procedures;
• Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Facilities Manager, COO or Headmaster.

Personal Profile

• Enthusiastic and proactive attitude to cope with the many demands placed on the department;
• Capable of showing initiative, including the ability to think ahead and work flexibly;
• Excellent communication skills, able to build relationships and work well within a small team;
• High standards and attention to detail;
• Full, clean driving licence;
• Active interest in sport;
• Appropriate NVQ Level 2 qualification (or equivalent experience) in Grounds Keeping, or similar qualification;
• PA1 and PA6 qualifications are desirable, but not essential.

Hours of Work

The post is for 25 hours per week, to be worked from 08:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday.

Holidays

Holiday entitlement will be 25 days per annum plus Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days per annum after 5 years of service.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work Scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES or by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th January at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Wednesday 14th January. However, early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing date, if appropriate. Candidates are advised that the School is on Christmas break from Monday 15th December to Friday 2nd January inclusive; applications received during this period may experience a slight delay in their acknowledgement.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.