Premises Assistant

Clifton Lodge School; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Leatherhead is seeking a Premises Assistant to support the safety and welfare of pupils. This full-time role involves general maintenance tasks, site security, and collaborations under the Head of Facilities. Ideal candidates should have practical skills, excellent communication, and time management abilities. The role requires flexibility to cover out-of-hours activities. Benefits include competitive salary, professional development, and free lunches during term time.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on qualifications

Free lunch during term time

School holidays and public holidays

Free parking on site (subject to availability)

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Experience in practical skills such as carpentry or plumbing.
• Ability to manage time effectively while performing multiple tasks.
• Flexibility to ensure site coverage throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the promotion of education and welfare of pupils.
• Ensure safety and security of school sites.
• Handle general site maintenance and minor repairs.

Skills

Excellent time management skills

Practical skills (e.g. Carpentry, painting, plumbing)

Excellent communication skills

Ability to drive the school minibus

Job description

About the School - Downsend Sixth

We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.

Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead. There will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state‑of‑the‑art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.

Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course.

At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff, will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.

In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 90 schools located in 21 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries, in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

In your new role as Premises Assistant, you will be assisting in promoting the education and welfare of pupils in line with Downsend School’s aims and policies. This role involves working under the Head of Facilities to ensure the safety and security of the school sites. The position requires collaboration with the Premises team to handle general site maintenance, driving school minibuses, managing site security, and performing minor repairs and health and safety tasks.

Responsibilities include maintaining the premises, reporting hazards, unlocking and securing the site, responding to alarms, managing the car park, maintaining the swimming pool, and ensuring clear entrances. Additionally, you will be monitoring contractors, testing alarms, assisting with large displays, and moving furniture. This full‑time, year‑round role operates on a shift rota to support out‑of‑hours activities and lettings.

This is a permanent, full‑time role immediately available.

To view our Role Profile, please click here.

Who we are looking for:

• Excellent time management skills
• Practical skills (e.g. Carpentry, painting and decorating or plumbing repairs)
• Ability to drive the school minibus (desirable as full training will be provided)
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexible worker to ensure site coverage throughout and beyond the school day

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third‑party discounts
• Professional Development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 15th February 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.