Groundsperson / Site Assistant

Shorefields; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational institution is seeking a full-time Groundsperson/Site Assistant to maintain the grounds and ensure the site is safe and tidy. The ideal candidate will possess strong maintenance skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work effectively in a team. Responsibilities include lawn maintenance, equipment checks, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This permanent role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic school environment with a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Must have a good understanding of Health and Safety procedures.
• Proven maintenance skills and takes pride in their work.
• Ability to communicate well with both adults and children.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns and grass areas including cutting, weeding, and reseeding.
• Keep thoroughfares clear of weeds and litter.
• Regular checks and maintenance of all equipment.
• Snow clearance and gritting during adverse weather conditions.

Skills

Reliability

Proactivity

Maintenance skills

Teamwork

Communication

Tools

Lawn mowers

Tractor

Hedge trimmer

Chain saw

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 05/01/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: ASAP

Thorpe Hall School is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Groundsperson/Site Assistant who may have a variety of skills to assist with the day-to‑day operation of the school. We are looking for someone with a flexible approach who takes pride in their work and will demonstrate a passionate drive to maintain and develop our site as well as a desire to contribute positively to the whole school. The role is a physical one involving the effective maintenance of the school grounds/site including maintenance of lawns, pitches and flowerbeds, lifting, moving furniture etc, navigating stairs and a lot of movement around the site, any prospective applicant should ensure that they can fulfil this requirement.

The successful candidate will:

• Be reliable, punctual and trustworthy
• Be proactive, self‑motivated and able to respond to deadlines
• Acquisition of new skills and availability to attend training is essential
• Have a good understanding of the Health and Safety procedures
• Have proven maintenance skills and takes pride in their work
• Have the ability to work effectively as a team player
• Be able to communicate well with adults and children

Thorpe Hall School is committed to the safeguarding of children and successful candidates will be required to undertake pre‑employment checks which include References, Health, Right to Work in UK, Enhanced DBS, online & social media check and a Declaration that they are not a disqualified person under the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2018.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Use of tractor, lawn mowers, strimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, shredder & chain saw (PPE will be provided and must be worn).
• Maintain all lawns and grass areas including pitches, sandpit, pathways – to include cutting/ weeding/ reseeding/ turf/ fertilising/maintenance, as required.
• Maintain all perimeter grounds and fence lines, this will involve pruning/ weeding/ weed‑killing/ strimming/ general fence maintenance.
• To keep thoroughfares clear of weeds and litter, including ramps and stairs.
• To remove any extraneous garden waste from site on a regular basis.
• To keep tools in good working order and sheds/container tidy.
• Regular checks and maintenance of all equipment, including lawnmower and snow blower – annual service.
• Snow clearance and gritting during adverse weather conditions – this may involve a change of hours.
• Erection, dismantling and storage of football nets / rugby posts.
• Maintain a clean and clear boot knock off area.
• Marking out of all PE pitches & running tracks in line with curriculum needs.
• To ensure all activities and procedures comply with Health & Safety Regulations.
• To work with the Estate Manager to ensure each task has a compliant Risk Assessment in place.
• Responsible for placing orders for materials/equipment to the Site Manager.
• Autonomous working.
• A high degree of flexibility in working practices and a co‑operative and enthusiastic outlook.
• To assist Caretaking Staff, as requested, when own tasks restricted by inclement weather.
• Any other ad‑hoc projects as directed by Line Manager, and Headteacher.

General Requirements

• To participate in the performance and development review process annually, taking responsibility for development and training, in discussion with Line Manager.
• To take pride in the maintenance of the School grounds to a high standard as a fundamental part of his/her duties.
• To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace.

Information about the School

Thorpe Hall is a non‑selective co‑educational day school of 500 pupils from Nursery to Year 11. The school is situated on a generous site on the outskirts of Southend‑on‑Sea and has an excellent reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the area. More information about the school and the school’s prospectus can be found on our website: https://www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk/

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.