Caretaker

Longsands Academy; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Longsands Academy in St Neots is seeking a reliable Caretaker to join our Operations team. This permanent, full‑time role covers building maintenance, security and grounds support to keep the academy safe, clean and well‑presented.

You will work closely with the Operations Manager and Senior Site Manager, act as a key holder, perform repairs, maintain safety checks and coordinate with contractors. The position offers consistent hours, 52 weeks per year and a salary of £26,017 - £27,710 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience in caretaking, facilities or premises roles.
• Knowledge of building maintenance and health and safety requirements.
• Practical repairs and general maintenance abilities.
• Strong organisation skills and ability to keep accurate records.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Collaborative approach and ability to work well in a team.
• Trade qualifications or experience in an educational setting would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Open and secure the academy site as a key holder.
• Perform general maintenance, repairs and basic trades tasks.
• Maintain safe, clean external areas and grounds.
• Support site security through alarms and lighting systems.
• Assist with compliance checks including fire safety and water hygiene.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and weather-related hazards.
• Coordinate with contractors for safe maintenance work.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming, fully operational environment.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Maintenance knowledge

Health and safety awareness

Repairs & maintenance

Organisation skills

Communication skills

Independence & initiative

Teamwork

Education sector experience (advantage

Education

Trade qualifications advantageous

Job description

Caretaker

Longsands Academy
Salary: £26,017 - £27,710 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am - 4:00pm, Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
Weeks Per Year: 52 weeks

About Longsands Academy

Longsands Academy is a thriving and ambitious secondary school at the heart of the St Neots community. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we are committed to providing an environment where every student can achieve excellence, develop confidence, and fulfil their potential. We believe that a safe, well‑maintained and welcoming school environment plays a vital role in supporting learning, and our facilities team is key to ensuring our academy remains a secure and inspiring place for students, staff and visitors every day.

About the Role

We are seeking a reliable and proactive Caretaker to join our Operations team. This is a varied and hands‑on role that will support the day‑to‑day upkeep, security and maintenance of our buildings and grounds. Working closely with the Operations Manager and Senior Site Manager, you will help ensure our academy remains safe, compliant and well‑presented, while responding to maintenance issues efficiently and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a key holder, ensuring the academy site is opened, secured and monitored effectively.
• Carry out general maintenance, repairs and basic trade tasks across the buildings and grounds.
• Maintain safe, clean and well‑presented external areas, including pathways, car parks and landscaped spaces.
• Support site security through alarms, lighting systems, locking procedures and routine security checks.
• Complete and assist with statutory compliance checks, including fire safety and water hygiene monitoring.
• Respond promptly to site emergencies, maintenance issues and weather‑related hazards such as snow and ice.
• Work with contractors and external services to ensure maintenance and improvement works are completed safely.
• Help create a safe, welcoming and fully operational environment for students, staff and visitors.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in a caretaking, facilities, maintenance or premises role.
• Knowledge of building maintenance and health and safety requirements.
• Practical skills in carrying out repairs and general maintenance tasks.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems effectively.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• Trade experience or qualifications and experience within an educational setting would be advantageous.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?