Caretaker

Thornhill Academy; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Vivup staff benefits platform

Job summary

Thornhill Academy in Sunderland is seeking a proactive Caretaker to support day-to-day site operation, security and maintenance. Working with the Site Manager, you will help ensure the buildings and grounds are safe, clean, secure and well-maintained, enabling students to learn and succeed.

You will join Consilium Academies, benefiting from professionalism, development opportunities, and a supportive environment aimed at excellence in education.

Qualifications

• Experience in caretaking, facilities, maintenance, or premises-related roles.
• Good practical skills for first-line repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the site; carry out routine inspections and minor repairs.
• Support contractors; monitor health and safety requirements.
• Assist with porterage duties and respond to site-related issues as they arise.
• Provide a high-quality, safe environment for students and staff.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Practical maintenance

Health and safety knowledge

Independent working

Reliability & flexibility

Communication skills

Safeguarding commitment

Job description

Are you practical, proactive and take pride in maintaining high standards? Do you enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same?

As a Caretaker, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation, security and maintenance of the academy site. Working closely with the Site Manager and wider school team, you will help ensure that the buildings and grounds are safe, clean, secure and well-maintained. This is an important role that contributes directly to providing an environment where students can learn, develop and succeed.

About Us

Thornhill Academy is a vibrant and ambitious secondary school serving the Sunderland community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and high-quality education that enables every student to achieve their potential, regardless of their starting point.

We have high aspirations for our students and are proud of our supportive school culture, where positive relationships, high expectations and mutual respect underpin everything we do. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to provide engaging learning experiences and opportunities that prepare young people for success both in school and beyond.

As part of Consilium Academies, we benefit from a strong network of schools committed to Excellence and Equality with Integrity. The Trust provides extensive opportunities for collaboration, professional development and the sharing of best practice, ensuring that both staff and students are supported to thrive.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Has experience in a caretaking, facilities, maintenance or premises-related role.
• Has good practical skills and can undertake a range of first-line repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Has an understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Can work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Is reliable, flexible and takes pride in maintaining high standards.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can contribute positively as part of a wider site and academy team.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Why Join Us?

As part of Consilium Academies, you will benefit from:

• Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Access to Trust-wide networks and support.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.Vivup staff benefits platform.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment where wellbeing matters.
• The opportunity to contribute to an academy committed to continuous improvement and excellence.

The Role

You will support the day-to-day operation of the academy site, ensuring that buildings and grounds are safe, secure, clean and well-maintained. Responsibilities will include opening and closing the site, carrying out routine inspections, undertaking minor repairs and maintenance, supporting contractors, monitoring health and safety requirements, assisting with porterage duties and responding to site-related issues as they arise.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that students, staff and visitors have access to a high-quality learning environment. This role would suit an individual who enjoys practical work, takes ownership of tasks and is committed to providing excellent service within an educational setting.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, early application is encouraged

Applications and Information

For further information about the role please see attached recruitment pack including, job description and person specification.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a visit to Thornhill Academy, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date for applications is Thursday 22nd October 2026, 09.00am

Interviews will take place on a date to be confirmed.

We look forward to welcoming a new team member who shares our commitment to excellence in education!

Consilium Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, the Public Sector fluency duty requires state funded schools to ensure candidates for their customer facing roles have the necessary standard of spoken English.