Caretaker at Thornhill Academy

Thornhill Academy; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Vivup staff benefits platform

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Thornhill Academy in Sunderland is seeking a practical and proactive Caretaker to support the day-to-day operation, security and maintenance of the academy site. You will work with the Site Manager to keep buildings and grounds safe, clean and well-maintained, enabling students to learn in a positive environment.

The role involves opening and closing the site, carrying out routine inspections, undertaking minor repairs, supporting contractors, and ensuring health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in caretaking, facilities, maintenance or premises-related role.
• Good practical skills for first-line repairs and maintenance.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Can work independently and manage priorities.
• Reliable, flexible and maintain high standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Contribute positively as part of a wider site and academy team.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the site.
• Carry out routine inspections.
• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance.
• Support contractors on-site.
• Monitor health and safety requirements.
• Assist with porterage duties.
• Respond to site-related issues promptly.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Practical skills

Health & safety awareness

Independent worker

Reliable & flexible

Communication skills

Team player

Safeguarding awareness

Job description

About this Role

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?

• 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.

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.