Caretaker | Comprehensive Secondary School & Sixth Form | Richmond

Marchant Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The school is seeking a reliable caretaker to support day-to-day facilities, maintenance, security, and cleanliness across the campus in Richmond upon Thames. Reporting to the Premises Manager, the role involves hands-on duties to keep indoor and outdoor environments safe and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors.

Key tasks include security checks, routine repairs, setting up spaces for daily use and events, safety inspections, and porterage duties across the grounds.

Qualifications

• Solid practical caretaking, maintenance, or handyperson background.
• Basic health and safety certifications (e.g., COSHH, Manual Handling, or Working at Height) are advantageous.
• Experience in caretaking, facilities management, or site support role within a school, community center, or commercial setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Site Opening & Security: Perform daily unlocking and locking procedures, secure access gates, set building alarm systems, and conduct routine security patrols across the campus premises.
• Routine Repairs & Caretaking: Carry out first-line handyperson duties and reactive repairs, including minor joinery, basic plumbing unblocks, painting and decorating, furniture assembly, and lock maintenance.
• Facilities & Lettings Support: Set up classrooms, assembly halls, and sports facilities for daily routine, internal exams, school productions, and community evening/weekend lettings.
• Health & Safety Inspections: Assist in conducting routine safety checks—including weekly fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks, legionella flushing, and keeping clear safety logs.
• Grounds & Porterage: Receive and distribute deliveries across departments, manage daily waste and recycling collection, clear litter, and perform winter gritting and de-icing along key pedestrian pathways.

Skills

Caretaking experience

DIY skills

Strong communication

Physical fitness

Health & safety awareness

Education

COSHH / Manual Handling / Working at Height qualifications

Tools

Basic handyperson tools

Lock maintenance tools

Job description

We are seeking a reliable, practical, and hardworking Caretaker to support the day-to-day facilities, maintenance, security, and cleanliness across our school campus in Richmond upon Thames. Reporting to the Premises Manager, the successful candidate will play an active, hands-on role in maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming indoor and outdoor environments for students, staff, and visitors.

THE SCHOOL

Set on a well-maintained campus featuring historic and modern teaching blocks, indoor sports suites, and landscaped grounds, this thriving secondary school and sixth form serves over 1,200 pupils aged 11-18 in South West London. Known for its strong academic tradition, positive school culture, and high standards across all operations, the school relies heavily on its dedicated site team to maintain an immaculate, secure, and fully operational learning environment throughout the academic year.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

Site Opening & Security: Perform daily unlocking and locking procedures, secure access gates, set building alarm systems, and conduct routine security patrols across the campus premises.

Routine Repairs & Caretaking: Carry out first-line handyperson duties and reactive repairs, including minor joinery, basic plumbing unblocks, painting and decorating, furniture assembly, and lock maintenance.

Facilities & Lettings Support: Set up classrooms, assembly halls, and sports facilities for daily routine, internal exams, school productions, and community evening/weekend lettings.

Health & Safety Inspections: Assist in conducting routine safety checks—including weekly fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks, legionella flushing, and keeping clear safety logs.

Grounds & Porterage: Receive and distribute deliveries across departments, manage daily waste and recycling collection, clear litter, and perform winter gritting and de-icing along key pedestrian pathways.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications: Solid practical caretaking, maintenance, or handyperson background. Basic health and safety certifications (e.g., COSHH, Manual Handling, or Working at Height) are advantageous.

Experience: Previous experience in a caretaking, facilities management, or site support role within a school, community center, or commercial setting is desirable.

Skills: Strong practical DIY capabilities, good physical fitness for porterage duties, clear communication skills, a proactive work ethic, and a polite, helpful manner when dealing with staff and visitors.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

Local Area & Community: Located in the attractive Royal Borough of Richmond upon Thames in South West London, the school benefits from a peaceful, historic, and green urban setting. Richmond is famous for its picturesque riverside promenades, extensive green spaces such as Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, historic landmarks like Ham House, and a vibrant town center filled with independent shops and dining.

Transport & Commuting: Richmond offers superb transport connectivity across Inner and Outer London, Surrey, and the South East. The school is well-served by local TfL bus routes and major road connections, including the A316 and A3. Public transit options are centered around Richmond Station, providing fast, frequent connections via the District Line, London Overground, and South Western Railway lines into London Waterloo and Surrey.