Caretaker/ Gardener

Oxford High School - GDST; Oxford; On-site; GBP 24,453 - 29,888; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary progression

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Free school lunches

Fee discount GDST

Job summary

Oxford High School GDST is seeking a reliable Caretaker/Gardener to maintain premises and grounds to a high standard. The role supports a busy school calendar with early/late shifts and some weekend work.

A 36-hour week and 36-hour year-round pattern apply, with opportunities to assist during events. Key tasks include site security, repairs, grounds maintenance, health and safety compliance, and event setup.

Qualifications

• Experience in building and grounds maintenance.
• Experience with horticultural tasks and garden care.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and risk assessments.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to cover shifts including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Secure school premises and monitor alarms.
• Carry out repairs and general maintenance.
• Maintain heating, lighting, water systems, fire alarms and safety checks.
• Maintain gardens, lawns, beds and sports fields.
• Assist with event setups and lettings.
• Support minibus driving after training (if required).

Skills

Maintenance experience

Gardening

Organisation

Independent work

Teamwork

Driving licence

Job description

Required: June 2026

Contract Term: Permanent

Competitive Salary plus benefits: £27,171.00

Working Pattern: Full time, all year round, 36 hour week, working five days out of the seven. There will be a requirement to work early, late and occasional weekend shifts. Hours will vary due to lettings and events and may include week and weekend days.

Please be aware that a degree of flexibility with your working arrangements is required to meet the needs of the busy school calendar.

Oxford High School is seeking a reliable, proactive and hardworking Caretaker/Gardener to help maintain our school premises and grounds to a high standard. This role is essential in ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

Site & Security

Assist in the security of the school premises, including locking/unlocking buildings and monitoring alarms and surveillance systems.

Ensure external areas, gym and swimming pool are secure when not in use.

Support the maintenance of access systems, locks and keys.

Premises Maintenance

Carry out general repairs and maintenance to buildings, furniture and equipment.

Support planned preventative maintenance and respond promptly to emergency repairs.

Assist with monitoring heating, lighting, water systems, fire alarms and other site services.

Help maintain records relating to safety checks and inspections.

Grounds & Gardening

Maintain landscaped areas, lawns, hedges, planted areas and sports fields across all school sites.

Carry out mowing, pruning, planting, watering, weeding and seasonal garden maintenance.

Keep school grounds free from litter and vegetation debris.

Maintain gardening equipment and report faulty tools or machinery.

Assist in designing and developing attractive planting schemes.

Health & Safety

Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments.

Assist with fire safety checks, evacuation procedures and site safety routines.

Support waste management and site cleanliness.

Provide emergency first aid if qualified.

General Duties

Assist with porterage, deliveries and room setups for school events.

Support school functions, lettings and open days when required.

Maintain positive working relationships with staff, pupils, parents and contractors.

Opportunity to assist with minibus driving following appropriate training.

About You

The successful candidate will:

Have practical maintenance and gardening experience.

Be organised, dependable and able to work independently.

Take pride in maintaining high standards across the school environment.

Have good communication and teamwork skills.

Be flexible to support occasional evening or weekend requirements.

Hold a driving licence (desirable).

About Oxford High School:

Since its foundation over 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School GDST has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education.

Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Free school lunches
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

Closing Date: 2359 Wednesday 5th August 2026

We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.