Head of Grounds

TBA; Farnham Royal; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Head of Grounds role at Independent Prep School Buckinghamshire is a full-time, permanent position in the Slough area of Buckinghamshire, starting November 2026. The post leads the grounds team, responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the school’s outdoor facilities and pitches used for cricket, rugby, football and athletics.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated candidate with proven grounds management skills and a solid understanding of garden and landscape maintenance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grounds management, ideally in a school or sports environment.
• Experience of preparing and maintaining sports pitches for cricket, rugby, football and athletics.
• Good practical understanding of care and maintenance of gardens, trees, hedges and boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the grounds team and manage day-to-day maintenance of school grounds.
• Plan and oversee preparation of sports pitches for cricket, rugby, football and athletics.
• Ensure high standards of grounds care across gardens, flower beds and landscaped areas.

Job description

Head of Grounds

Start Date: November 2026. Location: Slough area, Buckinghamshire. Contract Term: Permanent. Salary: £35,000 - £45,000.

A leading independent prep school in Buckinghamshire (north of Slough) is seeking a Head of Grounds. This is a full time and permanent role from November 2026. Hours are 08:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday and Saturdays are on a rota during term time.

This is a well-established independent school, committed to providing an outstanding education and nurturing environment for their students. Sport is a major part of life at the school, with an extensive programme of cricket, rugby, football, athletics and other activities taking place throughout the year. The grounds include a wide range of sports pitches, playing fields, gardens, landscaped areas, flower beds, trees, hedging, boundaries and other outdoor facilities, all of which require careful preparation and ongoing maintenance to a high standard.

The Head is looking for an experienced, knowledgeable and motivated Head of Grounds to lead our grounds team and take responsibility for the day-to-day management, preparation and maintenance of the school’s grounds and outdoor facilities.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in grounds management, ideally within a school, sports, or similar environment, with experience of preparing and maintaining sports pitches for cricket, rugby, football and athletics. You will also have a good practical understanding of the care and maintenance of gardens, flower beds, trees, hedges, fencing, boundaries and other landscaped areas.

Knight Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for the post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and an enhanced DBS check.