Premises Assistant

Cognita Ltd; Ashtead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global educational organization is seeking a Premises Assistant to support the safety and maintenance of school sites. This role involves site maintenance, driving school minibuses, and ensuring security. Ideal candidates should have excellent time management and practical skills. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on qualifications

Free lunch during Term Time

School holidays and public holidays

Free parking on site

School fee discount

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Excellent time management skills required.
• Practical skills in maintenance and repairs needed.
• Ability to drive the school minibus is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the premises and report hazards.
• Drive school minibuses and manage site security.
• Perform minor repairs and health and safety tasks.

Skills

Time management skills

Practical skills (e.g. Carpentry, plumbing)

Driving skills (desirable)

Communication skills

Flexibility

Job description

About the School - Downsend Sixth
We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.

Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.

Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course.

At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.

In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 108 schools located in 17 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for a Premises Assistant to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 17 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 95,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.

About the role
In your new role as Premises Assistant, you will be assisting in promoting the education and welfare of pupils in line with Downsend School's aims and policies, this role involves working under the Head of Facilities to ensure the safety and security of the school sites. The position requires collaboration with the Premises team to handle general site maintenance, driving school minibuses, managing site security, and performing minor repairs and health and safety tasks.

Responsibilities include maintaining the premises, reporting hazards, unlocking and securing the site, responding to alarms, managing the car park, maintaining the swimming pool, and ensuring clear entrances. Additionally, you will be monitoring contractors, testing alarms, assisting with large displays, and moving furniture. This full-time, year-round role operates on a shift rota to support out-of-hours activities and lettings.

To view the full job description, please click here.

Who we are looking for:
Excellent time management skills
Practical skills (e.g. Carpentry, painting and decorating or plumbing repairs)
Ability to drive the school minibus (desirable as full training will be provided)
Excellent communication skills
Flexible worker to ensure site coverage throughout and beyond the school day

Benefits at Cognita
Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
Free lunch provided during Term Time
School holidays and public holidays
Free parking on site (subject to availability)
School fee discount
Exclusive third-party discounts
Professional Development

How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 17th August 2025

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.