School Minibus Driver

GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust); Northampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

PD opportunities

Fee discount for GDST schools

Pension

Job summary

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is seeking a responsible driver to transport pupils safely on designated routes and, where required, on school trips. The role is 27 hours per week, during term time and INSET days, with a split shift pattern that accommodates school hours.

The ideal candidate will have a valid D1/D licence and a clean driving record, with experience driving a minibus and a focus on safety. First Aid is desirable, and opportunities to extend driving duties may arise.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid D1 driving licence category or full D licence and have a clean driving record.
• Experience driving a minibus and transporting children/young people is essential.
• First Aid qualification is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Transport pupils safely to and from school on designated routes.
• Work 27 hours per week during term time and INSET days.
• Split-shift pattern: 6:30am–8:30am and 3:35pm–5:30pm, with additional afternoon shifts as needed.
• Potential extra hours for school trips outside core hours.

Skills

Minibus driving

Timekeeping

Safety conscious

First Aid (desirable)

Education

D1 driving licence / full D licence

Job description

Salary: Grade 2 Support Staff - £17,018.25 actual. £27,987.00 FTE.

Closing date: 24 September 2026 at midday

Interviews will take place on: 1 October 2026

We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team, where we work together to promote and enable this ambitious and aspirational cultural, take on the challenge of ensuring we have the right systems in place to support our schools.

Salary: Grade 2 Support Staff - £17,018.25 actual. £27,987.00 FTE.

Closing date: 24 September 2026 at midday

Interviews will take place on: 1 October 2026

We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team, where we work together to promote and enable this ambitious and aspirational cultural, take on the challenge of ensuring we have the right systems in place to support our schools.

What You’ll Be Doing

The role is primarily focused on transporting pupils safely to and from school on designated routes, with additional driving opportunities potentially available for school trips.

The role is 27 hours per week, working during term time and INSET days only.

The Core Working Pattern Is Based Around Split Shifts

Morning: 6:30am – 8:30am
Afternoon: 3:35pm – 5:30pm

Additional afternoon driving: Between two and four shifts per week may extend until approximately 6:30pm, depending on traffic and operational requirements.

The split-shift pattern provides an opportunity for someone looking for regular school-hours employment that can fit around other commitments.

Additional driving work for school trips may also be available outside of the core commuting hours, providing opportunities for extra hours during the school year.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role

You will be an experienced and responsible driver who takes pride in providing a safe, reliable and welcoming service.

You Will Be

• An excellent timekeeper with a strong sense of reliability.
• Patient, calm and approachable.
• Friendly and professional in your manner.
• Confident driving a minibus and transporting children and young people.
• Safety-conscious, with a good understanding of your responsibilities as a driver.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively.

A First Aid qualification, or a willingness to complete a First Aid course, would be desirable.

Essential Requirement

Applicants must hold a valid D1 driving licence category or full D licence and have a clean driving record.

Who We Are

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.

The Organisation’s Values Serve As Guiding Principles

• We put girls first
• We think and act fearlessly
• We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
• We are a family of schools
• We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff

As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

Benefits

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

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

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

Our commitment

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.