Caretaker​/ Gardener

Employer:

Oxford High School - GDST

Location:

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Contract Type:
Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Contract Length:
Permanent

Salary: £27,171 plus benefits.

Job

Start Date:

As Soon As Possible

Closing Date: 5th August 2026 11:59 PM

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.

• 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.

• 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).

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.

• 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

Caretaker Gardener - job description 2026

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.