Head of Grounds

This role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on grounds expertise. You will play a key part in ensuring our pupils, staff and visitors enjoy safe, attractive and well‑maintained outdoor environments all year round. The role will involve working across our main site (SO51 6ZR
) and an additional Hub in Hampshire within a reasonable commuting distance.

We are now seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Grounds to lead the strategic and day‑to‑day management of our school grounds and Estate/Grounds Team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance the school’s outdoor environment.

• Take overall responsibility for the maintenance, presentation and long‑term planning of all outdoor areas across the school’s sites – including sports fields, gardens, landscaped areas, playgrounds and external learning spaces.
• Lead, manage and support the Estate/Grounds Team, ensuring high professional standards, effective workload planning and a positive team culture.
• Deliver and oversee horticultural work including planting, pruning, turf care, seasonal maintenance and environmentally responsible grounds practices.
• Operate and manage a wide range of tools, machinery and tractor‑mounted equipment, ensuring they are safely maintained and compliant.
• Oversee health and safety requirements, including risk assessments, inspections, record‑keeping, PPE provision and training for team members.
• Manage budgets, procurement, contractors and project specifications for small‑to‑medium grounds and estate projects.
• Support school events, outdoor learning and cross‑team collaboration.

• Proven experience in grounds management, horticulture, turf care or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to build an effective, motivated team.
• Comprehensive understanding of health and safety requirements in an educational or similar operational setting.
• Confidence in operating grounds machinery safely, with the necessary training and qualifications.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and a pride in delivering exceptionally high standards.
• Commitment to the school’s values, work ethic and to creating beautiful, sustainable and safe school environments.

To ensure that every pupil has access to an accredited, high‑quality education tailored to their individual needs, complemented by meaningful opportunities for vocational learning, we aim to equip young people with not only academic qualifications but also the confidence, strategies and resilience they need to manage challenges, build self‑belief and succeed in education, employment and life beyond St Edward’s School.

Staff Wellbeing

• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, health and counselling support)
• Two dedicated staff wellbeing days per year
• Access to professional supervision and support from a Clinical Psychologist
• A dedicated senior leader responsible for staff wellbeing

Career Development

• A thorough induction programme
• High‑quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Clear pathways for career progression and development

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salary scales reflecting experience and expertise
• Pension scheme including life cover
• Free on‑site lunches during term time
• Free on‑site parking
• Use of excellent sports facilities outside school hours, including a fitness suite, swimming pool and sports hall

Community Spirit

St Edward’s is a warm, inclusive and collaborative community. We are proud of our strong staff retention, supportive culture and shared commitment to putting pupils first. Our staff work creatively and collectively, always supporting one another and celebrating success.

Safeguarding and Application Procedure

St Edward’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers share this commitment. Appointments are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant pre‑employment checks. Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates and may include search engines and social media platforms.