An established, picturesque independent prep school in Essex (convenient for Chelmsford, Brentwood, and surrounding rural estates) is seeking a proactive, reliable, and hands-on School Caretaker to join its estates team for an immediate (ASAP) start.

This position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis to suit the successful candidate, offering a stable and rewarding role within a warm, community-focused school environment.

Role Overview

As School Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in keeping the prep school’s historic buildings, modern learning spaces, and surrounding grounds safe, secure, clean, and well-maintained. Working closely with the Estates Manager and Bursar, you will take hands-on responsibility for daily site security, routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and preparing facilities for assemblies, sports events, and external functions.

Whether you are looking for a full 37.5-hour week or a flexible part-time arrangement (e.g., mornings/afternoons or split shifts), the school offers a supportive, respectful workplace where your practical skills directly contribute to the pupils' daily wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily morning opening or evening locking-up procedures, securing doors, windows, gates, and setting alarm systems

• Carry out routine minor repairs, woodwork, painting, basic plumbing, and general DIY across classrooms, dining halls, and outbuildings

• Conduct scheduled statutory health and safety checks (fire alarm tests, emergency lighting, water temperature logs for legionella, and playground safety checks)

• Oversee boiler, heating, and lighting systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the academic year

• Prepare halls and communal areas for daily assemblies, school plays, sports fixtures, and parent events (setting up chairs, staging, and AV equipment)

• Maintain external pathways and play areas, managing seasonal ground care, leaf clearing, and winter gritting

• Supervise external trade contractors and visitors while on site, ensuring strict safeguarding compliance

What’s on Offer

• Flexible Hours: Choice of Full-Time (37.5 hours/week) or Part-Time patterns tailored to your availability

• Immediate Start: ASAP start with long-term, stable employment in a top-tier independent school setting

• Competitive Pay: £12.50 – £15.00 per hour / £23,000 – £27,000 FTE (dependent on experience and contracted hours)

• Great Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, free on-site parking, and complimentary lunches during term time

• Environment: Welcoming independent prep school setting with modern equipment and well-maintained grounds

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in general building maintenance, caretaking, facilities upkeep, or relevant trades (carpentry, plumbing, painting)

• Strong practical DIY skills and a proactive "can-do" approach to troubleshooting site issues

• Good understanding of basic Health & Safety at Work principles and safe manual handling

• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working around young children within a school setting

• An active enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to undergo an expedited check)

How to Apply

Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this School Caretaker role in Essex for an immediate start.