CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking a reliable, practical, and hardworking Caretaker to support the day-to-day facilities, maintenance, security, and cleanliness across our school campus in Richmond upon Thames. Reporting to the Premises Manager, the successful candidate will play an active, hands-on role in maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming indoor and outdoor environments for students, staff, and visitors.

THE SCHOOL

Set on a well-maintained campus featuring historic and modern teaching blocks, indoor sports suites, and landscaped grounds, this thriving secondary school and sixth form serves over 1,200 pupils aged 11–18 in South West London. Known for its strong academic tradition, positive school culture, and high standards across all operations, the school relies heavily on its dedicated site team to maintain an immaculate, secure, and fully operational learning environment throughout the academic year.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Site Opening & Security: Perform daily unlocking and locking procedures, secure access gates, set building alarm systems, and conduct routine security patrols across the campus premises.

• Routine Repairs & Caretaking: Carry out first-line handyperson duties and reactive repairs, including minor joinery, basic plumbing unblocks, painting and decorating, furniture assembly, and lock maintenance.

• Facilities & Lettings Support: Set up classrooms, assembly halls, and sports facilities for daily routine, internal exams, school productions, and community evening/weekend lettings.

• Health & Safety Inspections: Assist in conducting routine safety checks—including weekly fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks, legionella flushing, and keeping clear safety logs.

• Grounds & Porterage: Receive and distribute deliveries across departments, manage daily waste and recycling collection, clear litter, and perform winter gritting and de-icing along key pedestrian pathways.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Solid practical caretaking, maintenance, or handyperson background. Basic health and safety certifications (e.g., COSHH, Manual Handling, or Working at Height) are advantageous.

• Experience: Previous experience in a caretaking, facilities management, or site support role within a school, community center, or commercial setting is desirable.

• Skills: Strong practical DIY capabilities, good physical fitness for porterage duties, clear communication skills, a proactive work ethic, and a polite, helpful manner when dealing with staff and visitors.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Located in the attractive Royal Borough of Richmond upon Thames in South West London, the school benefits from a peaceful, historic, and green urban setting. Richmond is famous for its picturesque riverside promenades, extensive green spaces such as Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, historic landmarks like Ham House, and a vibrant town center filled with independent shops and dining.

• Transport & Commuting: Richmond offers superb transport connectivity across Inner and Outer London, Surrey, and the South East. The school is well-served by local TfL bus routes and major road connections, including the A316 and A3. Public transit options are centered around Richmond Station, providing fast, frequent connections via the District Line, London Overground, and South Western Railway lines into London Waterloo and Surrey.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.