Job Description

School Caretaker

Shift Pattern: 1.30pm - 9.00pm, Monday to Friday

Salary Range: 26,000 - 27,500 per annum

Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, near Thatcham. Our Estates team is committed to the upkeep of our attractive school site and ensuring the safety of pupils and staff at all times.

We are looking for an experienced and reliable Caretaker to join our friendly team. The duties are varied, including site security, responding to emergency requests, and undertaking a range of maintenance tasks. You will need previous maintenance experience, ideally in a school or hotel environment, and will also need to be proactive and trustworthy. A current driving licence is required.

Part of this role will involve covering as relief Caretaker (for up to 25 days of the year), where you will be required work the shift pattern of the Residential Caretaker including on-call overnight shifts - we will provide onsite accommodation for you during these shifts.

Main Duties

Carry out any minor maintenance tasks as directed by your manager, or that have been reported through the school system Act as out-of-hours site security Carry out the school 'lock up', including locking doors and windows, security inspections, and perimeter walks Liaise with house staff about maintenance issues in the boarding houses Assist with the set-up of events when required Ensure that health and safety standards are maintained at all times

Benefits Include

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas shutdown Delicious free meals while on duty Generous employer Pension Scheme, with employer contributions at 9% Life insurance & critical illness cover Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location A variety of social occasions throughout the year
To submit an application, please visit: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/110123/EDV-2025-DH-66821

Closing date: 10th October 2025. We will review applications on receipt and reserve the right to interview before the closing date.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links

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For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email recruitment@downehouse.net

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,000.00-27,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Life insurance On-site gym On-site parking Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Thatcham RG18 9JJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person