School Caretaker
Shift Pattern: 1.30pm – 9.00pm, Monday to Friday
Salary: £27,507 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 benefit
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from our website at https://www.downehouse.net/about/vacancies/
Please send completed application forms to [email protected] by the closing 20th August 2025. We will review applications on receipt.
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.
For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email [email protected]
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: £27,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- 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
Application deadline: 20/08/2025
