Tag Archive for: Groundsperson

Groundsperson

King’s College School

Groundsperson

Groundsperson

Permanent, Full Time

Start date: August or September 2026

£32,078 plus excellent benefits including contributory pension scheme, health benefits, free gym membership, lunch during term-time

We are seeking to appoint a keen and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the school’s grounds team.

Reporting to: Head Groundsperson.

The Groundsperson is responsible for undertaking tasks to assist with the maintenance of the general condition and availability of the school’s sports facilities, whether at the main KCS site or at Kingsway. They will work as part of an overall team of 6 grounds staff, and will report to the Head Groundsperson or his deputy.

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Under the direction of the Head Groundsperson, preparing and maintaining the sports facilities, including artificial surfaces, at the main King’s College School site and the sports grounds at Kingsway, to recognised national standards and to the satisfaction of all users
  • Providing grounds staff support to matches/fixtures when required
  • Implementing weekly, monthly and annual agreed maintenance programmes for all facilities, including the Old Boys’ sports pitches
  • Liaising with appropriate staff on the availability of sports facilities for lessons and matches, and advising on the fitness of pitches
  • Working with various different types of machinery and equipment to prepare and maintain football, rugby, cricket and hockey pitches, as well as artificial surfaces
  • Undertaking general maintenance of equipment as directed
  • Assisting with light tree pruning, hedge cutting and maintenance of paths, including leaf collection and spraying
  • Reporting problems on the ticketing system
  • Attending meetings and events as directed
  • Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head Groundsperson

Person Specification

This is an ideal opportunity for an able and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the school’s grounds team.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Previous experience as a groundsperson or similar
  • A good understanding of field markings
  • Experience of mechanical repairs and the ability to mend machinery and make small repairs
  • Knowledge and experience of working with synthetic sports pitches/surfaces
  • Ability to work well as part of a team
  • A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work
  • Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload according to fixture lists and weather conditions
  • Relevant qualification in turf management (NVQ or similar) (desirable)
  • Driving licence (desirable)

Ideally we are looking for someone with relevant grounds experience; however, we would consider applications from candidates seeking a change in career path and have a genuine interest in working outdoors with the school’s grounds team.

Full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Terms and Conditions

  • Start date August/September 2026
  • Salary: £32,078 per annum
  • 40 hours per week, normal working hours based around the core hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although some flexibility is required to accommodate seasonal variations
  • There may be a requirement to work every other Saturday with paid overtime
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Programme of health benefits
  • Free lunch in the Dining Hall during term-time

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum.  Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

To apply for this role, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9.00am on 25th June 2026.

Interview date to be confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities: This National Apprenticeship Week, Leeds Rhinos Head Groundsperson Ryan Golding is urging employers, including sports clubs and organisations, to invest in apprenticeships and help secure the future of the grounds management industry.

Data from the Grounds Management Association (GMA) shows the industry will face an employment crisis if more isn’t done to attract and train the next generation of grounds care professionals.

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

Head groundsperson calls for more apprenticeship opportunities

National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 10th – 16th February, is an annual event that raises awareness about apprenticeships and the long-term recruitment solutions they can offer employers.

Ryan began his career at Leeds Rhinos as an apprentice, initially working under former Head Groundsperson Jason Booth, who had also started as an apprentice at the club.

Data from the GMA shows around 40% of the current grounds management workforce are over 50 and up to 15% of those employed in the industry are planning to retire in the next 3 years.

The GMA is the not-for-profit organisation that supports volunteer and professional groundspeople, including those looking to get started in the industry. The GMA’s NextGen programme aims to inspire more young people to get involved in grounds management. As a former member of the GMA’s NextGen, Ryan was recently awarded a Pioneer Mark by the GMA, recognising his work to help young professionals build their careers in grounds management.

Ryan says: “I’m delighted to have received a Pioneer Mark from the GMA, bringing through the next generation is a huge passion of mine – and apprenticeships are central to this.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without an apprenticeship. Grounds management is a brilliant career, and we need more young people coming through to fill the gaps that are opening up. Apprenticeships can help clubs and organisations find and develop ambitious young professionals.”

“If you don’t have an apprenticeship scheme in place, there’s support available, including from the government. You can also check out the GMA website for more information on training and career pathways.”

For more information about hiring an apprentice, go to www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

To learn more about career and training in grounds management, go to: www.thegma.org.uk

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