Head Gardener

Job Introduction

Head Gardener

Salary: EHCC Grade E (Full time £33,178 - £36,369)

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: February 2026

Hours: Part or Full time (20 - 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)

We are looking for a Head Gardener who is passionate, proactive, and reliable to join our team and lead the development of our grounds and gardens. Since bringing grounds maintenance in-house in April 2025, this role is central to shaping and enhancing our outdoor spaces, ensuring they are welcoming, safe, and maintained to the highest standard for pupils, staff, and visitors.

As Head Gardener, you will take pride in creating and maintaining beautiful, functional grounds that reflect the character of our school. You will also play a key role in supporting community access at weekends, ensuring facilities are available for those who have booked them.

We are committed to creating outdoor spaces that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable and rich in biodiversity. The Head Gardener will lead initiatives to:

· Develop gardens and green spaces that encourage wildlife and support pollinators.

· Introduce sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation, and eco-friendly planting.

· Create areas that promote outdoor learning and wellbeing for pupils and the wider community.

· Ensure the grounds reflect our values of environmental responsibility and long-term stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the development and maintenance of the school’s grounds and gardens, creating attractive and sustainable outdoor spaces.

· Ensure all areas are safe, tidy, and compliant with health and safety standards.

· Support community users at weekends, ensuring booked facilities are accessible and ready for use.

· Work collaboratively with the site team to support school activities and events.

· Act as a key holder, with responsibility for site security during your working hours.

What We’re Looking For

· A positive, practical approach and a strong sense of pride in your work.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Flexibility and good interpersonal skills to relate well to pupils, staff, and visitors.

· Experience in grounds or garden maintenance is desirable, but full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Working Pattern

· Saturday: 08:00 – 18:00

· Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00

· We would be open to a part time applicant completing 2-5 days inclusive of the weekend. (There may be occasions where hours vary to cover annual leave, sickness, or school events.)

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a visible impact on our school environment and community experience while championing sustainability and biodiversity.

In return we offer the following :

· An inspirational, talented, committed staff, including a strong administration and premises team·

· An extensive CPD and induction programme·

· Private Bupa Healthcare

· 1 personal day per year in addition to your annual leave entitlement

· Local Government Pension Scheme

· Free parking

We reserve the right to end this advert earlier depending on applications received

Closing Date: 26th January 2026

Interview Date: Candidates will be contacted should they be shortlisted.

Toynbee School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

“Toynbee School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks along with other relevant employment checks.”

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.