Head Grounds Manager
Arnold House was founded in 1905 in St John’s Wood. It is an independent preparatory school located in London, NW8, for boys from 3 to 13, and a member of IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools). In our recent ISI inspection it was reported that pupils’ academic achievement and personal development are both excellent.
As a central London prep school we are incredibly fortunate to own Canons Park Activity Centre in Edgware. Canons Park is approximately 30 minutes from the main school site on the Jubilee Line. There is a well-appointed pavilion which includes a drama space, a kitchen, a couple of classrooms as well as changing facilities.
The sports grounds are spread over a seven-acre site adjacent to Canons Park. They include four football pitches, three cricket pitches, a 400m athletics track and an all-weather astroturf hockey pitch converted to six tennis courts in the summer. There is also a bowling green and a separate bowling pavilion.
We are looking for an experienced Head Grounds Manager to manage and maintain the highest standards of playing surfaces and surrounding environment (mostly hedges and trees) at our superb Activity Centre at Canons Park in Edgware. You will plan the management and maintenance of the grounds throughout the seasons and in accordance with the transition from one sport to another over the year, factoring in time for renovation and upkeep of the pitches in line with requirements of the Director of Sport.
You will report to the Estates and Facilities Manager and be accountable to him for the quality and development of the grounds, while adhering to an agreed budget.
The package includes onsite accommodation in a purpose-built flat. Living onsite, you will also be responsible for security of the site, including unlocking in the morning and locking up in the evening.
In addition to accommodation, we offer a competitive salary and pension, a friendly work environment, free lunches during term time.
In January we were awarded School Mental Health Gold Award by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. Our school is known for its family ethos and being a great place to work. We are committed to promoting and protecting the mental and physical health of all our staff.
To apply, please go to: https://www.arnoldhouse.co.uk/about/recruitment/#vacancies
Application deadline: 8th June 2026
Start date: asap
Arnold House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with pastemployers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The role will include regulated activity and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Arnold House will conduct online searches for shortlisted candidates. This check will be undertaken based on the requirements set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. The check will help us to ensure safe and robust checks on the suitability of individuals to work within our School.