Head Groundsperson

Group, a trailblazing, award-winning group of coeducational schools in vibrant south-east London as our Head Groundsperson and lead the upkeep and development of beautiful, high performance sports fields and grounds across two sites including a 15 acre Jubilee Sports Ground and an ambitious ten year masterplan.

🏫 About St Dunstan’s Education Group

St Dunstan’s is a growing group of coeducational schools in south-east London, serving approximately 1,500 children aged 2–18. Known for its ambitious and forward-thinking education, the College has received multiple accolades including Coeducational School of the Year (2020), Senior School of the Year (2022), and Most Progressive School in London (2023).

Recent developments include the acquisition of the Jubilee Ground (15 acres for sport and community use), a £30 million building programme, and a merger with Rosemead Prep School. The College is committed to a renaissance education, wellbeing, diversity, and a strategy of growth and income diversification.

💡 What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Director of Estates, the Head Groundsperson will ensure all open space sports facilities and College grounds are maintained to a high standard. This includes:

• Maintenance of grass pitches, MUGA, playgrounds, woodland classroom, vegetable garden, and Jubilee Sports Ground (football pitches, cricket squares, 3G pitches, hockey astroturf, tennis courts)

• Coordination with the Sports Department and commercial users

• Oversight of gardens, signage, lawns, borders, and woodland areas

• Leadership and management of the Grounds Team, including rotas, training, CPD, performance reviews, and wellbeing

• Compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, risk assessments, and safe operation procedures

• Machinery and equipment maintenance, servicing, and procurement

• Promotion of sustainability and cost-effective service delivery

• Maintenance of College boundaries and site presentation

🎯 What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Level 2 Certificate/Diploma in Sports/Amenity/Turf Maintenance or equivalent

• Full driving licence (held for more than 2 years)

• Experience supervising a small team

• Experience in turf, pitch, and artificial surface maintenance

• Knowledge of grounds-related Health & Safety legislation including COSHH

• Good communication, planning, and organisational skills

• Commitment to safeguarding and attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience/knowledge of garden and landscaping

• Experience working in a school environment

🌈 Why St Dunstan’s?

• A forward-thinking, inclusive culture that champions individuality, diversity, and equality

• Tuition fee remission, private healthcare, and generous staff benefits

• Free lunch and beverages during term time

• Access to on-site gym, pool, tennis courts, and free off-road parking

• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing, and creativity

• Work in one of the UK’s most progressive independent schools, recognised for innovation and excellence

✨ Excellence. Differently.

At St Dunstan’s, Excellence. Differently. is more than a motto — it’s a mindset. We redefine success through brave thinking, human-centred values, and a future-facing outlook. From pioneering curriculum design to national recognition for wellbeing and inclusion, we lead with purpose and creativity. Join a team that challenges convention, celebrates individuality, and empowers every member of our community to thrive.

Early applications are advised as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

St Dunstan’s College reflects the diverse location in which it is situated. In a recent review of our racial diversity by ‘Flair Impact’, we were found to be the most racially diverse school out of their client base of over 30 British independent schools. We see diversity to be of intrinsic and essential value to the contemporary, ambitious and forward-thinking education we offer at St Dunstan’s. We encourage applications from people who share this view, and from professionals of all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are a school that places individuality and identity at the heart of what we do.

The College 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. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application. Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.

The College will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the College to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.

This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the College is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.