Head Groundsperson

About Dauntsey’s

Dauntsey’s was founded in 1542, by William Dauntsey, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Today it is a leading co -educational boarding and day school for 11–18-year-olds, set in a 150-acre estate in Wiltshire and noted for its friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Staff and pupils have every opportunity to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations, both academically and otherwise. Teachers pass on their enthusiasm and love of their subject to pupils who leave with strong exam results and a love of learning.

However, Dauntsey’s is about much more than just exam grades. Our extensive adventure education programme encourages pupils to develop important life skills, such as resilience, communication, creativity, and teamwork and this adventurous spirit translates into the classroom, so pupils approach their academic lessons with curiosity and a “have a go” attitude.

Dauntsey’s is a happy community with a strong family atmosphere where independent minds, social responsibility and moral values are encouraged, and the school community thrives on a culture of kindness and mutual respect.

School Structure

The foundation of our outstanding pastoral care is the House system, which provides a secure source of support and guidance and fosters a real sense of belonging. Pupils belong to one of twelve Houses: four in the Lower School (First to Third Form, or Years 7–9) and eight in the Upper School (Fourth Form to Upper Sixth, or Years 10–13). Each year, around 150 pupils join us from more than 100 different schools, making our community diverse, inclusive and, above all, very friendly.

In our most recent ISI inspection, we received the highest rating of Excellent both the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements, and the quality of pupils’ personal development.

Dauntsey’s prides itself on the quality of its facilities – including an all-weather athletics track, dance studio and Music Tech suite – and we are continually investing in new developments and refurbishments. This year alone has seen the opening of a Middle School Common Room, a Sixth Form Study Centre and a brand-new Astro. The care and attention devoted to our school site mirrors that which we give to our pupils – both contributing to the fact that we are one of the most popular and sought -after schools in the South West.

Entry to Dauntsey’s is at ages 11, 13 and 16, by the relevant entrance examination and interview at all points of entry.

The Role

The Head Groundsperson provides professional leadership and day-to-day management of the Grounds Team, with responsibility for the maintenance, development, safety, and presentation of all school grounds at Dauntsey’s School, including the Main Site and the Manor.

This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for ensuring that all outdoor sports facilities, formal gardens, woodlands, lawns, and associated external areas are maintained to a consistently high standard, in line with industry best practice, school policies, and statutory requirements.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the Grounds Team, ensuring effective deployment of staff, clear priorities, and high standards of workmanship.
• Prepare and implement structured work programmes and rotas, including weekend and event cover.
• Support recruitment, induction, training, and professional development of grounds staff in conjunction with HR.
• Foster positive working relationships with academic staff, operations teams, contractors, and external users.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of major school events and lettings, ensuring grounds are presented to the highest standard.
• Contribute to major School capital projects as required and take on and manage grounds capital projects under the supervision of the Director of Operations and Estates.

Grounds and Sports Facilities

• Maintain and develop all outdoor sports surfaces (natural grass, artificial surfaces, and hard courts) in accordance with recognised industry standards.
• Ensure timely preparation and safe set -up of facilities for lessons, fixtures, training, and events.
• Work closely with the Sports Department to ensure pitch availability and quality meet curriculum and fixture requirements.
• Liaise with the Sports Centre Manager regarding external lettings to ensure suitability, safety, and compliance.
• Work with the Estates Department and Director of Operations & Estates to manage landscaping, irrigation or water retention works.
• Oversee the operation of car parking and overflow parking for Major Events. Gardens, Trees and Woodlands
• Manage the maintenance and development of formal gardens and landscaped areas, including planting schemes and seasonal displays.
• Oversee tree management in line with the School’s Tree Policy, arboricultural best practice, and health and safety requirements.
• Liaise with Tree Officers, arboricultural consultants, and contractors as required.
• Manage woodland areas to ensure safe access while promoting biodiversity, conservation, and habitat enhancement.

Machinery, Equipment and Resources

• Ensure all grounds machinery and equipment is safe, compliant, maintained, and fit for purpose.
• Oversee procurement, maintenance, inspection, and replacement of equipment in line with legislation and best value principles.
• Ensure staff are trained and competent in the use of machinery and equipment.

Budgets and Planning

• Prepare annual and longer-term (5–10 year) budget proposals for revenue and capital expenditure.
• Monitor and manage the departmental budget, ensuring effective cost control and value for money.
• Contribute to long-term grounds and pitch improvement plans aligned with the School’s estates strategy.

Safeguarding

• Actively safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Follow all School safeguarding policies and procedures at all times .
• Ensure that grounds staff and contractors working under the post-holder’s control understand and comply with safeguarding expectations.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Take responsibility for health and safety within the Grounds Department, including:

  o Risk assessments

  o COSHH compliance

  o Safe systems of work

  o Accident and near-miss reporting

• Manage the safe use, storage, and control of chemicals and hazardous substances.
• Ensure contractors working within the grounds comply with school policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Attend and contribute to termly Health & Safety meetings and inspections as required.

General

The post holder may reasonably be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post, including work with a different department or team. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to posts may vary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of the responsibility entailed.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

As this post is in a school you will engage in regulated activity relevant to children.

Dauntsey’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The school has a range of policies and procedures for child protection and security. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with and follow all these policies and procedures as part of their professional responsibilities. This includes participating in training and other activities that ensure the School stays compliant with relevant legislation, regulations and good practice.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, and the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure (including our Policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders) can be found on the recruitment pages of our website, https://www.dauntseys.org/work-with-us/vacancies . Please read this information as part of your application to the role.

The Candidate

Dauntsey’s seeks to deliver an outstanding educational experience in all fields to its pupils. It requires staff with the ability and expertise to support this ambition.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Relevant professional qualifications in grounds management or horticulture.
• Proven experience leading and managing a grounds team in a comparable setting.
• Strong technical experience across sports turf, gardens, and landscape management.
• Experience preparing and maintaining cricket surfaces to a high standard.
• Sound working knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Experience managing budgets and contractors.
• Experience of managing capital projects
• Appropriate spraying and chainsaw qualifications.
• Competent IT skills.
• Full, clean driving licence.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Confident working with industry standards (GMA PQS, SAPCA, Sport England, ECB TS4, PA1/PA2/PA6 certification).
• Experience in an educational or large multi-use site environment.
• Environmental or sustainability-related experience or qualifications.
• Knowledge of working in conservation areas and Listed estates

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Well organised, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the operational needs of a busy school environment.
• High standards of presentation and attention to detail.
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Pride in creating safe, welcoming, and well-maintained outdoor environments.

Experience and personal attributes will be assessed through a combination of application form detail / certificates and during interview.

Terms and Benefits

TERMS

• This is full year appointment.
• Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, worked over a 5/6 day week.
• Salary: £45 – 50k dependent on experience.

BENEFITS

• 3-bedroom accommodation on site (for the better performance of duties)
• 6 weeks’ holiday per year plus public holidays although a minimum of 5 days must be taken at Christmas
• Eligible to join the school’s defined contribution pension scheme
• Staff are welcome to make use of the school’s leisure and sports facilities at designated times (which includes a swimming pool and gym)
• Free lunch in the Dining Hall during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme offering mental health, financial and legal support and other benefits

The Application Process

• Applications should be made via an application form and covering letter
• Application forms should be sent to the HR Department (hr@dauntseys.wilts.sch.uk) no later than 9am on 20th February 2026. If you have any questions in respect of the role, please contact Emma Janes, HR Manager: 01380 814536
• The recruitment process will include interviews with members of the senior leadership team and other key members of staff. Further details of the process will be confirmed should you be invited to interview. We have the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.

Dauntsey's recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

This post will engage in regulated activity. Dauntsey's School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and as such successful applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.