Head of Grounds (Worksop College)

Location: Nottinghamshire, UK
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Patterns: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Expected Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Visa Sponsorship Available: No
 
Worksop College and Ranby House are one community set across two schools educating children from age two to eighteen. We are proud to be a broad-ability school with a strong focus on progress, recognising that every child has their own set of skills and abilities, whether academic, sporting, musical or otherwise. We believe that education is about more than the flight towards academic success; it is about human flourishing. If they are outstanding sportspeople, here is where they will hone their skills. If talented artists or musicians, here is where they will perfect their craft. And if those talents are yet to be revealed, here is where they will be discovered. We are a remarkable school in a stunning setting, with exceptional facilities and talented teaching staff. What matters here is the individual—their aspirations and their future.

Job Description

The Head of Grounds will autonomously manage, develop and maintain all school grounds, sports pitches and external areas across Worksop College and Ranby House. The post holder will ensure high-quality playing surfaces, safe grounds and an attractive school environment through effective planning maintenance and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds & Sports Surface Management

• Liaise with Estates Manager, Head of Sport and Prep School leadership to plan grounds preparation for sports fixtures and events
• Mark and over-mark pitches for cricket, rugby, football and other sporting activities
• Maintain optimal playing quality and grass care standards across all sports surfaces
• Manage and maintain artificial playing surfaces
• Ensure formal school gardens are planted and maintained to a high standard
• Maintain roads, paths and external areas, ensuring safety during snow, ice, leaf fall and other hazards

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and coordinate the workload of the grounds team
• Ensure all staff are fully trained and aware of safe working practices
• Conduct annual performance reviews, maintain attendance records and oversee daily operations
• Promote high standards of professionalism, uniform and conduct among the team

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all staff comply with Health & Safety regulations and complete risk assessments
• Oversee safe use, handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and pesticides
• Ensure safe working practices and appropriate use of PPE
• Investigate and report accidents and near misses
• Supervise contractors to ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage annual grounds budgets effectively, ensuring value for money
• Maintain accurate stock control of materials, equipment and machinery
• Participate in capital replacement planning and project development

General Duties

• Undertake a full range of groundskeeping tasks as required
• Assist with emergency responses, such as flooding or adverse weather
• Support the setup of school events and activities
• Escort contractors and visitors as needed
• Maintain a proactive approach to site security and appearance
 
Other Requirements

• Other reasonable tasks may be assigned by the Headmaster in alignment with the role
• The role may evolve to meet changing school needs

Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Compliance

All staff must comply with Health & Safety procedures and complete required training. All accidents and near misses must be recorded. All applicants are subject to full safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974)

Statutory Requirements & Equal Opportunities

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers, online searches, prohibition checks and a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List Check). All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory child protection screening

Disclosures

The College appoints, trains and promotes on the basis of merit and ability alone. It is a statutory requirement that staff do not have criminal records that would prevent them taking up a post at the College. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory outcome of this enquiry. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore applicants must declare all convictions and cautions (except those “protected” under DBS filtering rules)

Equal Opportunities

Worksop College is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to treating all employees and applicants equally. The College takes all reasonable steps to employ and promote based on abilities and qualifications, without regard to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, marital or civil partnership status, race, sexual orientation, trade union membership, religion or belief.

Benefits

Working at Worksop and Ranby House is as much about lifestyle as career. We have high expectations and reward staff with an attractive benefits package, including:

• Fee concessions for your children
• Workplace pension scheme
• Access to gym, sports hall and swimming pool
• Free meals when on duty
• Free onsite parking
 
You may have experience in the following: Grounds Manager, Head Groundskeeper, Grounds Maintenance Manager, Estates Grounds Lead, Head Gardener, Grounds and Facilities Manager, Sports Turf Manager, Pitch Maintenance Manager, Grounds Supervisor, Outdoor Facilities Manager, School Grounds Manager

REF-(Apply online only)