Deputy Head Grounds Person

Location: De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive

About this Role

Bedford School are seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Grounds Person to join our busy and dynamic Grounds department.

As Deputy Head Grounds Person, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our school’s playing fields, sports pitches, and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. Working closely with the Head Grounds Person, you’ll help lead a dedicated team, oversee maintenance programmes, and ensure our facilities are safe, secure, and ready for action all year round.

Job description

Bedford School are seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Grounds Person to join our busy and dynamic Grounds department.

As Deputy Head Grounds Person, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our school’s playing fields, sports pitches, and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. Working closely with the Head Grounds Person, you’ll help lead a dedicated team, oversee maintenance programmes, and ensure our facilities are safe, secure, and ready for action all year round.

View the full Job Description here

Main duties

• Assist in the upkeep of all sports pitches, playing fields, and grounds to exceptional standards.
• Support the planning and delivery of weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance programmes.
• Deputise for the Head Grounds Person when required, ensuring smooth operations and team leadership.
• Help train, develop, and motivate the grounds team, promoting best practices in health and safety.
• Liaise with sports staff to optimise pitch usage and presentation.
• Contribute to special projects and events, from high-profile functions to winter snow plans.

The ideal candidate would bring proven experience in grounds maintenance, preferably within a sports or educational environment. You will have a solid understanding of health and safety regulations, including COSHH, and be confident in implementing best practices across all aspects of grounds care. A proactive, hands-on approach combined with exceptional attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively and take initiative when deputising for the Head Grounds Person.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applicants.

Closing Date: 10th Jan 2026

The Harpur Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and other checks.

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust