Grounds Apprentice

Based at Hampton School Trust, Hampton, South West London
Full Time | Start ASAP

Are you passionate about gardening, horticulture and working outdoors? Looking to start a rewarding career while gaining a recognised qualification?

Hampton School is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Grounds Apprentice to join our Grounds Team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience maintaining beautiful school grounds and sports facilities while studying towards a Level 2 Horticulture Operative qualification.

About the Role

Working alongside experienced grounds and horticultural professionals, you will help maintain and develop the Trust's extensive ornamental landscapes, gardens and sports facilities across our stunning 28-acre site. You will gain practical experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance and sports turf management while supporting a wide-ranging school sports programme.

The School's facilities include:

• 23 acres of sports fields and outdoor spaces
• 7 cricket wickets
• 8 football pitches
• 4 rugby pitches
• Tennis courts, athletics facilities, cricket nets and wider landscaped grounds
• Additional sites across the Trust, including Hampton Prep, Hampton Pre-Prep and the Millennium Boathouse.

You will prepare and maintain sports surfaces to the highest standards, assist with fixture preparation, operate grounds machinery, and contribute to the ongoing development of the Trust's outdoor environment.

What You'll Learn

As part of your apprenticeship, you will:

• Work towards a Level 2 Horticulture Operative qualification
• Develop practical skills in plant care, propagation and maintenance
• Learn sports turf management techniques
• Gain experience operating grounds equipment and machinery
• Learn about soil science, plant health, pest and disease management and environmental best practice.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in horticulture, gardening and outdoor work
• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and willing to learn
• Takes pride in their work and pays attention to detail
• Is physically fit and capable of practical outdoor work
• Works well as part of a team
• Has a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Is looking to develop a long-term career in horticulture or grounds management.

Benefits

In addition to gaining a recognised qualification, staff benefits include:

• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Medicash healthcare plan
• Death-in-service cover
• School fee remission
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free lunch
• Sports facilities
• Counselling support.

Working Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 6:30am to 2:45pm
• Friday: 6:30am to 1:30pm
• Approximately 8 Saturdays per year (with time off in lieu)
• Seasonal adjustments as required.

Join one of the country's leading independent school trusts and begin your career in horticulture within a supportive, inclusive and highly regarded environment.

A copy of the full ISI report can found on the School website and a summary booklet of the inspection team’s key findings is linked here.

Please click here to view the Job Description.

Further Information for prospective colleagues is linked here.

For further information, contact Human Resources on 020 8979 5526 or recruitment@hamptonschool.org.uk.

The School reserves the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time prior to the closing date so we encourage applications as soon as possible.