“…rarely can a head gardener have... such a decisive and positive impact on the overall look of an Oxford college.” Corpus Christi College; Oxford College Gardens, by Tim Richardson
Corpus Christi College (Corpus) was founded in 1517 by the redoubtable Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester and powerful courtier to Henrys VII and VIII. Fox’s founding statutes describe his metaphorical vision for a “garden of bees”, the scholars to mimic the industry of the bees and their learning to be nourishing honey for society. Literal gardens (with literal bees) have accompanied that vision from the very beginning.
The gardens today are a unique, naturalistic space at the heart of a unique and special college; the admixture of informality and an assured sense of identity are a common theme to both.
Corpus long having eschewed any hierarchical segregation and injunctions to “keep off the grass”, its gardens, the single largest space in the college, are used by students, fellows, staff visitors and wildlife alike, for everything from study, meetings, taking meals, playing croquet to racing tortoises. The wild and varied planting reflects the influence of our previous gardener and his successor, botanist and gardener Dr Tom Wells. Despite being in one of Oxford’s smallest colleges, the Corpus gardens are an oasis of biodiversity and hold hours of discovery, exploring the changing intricacies of planting as each season emerges; and years of enjoyment and affection almost invariably ensue. Outside the multi-level garden area, presided over by our iconic and imposing copper beech, Corpus’s unusual, paved-rather-than-turfed quadrangles are augmented by dramatic and exotic border and pot planting.
We are now seeking a new Head Gardener to take up the baton and deliver the current gardens plan under the auspices of an engaged and passionate Gardens Committee, while reporting to the Estates Manager and supporting her operational responsibility for the appearance and good order of the wider estate. This is a hands-on, practitioner role for someone with an eye for design and an equal passion for physical implementation, collaborating with others as required. The role is supported by an additional skilled and enthusiastic gardener.
The successful candidate should be resilient, self-motivated and sympathetic to the unique style now beloved of the Corpus community, with the creative flair and technical gravitas to help shape its evolution. The opening quotation is no overstatement – the skill and assiduity of the Head Gardener will have a material impact on the happiness and enjoyment of the college, in which the post holder will be a visible and respected figure.
Aside from (uncontestably) the best greenhouse in Oxford as a base of operations, the role comes with generous terms and conditions, including free lunches from our renowned kitchens and offers a stimulating working environment with appreciative stakeholders and an exceptional variety of highly motivated colleagues.
The College offers, in addition to the salary, staff uniform, free meals when on duty and the Kitchen is open, 24 days leave plus 5 days compulsory leave over the Christmas break plus Bank Holidays, enhanced family friendly policies, and a contributory pension scheme.
For full details of the post, its conditions, and the application process, please click here.
Applications should be sent electronically to hr@ccc.ox.ac.uk or by post to HR, Corpus Christi College, Merton Street, Oxford, OX1 4JF, to arrive no later than Midday on 7 January 2026 and should include:
a) A completed application form, available to download here.
b) A completed recruitment monitoring form, available to download here.
Interviews dates to be arranged.
Corpus Christi is an equal opportunities employer.