APPLICANT INFORMATION PACKAppointment ofSchool Bus DriverFlexible start dateCONTENTSWelcome to Brambletye SchoolA Brambletye EducationThe Role at BrambletyeKey Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerson SpecificationA Brambletye WorkplaceSafeguarding, Equality & DiversityYour Application3456891011…. a very warm welcome and thank you so much for your interest in working at BrambletyeSchool.My name is Will Brooks, and I have had the privilege of leading this wonderful school as Headsince 2015. Founded in 1919 as a small boys’ boarding school in Kent, Brambletye moved to itscurrent home in 1933. Today, we are a thriving independent co-educational prep school forchildren aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by the stunning, tranquillandscapes of the Ashdown Forest and overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir.At Brambletye, everything we do is guided by three core values: Work Hard, Play Hard, BeKind. I am incredibly proud of our staff – they are, without doubt, the school’s greatest strength.From our Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery teams, teaching assistants, and boarding staff, to ourspecialist teachers of sport, music, and drama, and the dedicated colleagues across ourBursary, Admin, Estates, and Housekeeping departments – every member of staff plays a vitalrole in creating the warm, dynamic, and nurturing environment our pupils and their familiescherish.What truly sets Brambletye apart is the passion and pride our staff bring to their roles, workingtogether as one team to provide the very best for our pupils.I believe Brambletye offers not only an inspiring place to work, but also a culture that valuesopenness, support, and above all, the wellbeing and morale of our staff.I hope you find this Applicant Information Pack both useful and insightful, and I look forward tothe possibility of welcoming you to Brambletye in the near future.Will Brooks HeadWELCOME TO BRAMBLETYE SCHOOLAt Brambletye, we are more than just a school – we are a family.We share experiences, support one another, and create an environment where kindness is asvalued as achievement. Our pupils learn to celebrate each other’s successes as much as theirown, fostering a spirit of encouragement and empathy.A Brambletye education is centred on the individual. We nurture each child’s unique strengths,helping them discover the areas in which they can truly excel, while building their confidenceand self-esteem. From the earliest years, we instil a love of learning, a curiosity about the world,and a generous spirit. Most importantly, we encourage our pupils to appreciate theiradvantages and develop into responsible young people who understand their power to make apositive difference in society.Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, preparing pupils for Common Entrance or academicscholarship examinations at 13+. Children are primarily taught by one teacher until the end ofYear 4, after which they benefit from specialist teaching in each subject.Life at Brambletye extends far beyond the classroom. Sport, music, art, drama, and anextensive range of clubs and activities all play a key role in shaping a well-rounded education.Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Every member of staff – from our teachers andboarding team to our bursary, estates, and support staff – plays an active role in the wellbeingof our pupils. We firmly believe that true academic success is only possible when built on afoundation of happiness and confidence. Our multi-layered pastoral system includes formtutors, personal tutors, house staff, and boarding staff, ensuring that every pupil feelssupported and valued.Today, Brambletye is home to around 300 pupils, from Nursery to Year 8, with a healthybalance of day pupils and boarders. Many of our children also choose to board part-time as dayboarders, enjoying the best of both worlds.At the end of their Brambletye journey, our pupils move on to a wide range of leading seniorschools, including Tonbridge, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, Eton,Brighton, Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Uppingham, Marlborough, and Oundle.A BRAMBLETYE EDUCATIONOVERVIEW OF ROLEWe are seeking reliable and trustworthy drivers to provide a safe, friendly, and professionaltransport service for our pupils and parents.  Successful applicants will demonstrate strongcommunication skills, a professional manner, and the ability to follow schedules with precision.These positions are well-suited to individuals seeking to supplement their income or those whowould like work that leaves most of the daytime free for other pursuits.  While we are keen fornew drivers to join us as soon as possible, we can offer flexibility on the start date if required.Please note that all drivers must complete and pass a mandatory driving assessment, along withany additional assessments required during the course of employment and as these are term-time positions, annual leave must be taken during the school holidays.HOURS OF WORK Term-TimeOption 1 - Morning RunsMonday to Friday, 6:30am to 8:30am (10 hours per week)Option 2 - Evening RunsMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 5:40pm to 7:40pm (8 hours per week)Option 3 - Morning & Evening RunsMonday to Friday, 6:30am to 8:30am &Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 5:40pm to 7:40pm (18 hours per week)Additional HoursThere is the requirement to attend mandatory Inset sessions that usually take place at thebeginning of term, these will be communicated through the Deputy Bursar. These will be (butnot limited to) whole school staff meetings, safeguarding training, health and safety training, firetraining etc. Any Inset sessions attended will be paid at the postholder’s standard hourly rate asovertime.Please clearly state on your application which option you wish to be considered for.Use of a SmartphoneSuccessful applicants will be required to have access to a smartphone. The contact number forthis phone will be shared with the relevant parents/guardians using the school bus service.  Theschool will either provide a smartphone or, if preferred, contribute towards the monthly cost ofusing a personal device.SCHOOL BUS DRIVERMAIN DUTIESGeneralSafely drive a school minibus or other allocated vehicle on designated routes or as directed.Ensure the safety, comfort, and welfare of pupils at all times during journeys to and fromschool.Follow all motoring laws, school transport policies, and minibus training requirements,driving with due care and attention.Remain alert to traffic, road, and weather conditions to maintain safe travel.Liaise with the Deputy Bursar regarding route planning, timings, and collection/drop-offpoints.Use and promote the school’s transport management software as required.Professional ConductAct as a courteous and professional representative of Brambletye School at all times.Be polite and respectful towards pupils, parents, colleagues, members of the public, andother road users.Demonstrate tact, patience, and diplomacy in all interactions.Vehicle Care & SafetyCarry out pre-use internal and external vehicle checks to confirm safety androadworthiness before every journey.Report promptly any vehicle faults, defects, incidents, or accidents to the Deputy Bursar.Ensure vehicles are fuelled, clean, and well-maintained before and after use.Always leave vehicles safe, secure, and in good order when parked.Undertake driving assessments and training as required by the role..Responsible  to:Deputy BursarResponsible for:N/AKEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport and foster the aims of the school.Be professional and a good role model to the pupils at all times.Attend all staff meetings (if required), Inset days and any other relevant training whenappropriate.Be familiar with the school’s health and safety guidance and be responsible for personalhealth and safety and that of the pupils.Perform reasonable additional duties as required by the school, commensurate with thepost.SAFEGUARDINGComplete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and any other safeguardingchecks.Ensure familiarisation with key safeguarding policies and documents e.g. Child Protection(Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, StaffCode of Conduct etc.Commit to regular training regarding safeguarding e.g. Child Protection, Prevent etc. Be fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all pupils at Brambletye School.KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONT.The postholder may be reasonably required to perform duties other than those given in the jobdescription for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post mayvary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of theresponsibility entailed. If during the course of time the duties and responsibilities detailed should change significantlyand for a sustained period of time, the job description will be reviewed and amended inconsultation with the postholder. It is the shared responsibility of the postholder and their line manager to ensure that jobdescriptions are kept up to date.Job Description Written/Updated: October 2025By:Deputy Bursar/HR ManagerApplicants should note that shortlisting will be based on this specification and should keep thisin mind when preparing and completing their application form QUALIFICATIONSHold a current, clean, and valid driving licence.Possess a D1 unrestricted or PCV licence (preferred). Training may be provided forcandidates without this qualification.Basic first aid training (or willingness to undertake training) would be an advantage.SKILLS & EXPERIENCEA minimum age of 21 years (for insurance purposes).At least two years of driving experience, with evidence of safe and responsible driving.Experience of working with children or in a customer-facing role is desirable.Confident in route planning and time management to ensure punctuality and reliability.Ability to carry out routine vehicle safety checks and report defects.Competent in using a smartphone and willing to engage with the school’s transportsoftware.PERSONAL QUALITIESPleasant, approachable, and child-friendly manner.Strong communication skills, able to engage effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues.Patient, calm, and reassuring, particularly when dealing with children or unexpectedsituations.Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy, with a strong sense of responsibility.Presentable and professional in appearance and conduct.Organised and methodical approach to work, with good time-management skills.Able to remain calm under pressure and respond sensibly to changing circumstances.A team player who can also work independently and take initiative when required.Honest and discreet, with the ability to handle information confidentially.Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules or requirements.Willing to undertake training and continuous professional development.PERSON SPECIFICATIONSALARY Option 1 (Morning Runs) - £4,734 per yearOption 2 (Evening Runs) - £3,738 per yearOption 3 (Morning & Evening Runs) - £9,441 per yearThe hourly rate is £12.78.PROBATION PERIODThese roles are subject to a 6-month probationary period.PENSION Eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into the school’s pension scheme in line withstatutory requirements.INDUCTION New staff benefit from a comprehensive and supportive induction programme, which includes:Detailed tour of the school and its facilitiesIntroductions to key members of staffChild Protection and Safeguarding trainingHealth and Safety inductionPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRAISALS We are committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of all staff. Regularappraisals are held to support career progression and professional growth.SCHOOL FEE REMISSION A generous discount on school fees is available from the start of employment across ourNursery, Pre-Prep, and Prep School.WELLBEING & THE BRAMBLETYE COMMUNITY Brambletye places great emphasis on staff wellbeing and morale, fostering a culture of mutualsupport. Staff enjoy:Regular social events throughout the yearA vibrant, welcoming community environmentLEISURE FACILITIES Staff enjoy complimentary access (when available) to the school’s excellent leisure facilities,including sports hall, squash courts, tennis courts, and all-weather pitch.A BRAMBLETYE WORKPLACESAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLETYE Brambletye School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of allchildren and young people in our care. We expect every member of our community—includingstaff, Governors, and volunteers—to share this commitment.Our CommitmentSafeguarding is central to everything we do at Brambletye.All staff are required to follow the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, ensuringthat the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always the highest priority.Every member of staff, regardless of their role, holds responsibility for safeguarding thechildren entrusted to us.Recruitment & ScreeningAll successful applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, whichincludes:Reference checks with previous employersEnhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or international equivalent,where applicable)Positions at Brambletye are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Thismeans all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings— including thoseconsidered "spent" under the Act—must be declared, subject to DBS filtering rules.Information provided will be treated in strict confidence, and each case will be consideredon its individual merits.Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer ofemployment or immediate termination of employment.Brambletye School’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy can be found at here. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Brambletye School is proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunities employer. We:Treat all applicants with dignity, fairness, and respect throughout the recruitment process.Value the diversity of our staff and actively encourage applications from candidates of allbackgrounds.Provide support where needed to ensure that every applicant has a fair opportunity tosucceed.SAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & DIVERSITYHOW TO APPLY If you would like an informal discussion about this role before submitting your application,please contact Julie Leman (Deputy Bursar) at jleman@brambletye.com or call 01342 321004.Download the application form from the Brambletye School website.Once completed, email it to Heather White (HR Manager) at hwhite@brambletye.com.If you have any questions about the recruitment process or require assistance with theform, please contact Heather, who will be happy to help.SHORTLISTINGApplications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in this document, with shortlistedapplicants invited to attend an interview at Brambletye School.ONLINE CHECKSAll shortlisted applicants will undergo an online background check in line with the school’ssafeguarding commitments.REFERENCESReferences will normally be obtained prior to interview unless you indicate otherwise.OVERSEAS POLICE CHECK If you have lived outside the UK for more than three months in the past ten years, you will berequired to provide a police clearance certificate from the relevant country or countries.SUPPORTING RECRUITMENT DOCUMENTS & POLICIES Applicants should familiarise themselves with the school’s supporting recruitment documentsand policies, these are available on vacancies page of the school’s website here. TERM DATESInformation about the school’s term dates can be accessed here.KEY DATES Please note that we will be interviewing as applications are received, therefore early applicationis strongly advised. We reserve the right to close this vacancy when suitable appointments have been made.YOUR APPLICATION