APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

Appointment of Estates Team Member (Full-Time) Flexible start date

CONTENTS

Welcome to Brambletye School 3
A Brambletye Education 4
The Role at Brambletye 5
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Person Specification 8
A Brambletye Workplace 9
Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity 10
Your Application 11

WELCOME TO BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL

…. a very warm welcome and thank you so much for your interest in working at Brambletye School.

My name is Will Brooks, and I have had the privilege of leading this wonderful school as Head since 2015. Founded in 1919 as a small boys’ boarding school in Kent, Brambletye moved to its current home in 1933. Today, we are a thriving independent co-educational prep school for children aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by the stunning, tranquil landscapes 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, Be Kind. 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 our specialist teachers of sport, music, and drama, and the dedicated colleagues across our Bursary, Admin, Estates, and Housekeeping departments – every member of staff plays a vital role in creating the warm, dynamic, and nurturing environment our pupils and their families cherish.

What truly sets Brambletye apart is the passion and pride our staff bring to their roles, working together 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 values openness, 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 to the possibility of welcoming you to Brambletye in the near future.

Will Brooks Head

A BRAMBLETYE EDUCATION

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 as valued as achievement. Our pupils learn to celebrate each other’s successes as much as their own, 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 confidence and 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 their advantages and develop into responsible young people who understand their power to make a positive difference in society.

Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, preparing pupils for Common Entrance or academic scholarship examinations at 13+ . Children are primarily taught by one teacher until the end of Year 4, after which they benefit from specialist teaching in each subject.

Life at Brambletye extends far beyond the classroom. Sport, music, art, drama, and an extensive 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 and boarding team to our bursary, estates, and support staff – plays an active role in the wellbeing of our pupils. We firmly believe that true academic success is only possible when built on a foundation of happiness and confidence. Our multi-layered pastoral system includes form tutors, personal tutors, house staff, and boarding staff, ensuring that every pupil feels supported and valued.

Today, Brambletye is home to around 300 pupils, from Nursery to Year 8, with a healthy balance of day pupils and boarders. Many of our children also choose to board part-time as day boarders, enjoying the best of both worlds.

At the end of their Brambletye journey, our pupils move on to a wide range of leading senior schools, including Tonbridge, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, Eton, Brighton, Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Uppingham, Marlborough, and Oundle.

ESTATES TEAM MEMBER

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The Estates Team Member is a key member of the school’s Estates Department, responsible for ensuring the safe, functional, and well-maintained condition of the school site and grounds. This varied role combines building maintenance, grounds care, site preparation, and general support for school operations and events.

The postholder will carry out practical repairs, assist with grounds upkeep, operate machinery and vehicles safely, and contribute to the overall appearance, safety, and efficiency of the school environment. The role requires a proactive, hands-on approach, physical fitness, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small team. This position is essential to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and well-presented school for pupils, staff, and visitors.

TRAINING & CPD OPPORTUNITIES

The role also provides opportunities for further training and CPD. Brambletye is committed to supporting the professional development of its Estates staff, enabling the postholder to build new skills, enhance existing knowledge, and work towards recognised qualifications that support progression within the team.

HOURS OF WORK

Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm, inclusive of a 30-minute unpaid break.

Saturdays

Worked on a rotational basis, usually 1-2 Saturdays per term. 8:00am to 12:00pm - no break

School Events

The postholder will be required to work when certain school events take place e.g. Sports and Speech Day, Pre-Prep Summer Fun Day, and the bonfire night. Please note that there is also the requirement to work if the term ends on a Saturday and is not included in the above hours. These additional requirements are reflected in the overall salary package.

OVERTIME

During certain times of the year, there will be a requirement for overtime to be worked, this will be agreed in advance with the Head of Estates and will either be paid or time taken off in lieu.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible to:	Head of Estates
Responsible for:	N/A

MAIN DUTIES

Undertake general internal building tasks and repairs including basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, flooring, tiling, and decoration.

Undertake general external tasks and repairs including drainage, brickwork, paving and fencing.

Carry out building and facility monitoring checks to ensure statutory compliance and identify maintenance repairs.

Maintain lawns, sports fields, hedges, trees, and external areas using appropriate machinery.

Complete strimming, leaf clearance, treatment application, and general grounds care.

Prepare and mark sports pitches; erect/dismantle equipment.

Support upkeep of paths, roads, and fencing; assist with snow/ice clearance.

Set up and clear rooms and spaces for school activities and events.

Assist with lifting, moving, and general site tasks.

Keep the site tidy and ensure drains/gullies are clear.

Help secure buildings when required.

Safely operate tools, vehicles, and machinery.

Respond to fire alarms and assist in managing emergency situations during normal working hours.

Maintain clean and safe workshops/stores.

Support parking and traffic control at key school events.

Report issues promptly and engage in required training.

Maintain suitable physical fitness for the role.

Respond to out of hours call outs as and when required.

Assist the Head of Estates and other colleagues with Estates activities as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Support 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 when appropriate.

Be familiar with the school’s health and safety guidance and be responsible for personal health and safety and that of the pupils.

Perform reasonable additional duties as required by the School, commensurate with the post.

SAFEGUARDING

Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and any other safeguarding checks.

Ensure familiarisation with key safeguarding policies and documents e.g. Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, Staff Code 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.

The postholder may be reasonably required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of the responsibility entailed.

If during the course of time the duties and responsibilities detailed should change significantly and for a sustained period of time, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.

It is the shared responsibility of the postholder and their line manager to ensure that job descriptions are kept up to date.

Job Description Written/Updated:	August 2026
By:	Head of Estates/Bursar

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Applicants should note that shortlisting will be based on this specification and should keep this in mind when preparing and completing their application form

QUALIFICATIONS

A current, clean, and valid driving licence.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Practical skills across multiple trades and general grounds, maintenance, or gardening work.

Competence in operating machinery, tools, and power equipment.

Good working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and practical, with strong problem-solving skills.

Reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and professional in appearance and conduct.

Excellent communication skills.

Able to understand and follow rules, procedures, and instructions, with high accuracy and attention to detail.

Organised, methodical, and efficient, with good time-management skills.

Calm under pressure and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Physically able to meet the demands of the role.

Flexible and willing to adapt duties or hours when required.

Discreet, diplomatic, and confidential regarding school matters.

Willing to undertake training provided by the school.

A BRAMBLETYE WORKPLACE

SALARY

£28,046 to £33,084 per year, dependent on qualifications and relevant experience.

PROBATION PERIOD

The role is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

PENSION

Eligible staff will be automatically enrolled into the school’s pension scheme in line with statutory requirements.

INDUCTION

New staff benefit from a comprehensive and supportive induction programme, which includes:

Detailed tour of the school and its facilities

Introductions to key members of staff

Child Protection and Safeguarding training

Health and Safety induction

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRAISALS

We are committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of all staff. Regular appraisals 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 our Nursery, Pre-Prep, and Prep School.

WELLBEING & THE BRAMBLETYE COMMUNITY

Brambletye places great emphasis on staff wellbeing and morale, fostering a culture of mutual support. Staff enjoy:

Regular social events throughout the year

A vibrant, welcoming community environment

LEISURE 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.

SAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

SAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLETYE

Brambletye School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We expect every member of our community - including staff, Governors, and volunteers—to share this commitment.

Our Commitment

Safeguarding is central to everything we do at Brambletye.

All staff are required to follow the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always the highest priority.

Every member of staff, regardless of their role, holds responsibility for safeguarding the children entrusted to us.

Recruitment & Screening

All successful applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, which includes:

Reference checks with previous employers

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or international equivalent, where applicable)

Positions at Brambletye are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings— including those considered "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 considered on its individual merits.

Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer of employment 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 all backgrounds.

Provide support where needed to ensure that every applicant has a fair opportunity to succeed.

YOUR APPLICATION

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like an informal discussion about this role before submitting your application, please contact Lee Simpson (Head of Estates) at lsimpson@brambletye.com or call 01342 321004.

Download the application form from the Brambletye School website.

Once completed, email it to Nick Hollamby (Bursar) at nhollamby@brambletye.com.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process or require assistance with the form, please contact Nick, who will be happy to help.

SHORTLISTING

Applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in this document, with shortlisted applicants invited to attend an interview at Brambletye School.

ONLINE CHECKS

All shortlisted applicants will undergo an online background check in line with the school’s safeguarding commitments.

REFERENCES

References 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 be required 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 documents and policies, these are available on vacancies page of the school’s website here.

TERM DATES

Information 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 application is strongly advised.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy when a suitable appointment has been made.