Facilities and Estates Manager Candidate Information Pack

Closing date for applications:

Sunday 19 July 2026

Employee Benefits

At Durston House we offer a range of benefits, which include:

Generous pay scales

Training and Development Opportunities

A contributory pension scheme

Remission of fees for children of staff

Free daily hot/ cold lunches, tea, coffee and biscuits during term time

Generous holiday entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme

‘Values of kindness, respect and independence shine through.’

Good Schools Guide Review 2024

Key Facts about Durston House

• Girls & Boys aged 3 - 13

• 270 Pupils

• Located in Ealing, West London

6 minute walk from Ealing Broadway station, with excellent transport links via the Elizabeth Line, Central and District Lines and the National Rail services

• Day School with Breakfast Club & After-School Care Provision

• 16 pupils - Average Class Size

• 6.75 acres of Playing Fields

• 7 TFL bus routes across neighbouring boroughs

Welcome to Durston House School

Durston House is a leading London prep school for girls and boys aged 3 – 13, located in Ealing, West London. An education at Durston House is based upon academic rigour through excellent teaching, encouraging pupils to explore, question, take risks, and develop their creativity, communication and teamwork – all central to successful life-long learning. At Durston we have a fine record of preparing pupils for top Senior Schools in London and beyond. We take pride in the true and visible diversity of our community and embrace pupils and staff from all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Durston House places an emphasis on high standards of work and targets that are commensurate with each pupil’s personal development. We believe that it is hugely important to create an educational environment that encourages all pupils to be curious and enthusiastic about their opportunities to learn and grow. We place our pupils at the centre of everything we do, making sure that every opportunity is taken to enable each pupil to flourish.

Lessons are delivered in a range of ways, taking account of different learning styles and preferences, and the certainty that pupils should explore and experience practically, not just from a textbook. Workshops, Outings, Trips and outdoor adventures complement the classroom experience across all year groups. Throughout the school there is an After-School Activities Programme, offering a wide range of activities from chess, coding, skateboarding, photography and many more! After-School Activities at Durston House aim to inspire, enthuse and develop curiosity in pupils.

Durston House is a founding member of a group of leading, not-for-profit preparatory schools committed to delivering the best in education – the St Paul’s School Group, effective from 1 January 2026. The Group brings together strong, pupil-centred prep schools in partnership with St Paul’s School, combining long-established traditions with forward-thinking leadership while each school retains its own identity and excellence. Further details can be found at this link: stpaulsschoolgroup.com.

Mr Giles Entwisle, Headmaster

The School

Founded in 1886, the school has a proud and long history of achievement in partnership with parents and the local community. The school encourages pupils to be active participants in their learning and lives; to revel in success; to celebrate effort; to expect challenge; to take calculated risks and to develop independence.

Pupils thrive in an environment of support, academic challenge and high expectations. Our ability to develop exceptional people cannot be separated from our rich history.

“A school where they chant their Latin verbs, can plot countries and can hold a conversation with an adult knowing what’s going on in the world, “ summed up by one happy mum.

—Good Schools Guide Review 2024

Durston House School employs over ninety full-time and part-time staff in both teaching and support roles. The school offers a dynamic and inspiring environment for any teaching professional. In addition, the diversity of support roles available provides a wealth of opportunities for a whole range of specialists and professions – from Administration, Finance and IT, to Buildings and Grounds Maintenance.

As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to develop your skills and experience through our professional development programme. You will be part of a friendly and welcoming school community.

The Role

Durston House is seeking to appoint an organised, proactive and experienced Facilities and Estates Manager to lead the management of the School’s estate, facilities, compliance and maintenance functions.

Working under the direction of the Interim Bursar, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that all school premises are safe, secure, compliant, documented, well maintained and fit for purpose, providing an outstanding environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

The post holder will carry out such duties as may reasonably be required by the Interim Bursar and Headmaster and will be expected to adhere to the School’s policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and data protection.

The role is available on a 0.5FTE basis, with core hours of work to be agreed. The School is open to discussing alternative working patterns and flexible arrangements for the right candidate. Flexibility will also be required to support the operational needs of the School, including occasional attendance outside normal working hours.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Estates and Facilities Management

Oversee the maintenance, repair and development of all School buildings, grounds and facilities

Develop and manage reactive and planned preventative maintenance programmes

Ensure reactive maintenance issues are addressed promptly and effectively

Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, inspections and statutory testing

Manage minor refurbishment and improvement projects

Team Management

Line manage the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Assistant

• Allocate workloads and monitor performance

• Support staff training and development

Ensure effective day-to-day operation of the maintenance function

Compliance, Health & Safety and Security

Lead on premises-related compliance, health and safety and security matters

Ensure statutory inspections, servicing and testing are completed and recorded

Maintain relevant risk assessments and compliance documentation

Carry out regular site inspections and identify areas for improvement

Act as a key holder and support emergency response arrangements

Contractor and Project Management

Manage contractors and service providers

Obtain quotations and oversee works on site

Monitor facilities and maintenance budgets

Ensure value for money in purchasing and contract management

School Operations

Manage the setup and operation of school events, performances, meetings and lettings

Ensure school facilities are safe, presentable and fit for purpose at all times

Contribute to the development of the School’s estate and environmental sustainability initiatives

General Responsibilities

Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people

Comply with all school policies and procedures

Maintain confidentiality at all times

Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster or Interim Bursar that are commensurate with the level of the post

Person Specification

Essential

Experience of facilities, estates or premises management

Experience of managing staff and contractors

Knowledge of health and safety, compliance requirements and COSHH regulations Knowledge of security systems

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

Good IT and communication skills

Full UK driving licence

Desirable

IOSH, NEBOSH or similar health and safety qualification

Experience of working within an educational environment

Experience of budget management and project delivery

How to Apply

Durston House will only accept applications from candidates completing the relevant Application Form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed Application Forms.

1. If you would like to apply for this role, please download the application form from the school website.

2. Your application form should be completed and returned to recruitment@durstonhouse.org by Sunday 19 July 2026.

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date for an exceptional candidate.

Safeguarding Statement

Durston House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects its entire staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure Barring Service. We will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks. This will include publicly available information on social media and other online platforms.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Durston House School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates.

DURSTON HOUSE

12-14 Castlebar Road
Ealing
W5 2DR

T: 020 8991 6530 E: recruitment@durstonhouse.org

Follow us! @durstonhouse

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Registered Charity No. 294670