Seasonal Grounds Assistant
BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL
Barnard Castle
Full-time
Listed today
Seasonal Grounds Assistant For an immediate start The History of Barnard Castle School Barnard Castle School has a rich and enduring history, deeply rooted in a tradition of learning and community. The school traces its origins back to the nearby Hospital of St John, an educational and religious community established by John de Balliol in 1229. John de Balliol also founded Balliol College, Oxford, and his passion for education and opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. In 1883, with a generous gift from Benjamin Flounders, a Victorian philanthropist, and the proceeds of St John's Hospital, the present main school building was constructed. Since then, the school has grown and evolved, blending its historical foundations with a forward-thinking approach to education. In 2024, David Cresswell was appointed as Barney’s 11th Headmaster, continuing the school’s tradition of combining timeless values with future-focused ambition. Today, Barnard Castle School remains a place where the lessons of the past inspire the innovations of tomorrow, as we prepare our pupils to shape a changing world with courage, kindness, and integrity. Barnard Castle School: Shaping Tomorrow, One Step at a Time "Parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus" When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things. At Barnard Castle School – or 'Barney' as it is affectionately known – we believe that small steps lead to big strides. Our vision is to inspire a generation of young people with the courage and kindness to dare greatly and shape a changing world. We want them to shape the future while proudly standing on the shoulders of those who came before them. Ambition – Daring to achieve, with the courage to innovate and the curiosity to explore. Character – Forged in challenge, strengthened by kindness, and rooted in integrity. Community – Honouring the past, strengthening our school and town, and building global connections that last a lifetime. These principles guide everything we do – from our academic programmes to our vibrant co-curricular offering. Our down-to-earth and inclusive community provides a safe environment for pupils to embrace challenges, pursue passions, and develop a sense of purpose that will stay with them long after they leave Barney. We are a school that blends tradition with forward-thinking ambition. Our origins trace back to the Hospital of St John, founded in 1229 by John de Balliol, who also established Balliol College, Oxford. That same love of learning and commitment to opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. As we look ahead to the 2030s, we continue to invest in modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and the wider world. Barney is a place where connections are made and memories are formed. It is not unusual to see Year 11 pupils sharing lunch and conversation with younger peers or Sixth Formers mentoring new starters. Our pupils develop confidence, resilience, and humility as they grow – always encouraged to support and celebrate each other's successes. Staff at Barney play a crucial role in this journey. We seek staff who share our purpose and are proactive in immersing themselves in the life of the school. Through our extensive 'Mind, Body, and Soul' programme, which runs from 4pm to 5pm, staff have the opportunity to lead activities they are passionate about, fostering authentic relationships beyond the classroom. We are also committed to helping staff be the best versions of themselves. Our comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme offers opportunities to hone their craft. We want staff who are ambitious about their own development and passionate about lifelong learning, recognising that their growth directly benefits our pupils and school. Our location, on the edge of the historic market town of Barnard Castle – recently recognised as one of the safest in England – offers a unique combination of heritage, community spirit, and access to outstanding natural beauty. We also benefit from partnerships with world-class universities in Durham, Newcastle, and York, enhancing our pupils' educational experience and broadening their horizons. At Barney, we believe that ambition, character, and community are not abstract ideals but lived experiences. Together, we take small steps every day – steps that build towards remarkable achievements and a future as bright as the generations of Barnardians who came before. Our Vision ● To be viewed as the leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in the North of England. Our Purpose ● Our purpose as a school is to inspire minds and build character, within a down-to-earth, inclusive community where everyone belongs, and hard work and good humour thrive. Our aim ● Our aim is to create a safe environment where pupils love their school, embrace small steps toward great achievements, and are willing to dare greatly to shape a changing world. Our Key Features A Seamless Educational Journey We are proud to offer a supportive environment where students can complete their entire educational journey. At every stage, we nurture their growth, ensuring smooth transitions and a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs, all within a close-knit, inclusive community that helps them flourish and prepares them for life beyond Barney. Fully co-educational Boarding and Day School We fully embrace co-education, ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. Our strong boarding community enriches the school, enhancing cultural literacy through our international students. The extended school day and week provide ample time to deliver a broad and varied educational experience. Resilient Characters & Brave Minds We have always offered an education that goes beyond exams, which is more crucial now than ever in a rapidly changing world shaped by globalism, AI, and evolving careers. Our students need strong character, adaptable soft skills, and a values-driven foundation to thrive in this uncertain future. With resilience and a supportive community, they are empowered to dare greatly and achieve beyond what they thought was possible. A Broad Entry Life is about engaging with people of diverse abilities and talents, celebrating personal growth rather than just top grades. As long as we can support individuals in accessing our education and they demonstrate the core character traits we value, we are committed to supporting them on their journey. Traditional yet Innovative Barney’s rich history and cherished traditions have shaped generations of strong, humble individuals. While we honour these beloved ‘Barneyisms,’ we remain focused on staying relevant and forward-thinking as we move further into the 21st century Role Summary The Seasonal Grounds assistant is responsible for undertaking tasks to assist with the maintenance of the general condition and availability of the School’s sports facilities. The Seasonal Grounds Assistant will be a member of a small team of Grounds staff and will report to the Head Groundsman. Job Description Job Title: Seasonal Grounds Assistant Responsible to: Director of Facilities and Estates Reporting to: Head Groundsman Department: Operations- Maintenance Start date: As soon as possible Overall Responsibilities General • • • • • • • • • • Under the direction of the Head Groundsman, preparing and maintaining the sports facilities, including artificial surfaces to recognised national standards and to the satisfaction of all users. Providing grounds staff support to matches/fixtures when required. Implementing weekly, monthly and annual agreed maintenance programmes for all facilities. Liaising with appropriate staff on the availability of sports facilities for lessons and matches, and advising on the fitness of pitches. Working with various different types of machinery and equipment to prepare and maintain pitches as well as artificial surfaces. Undertaking general maintenance of equipment as directed. Assisting with the maintenance of trees, hedges and paths, including leaf collection and spraying. Maintaining grounds and sports related buildings and facilities. Attending meetings and events as directed. Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head Groundsman. Expectations as a member of Barnard Castle School Staff • To have high professional standards and so be an appropriate role model of reliability, behaviour and appearance. • To uphold all the policies of Barnard Castle School. • To take an interest in how the School functions. • To subscribe to School’s ethos of inclusivity, collegiality and helpfulness. • Be responsible for considering the Health and Safety of themselves and others as an integral part of their job. • Maintain an awareness and observation of fire regulations • Undertake safeguarding training and understand safeguarding obligations. • Demonstrate their ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards through their department’s delivery of service. • To establish good standards of communication with all stakeholders. Support: The staff member will be appraised by their Line Manager, but routine communication will be on going and professional development is encouraged. In order to meet the high standards expected of a member of staff in our School, the Director of Facilities and Estates is seeking to employ a person with the following qualities, experience, skills and abilities. Role Criteria • Previous experience as a Grounds Assistant or similar. • A gull understanding of field markings. • Experience of mechanical repairs and the ability to mend machinery and make small repairs. • Knowledge and experience of working with synthetic sports pitches/surfaces. • Ability to work well as part of a team. • A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work. • Must be able to work without supervision and prioritise workload according to fixture lists and weather conditions. • Relevant qualifications in turf management (NVQ or similar) • A chainsaw certificate is desirable • Full, clean driving licence This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder may be required to carry out such other duties as the Finance Manager may reasonably require from time to time. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change and development; the job description will be reviewed periodically and subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder. Terms and Conditions Type: Temporary Contract Probationary Period: 1 month Working Hours: 37 hours per week Salary: Age-appropriate National Minimum Wage Paid Holidays: Pro-rated equivalent of 20 days per annum plus bank holidays. The holiday year runs from 1st September -31st August. Pension: In accordance with current pension legislation, Operational Staff are automatically enrolled in The Pensions Trust Flexible Retirement Plan scheme unless they choose to opt out. More information is available on request. Recruitment Process Applications If you feel that you can meet the above requirements, then please submit a letter of application along with the Barnard Castle School application form to the Director of Facilities and Estates. Only applications containing the requested information will be considered. Applications should be sent to: Mr S D Blakemore Director of Facilities and Estates Barnard Castle School Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8UN Information about Interviews: Telephone: 01833 696016 Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk Applications will be considered as they arrive. Applicants should read carefully the application procedure – guidance for applicants, Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the Disclosure policy and the Safer Recruitment policy. Barnard Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Barnard Castle School is an equal opportunities employer.