MINIBUS DRIVER (Term-time only or bank work) at Prince’s Mead School Winchester Prince’s Mead School, Worthy Park House, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1AN 01962 888000 princesmeadschool.org.uk @princesmeadschool A word from Adam King, the Headmaster: Thank you so much for your interest in this role at Prince’s Mead. Prince’s Mead is an ambitious, vibrant and exciting school with a tremendous spirit where, above all, happiness reigns. Situated on the outskirts of Winchester, the school is ideally placed to benefit from the cultural heritage of a historical city as well as enjoy the scenic countryside of the beautiful Itchen Valley. In May 2025, the governing bodies of Prince’s Mead and King Edward VI School announced the merger of the two schools. This strategic partnership brings together two distinguished schools with shared values, a commitment to excellence, and a deep belief in nurturing every child’s potential. This merger is not prompted by necessity or difficulty but rather reflects a shared confidence in the future. Both schools are financially stable, thriving independently, and led by long-term, forward-thinking strategies. This development represents an opportunity to shape the future of education in Hampshire from a position of strength. Please do visit our website to see full details of this exciting merger. I am now into my third year of headship at Prince’s Mead and still firmly believe that it is a truly special place with a caring and supportive community. The Crown Values are the bedrock of the school and the purpose and aims of the school provide strong direction. Together, the Governors work closely with myself, the Bursar and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to provide a strategy and implementation plan to make the school the best it can be. Most recently, we have rolled out one-to-one devices (together with a new VLE), expanded our provision of Forest School with a new canopy in the woods and extended the teaching of Drama throughout the school. I hope you enjoy reading this information pack, browsing our website and looking at our social media posts. It’s a very exciting time to be joining the team at Prince’s Mead and I look forward to receiving your application. Kind regards, Adam King Headmaster MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025 BACKGROUND TO THE SCHOOL Founded in 1949 in Winchester, Prince’s Mead is a co-educational day preparatory school for children aged 3 to 11. These characteristics allow it to stand out from other independent schools in the area and place it in a unique position to enable children to move on to a wide variety of secondary schools and particularly the very good 11+ day schools in Hampshire and beyond. Senior school destinations are never prescriptive, however, and the school works closely with parents to prepare children for the full range of possible choices. In May 2025, the governing bodies of Prince’s Mead and King Edward VI School announced the merger of the two schools. This strategic partnership brings together two distinguished schools with shared values, a commitment to excellence, and a deep belief in nurturing every child’s potential. This merger is not prompted by necessity or difficulty but rather reflects a shared confidence in the future. Both schools are financially stable, thriving independently, and led by long-term, forward-thinking strategies. This development represents an opportunity to shape the future of education in Hampshire from a position of strength. Prince’s Mead is located in a glorious setting, occupying Worthy Park House; a large former Georgian residence dating back to 1820. With wonderful views across the Itchen Valley, the twelve acres of grounds complement the house and provide a perfect setting for delivering education as well as an impressive sport offering and other co-curricular activities. Enhancements have included a multipurpose sports hall, music practice rooms and the latest development of four new classrooms and a modern kitchen and dining hall (completed in 2019). This latter work has also allowed for the redevelopment of the Coach House in order to provide an Early Years facility, which is proving highly popular. Prince’s Mead is very strong academically and offers a fantastic breadth in its curriculum. There are dedicated classrooms for Science, ICT, DT and Art. Music is important both in the classroom and through peripatetic music teachers. The school is known for its outdoor education and has its own Forest School in Gray’s Wood. Children experience several day trips throughout the year and by the end of their time here will have climbed two mountain peaks in the UK. Many more details about the curriculum and extra- curricular offerings are available on the school’s website at princesmeadschool.org.uk. The school is the only independent school in the area to operate a free minibus service in the mornings and afternoons. The red minibuses have become iconic in the local community to assist with travel. The school currently has over 290 children on roll and there are exciting plans to develop the buildings and facilities further. MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025 The school met all standards of regulatory compliance when it was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in May 2023 and was found to be excellent in all areas of the Integrated Inspection. GENERAL OVERVIEW Prince’s Mead School aims to recruit a proactive Minibus Driver to support our growing fleet of Minibuses. This could either be a term-time only role with work split into a morning and evening routine, or bank/relief driver work. Working for the School Coordinator - Co-Curricular, the minibus drivers are responsible for ensuring the safe transport of pupils to and from school as well as supporting school trips and offsite activities. We currently have a fleet of 9 buses which run 3 times a day to Winchester and the surrounding area. JOB DESCRIPTION • Driving a Prince’s Mead School minibus (14 or 16 seats), on regular morning and evening runs and, as required, for sports fixtures or school trips. • Responsible for the health and safety, comfort and welfare of pupils and staff. • Carry out basic vehicle checks before driving. • Reporting any vehicle defects and faults to the Fleet Supervisor and any incidents and accidents to the School Coordinator – Co-Curricular. • Ensuring the vehicle is in a clean and roadworthy condition, before and after use, and cleaning the inside and outside of the bus on a regular basis, as required. • Refuelling vehicles, as required. • Drivers must enjoy the challenge of driving and understand the skills required of driving a larger vehicle with children aged between 4 – 11 years old. • Maintaining company image; working attire should be worn at all times and kept in a clean and tidy condition. • This position involves working directly with children so a pre-employment Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check will be required. • Working within health and safety guidelines and other guidelines that may be issued from time-to- time. • Working within the constraints and guidelines as set out in the Minibus Drivers’ Operating Instructions. MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025 • Undertaking any associated duties as required by the school; for example, setting up the hall for assemblies. • Be aware of relevant events at Prince’s Mead throughout the year and implications for own work. PERSONAL SPECIFICATION • The post holder will be able to keep calm under pressure and maintain good humour when things are not going to plan. • A clean UK Drivers Licence with no previous disqualifications. • Drivers will be expected to undertake MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) accreditation if not already obtained. • Knowledge of local area desirable with ability to pre-plan journeys further afield. • Able to work and support other members of the minibus driver team where required or for absent colleagues on our different bus routes. All drivers are required to learn all our bus routes, which full training will be given on. • Able to respond to emails, maintain an organised diary, be punctual and ready to work. • Able to communicate with pupils, parents and school staff in a confident polite manner, ensuring that the children adhere to the driver instructions, whilst maintaining high behavioural standards. • Able to work using own initiative and may need to make decisions in an emergency situation, following the school emergency procedure. REMUNERATION and OTHER BENEFITS Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. There are further benefits including: pension, free lunch and tea and onsite parking. Term-time only (36 weeks a year). Usually around 20 hours a week for a Main Driver or hourly rate for Bank Driver. MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025 APPLICATION PROCESS 1. There is no closing date for applications. 2. Applicants are asked to complete the school’s application form provided (it’s important to include two named referees), as well as a covering letter (no more than one side of A4). The letter of application should offer a personal insight into the skills and aspirations of the candidate. 3. Prince’s Mead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS. 4. At the short list interview, applicants will be interviewed by the Headmaster, as well as other members of the Senior Leadership Team. 5. Please email your completed application form and covering letter to recruitment@princesmeadschool.org.uk. SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment. We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account. MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead. MINIBUS DRIVER INFORMATION PACK JULY 2025
Thank you for your interest in staff vacancies at Prince’s Mead. Please see below our current vacant positions.
At Prince’s Mead, we believe in educating the whole child in order for them to become well-rounded, happy and fulfilled individuals with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic achievement, independence, collaboration, leadership and a readiness to take the next exciting step to senior school and beyond.
As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead.
Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
Please send applications to recruitment@princesmeadschool.org.uk
Thank you for your interest in staff vacancies at Prince’s Mead. Please see below our current vacant positions.
At Prince’s Mead, we believe in educating the whole child in order for them to become well-rounded, happy and fulfilled individuals with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic achievement, independence, collaboration, leadership and a readiness to take the next exciting step to senior school and beyond.
As an equal opportunities employer, Prince’s Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince’s Mead.
Prince’s Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer’s mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
Please send applications to recruitment@princesmeadschool.org.uk