Live in Grounds and Maintenance Assistant - Full-time

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

• Ref:KCC886-6016-359S
• Posted:12/08/2026
• Pay:From £26,436.80 (rent free accommodation provided)
• Start Date:01/10/2026
• App Close Date:31/08/2026 at 17:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

With magnificent buildings and many acres of land to manage, our Estates team is a busy one.

The Estates team consists of 5 full time staff including this role. They work together to maintain the school buildings and extensive grounds. The team is managed by the Estates Manager who reports to the Director of Finance & Operations.

The successful candidate will need to live on-site (see Job Description for details of on-site accommodation).

There will be locking and unlocking of the school site responsibility. They will also require grounds and DIY skills, with a desire to be part of a committed and successful Estates team to ensure that the School’s buildings and grounds are always well maintained and kept safe and tidy. He/she will be happy working indoors and outdoors and be able to undertake a fairly physical workload.

The hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm including a lunch break, all year round. The team operates a rota working one weekend in five, with the following Monday and Tuesday taken as time off in lieu.

If you would like to have a new challenge, working in wonderful surroundings with a great team, we would encourage you to arrange an informal visit to find out more about this rare opportunity.

The successful candidate will need to live on site (see details below of accommodation). 

The role will include responsibility for unlocking and locking the school site, as well as carrying out grounds maintenance and basic DIY tasks. They will be part of a dedicated and successful Estates team, ensuring that the School’s buildings and grounds are maintained to a high standard and remain safe, tidy, and well presented. The role requires someone who is comfortable working both indoors and outdoors and able to manage a reasonably physical workload. 

Living Accommodation

The post holder will be required to live on site. There is a one bedroomed flat available of approximately 35sqm, which would suit one person living alone or a couple (but not suitable for families).  This accommodation will be provided rent free as part of the remuneration package offered.  There will be a monthly contribution (£50) towards utility bills, the tennant would need to arrange to pay their own council tax and internet connection bills.  There is space to park one car behind locked gates next to the entrance to the flat. More information can be provided on request.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Emma Blakiston
• Address:Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
• Telephone: 01959 522137
• Email: recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01959 522137

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description - Live in Grounds and Maintenance Assistant
• St. Michael's overview
• Person Specification - Live in Grounds and Maintenance Assistant