Estates Operative

Overview

Full-time, permanent, required as soon as possible

THE SCHOOL

Ipswich School has been listed as one of the top 130 schools in the country and is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. We were established prior to 1399, moving to our present site in 1852. The school is co-educational with 1100 pupils aged between 3 months and 18 years, and we are regularly ranked as Suffolk’s top independent school. The School benefits from a dedicated team of Estates staff who work to maintain and continually improve the School’s buildings and grounds. The role is interesting and varied and is crucial to the smooth running of the School.

THE POST

We are currently looking for Estates Operatives who can undertake general estates duties. This will include maintenance across the estate, site security, movement of furniture, cleaning and keeping the site litter free, reporting repairs and controlling access for contractors. There may be opportunities to gain more trade skills and experience, and progress your career with us, through both on the job training and certified external training scheme.

Please note that the role is very physically active and involves lifting, carrying and moving heavy or bulky items and equipment, as well as traversing our large site on foot throughout the day.

The working hours are 40 hours a week, working on a rota consisting of 5 x 8-hour shifts covering the School’s main opening hours, which are typically from 7am to 10.30pm Mondays to Sunday. Occasionally you will be asked to cover later bookings. On-Call responsibilities are included in this role; this part of the role will be on a rota and will also offer additional cover for sickness and holidays.

BENEFITS

- Your starting salary be competitive and will depend on your skills and experience.
- You will be entitled to 28 working days paid holiday per year, including public holidays. Once extra day’s holiday may be taken for each completed 2 years’ of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days.
- You will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme (with 10% employer contributions), and you will benefit from 3x death in service cover.
- After 3+ years’ service with the School you will be entitled to a generous fee remission.
- You will have access to Smarthealth, an employee wellbeing app with 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
- We offer free lunch in the dining hall during term time, and free use of the School’s swimming pool and gym.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS

We would encourage you to download an application form and a full job description for this role from our website: www.ipswich.school/vacancies or contact the HR team on 01473 408300 or hr@ipswich.school.

Completed application forms should be returned by noon on 23 September 2025. Please mark the envelope Private and Confidential and send to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or email: hr@ipswich.school

Candidates may be contacted or invited to interview prior to the closing date, and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates apply. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible. Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us

PLEASE NOTE

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Ipswich School is a Registered Charity, No 310493. VAT reg: 479 7245 36

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