The Portsmouth Grammar School - Deputy Groundskeeper

Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Team at Hilsea Playing Fields and contribute to the maintenance and development of our high quality sports facilities.

Detail

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Team based at Hilsea Playing Fields. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the maintenance and development of high-quality sports facilities that support the school's extensive sporting and lettings programmes.

Working as part of a small, professional team and reporting to the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role also includes occasional support at the school's main site.

We welcome applications from both:

• Individuals looking to progress a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management; and
• Experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills.

Key Requirements

• Team player with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under direction.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and flexible in responding to operational needs.
• Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
• Professional and approachable manner when interacting with staff, pupils, parents, and visitors.

Working Hours

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week), working Monday to Friday, with normal working hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, lettings, site security, and occasional additional weekend or evening working to meet operational requirements. The standard working day is 7.5 hours to include a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak.

Outside of term time, there will be the opportunity to agree variations to the working pattern to meet operational requirements and support work-life balance. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to develop specialist groundskeeping expertise within a leading independent school.
• Supportive working environment within a respected and successful educational institution.

How to apply:

Candidates are asked to apply using the online MyNewTerm application form.

Any enquiries about the role or how to apply are welcome at recruitment@pgs.org.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Wednesday 30th September 2026 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site in the week commencing 5th October 2026 or soon after. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to interview and appoint in advance of the closing date.

Documents

• PGS Job Description and Person Specification-Deputy Groundskeeper PDF Document