Ipswich School
Suffolk
Expiring soon
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
13 October 2025
Apply by:
23 September 2025
Job overview
IPSWICH SCHOOL
ESTATES OPERATIVE
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 schemes. 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 and application form and a full job description for this role from our website: or contact the HR team on or
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:
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.
Recruiter contact:
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About Ipswich School
Ipswich School
Henley Road, Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 3SG
United Kingdom
Ipswich School is one of the leading independent schools in the area. It has a long history dating back to at least 1399 and is known for its academic success, without being an educational 'hot house', its extensive sport, drama and music activities and its commitment to the local community.
Pupils at the school come from a really broad range of backgrounds, and this makes the school different to many others in the independent sector. The atmosphere is very positive and pupils really do get on well with each other and with teachers. Behaviour in lessons is first class and teachers are able to focus fully on their teaching and pupils' learning without having to spend time and effort keeping everyone in order.
Those applying for teaching posts in the Senior School will find that class sizes are generally smaller than in the maintained sector, with Lower School classes typically being around 20, Middle School can be a little larger or smaller depending on subjects – but are never larger than 24. A Level classes in the Sixth Form are typically have around 10 – 12 students, with 15 students being the upper limit.
Teachers are well supported by Heads of Department and there is a first-class CPD programme in place which not only provides the latest on class room practice, but also involves a range of optional social events. Additional training is also available for all teachers.
For those looking at Prep School posts they will find wonderful purpose-built classrooms in a state-of-the-art Prep School building, small class sizes – typically around 15 in the Lower Prep and between 18 and 25 in the Upper Prep. They will also find parents are very supportive and keen to develop the potential in their children.
Those applying for support staff posts will feel themselves very much part of a community alongside teaching staff. There is a well-refined CPD programme for, great opportunities for development and a fantastic range of benefits.
There are regular opportunities for all staff to get together socially. Recently staff events include drawing sessions, gin and wine tasting, wreath making at Christmas and a summer BBQ.
Facilities throughout the school are excellent with a brand new Music School, the extensive Ipswich School Sports Centre at nearby Rushmere, a specially-built Prep School and a day nursery – The Lodge.
There is free car parking on site for teachers and support staff (though this can be a little tight at times in the Senior School) and a range of other benefits.
Supporting the community is one of the school's core values. The school has a significant community programme with pupils visiting local care homes giving music and drama performances, pupils growing vegetables and giving them to a local charity, local primary schools taking part in our annual Festival of Music and a large pupil-led termly fundraising programme.
Please have a look at our current vacancies listed here.
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