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A School Caretaker is responsible for the upkeeping and maintenance of the school. This includes ensuring the grounds are tidy, and conducting minor repairs where necessary. You may have to also plan for future developments, and manage any external contractors.
Practical skills such as woodwork and DIY would be useful and your skills and ability to do the job will often be more important than any qualifications.
It could also be an advantage if you have relevant work experience. You will also need Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance to work in schools.
As a school caretaker you could be earning around £20,000 on average throughout the school year. Since you’ll be working in a school setting you’ll generally be working within term time, which might affect how much you’re paid. If you’re a new starter you might be earning around £18,000 or more.
Your income as a school caretaker is going to depend on a few things. Firstly, think about where you’re going to be working. Your location could mean you’re earning more or less than the national average, so it’s good to check out how pay might vary between your local area and others. For example, Londoners can expect to earn on average 25% more than the next closest region because of things like the cost of living.
Your experience level will also be a major factor in what you’ll earn. As a new starter with little experience you might not be earning much, especially if you’re going to be working part-time or similar. After you’ve gained some experience in the role then you’ll probably find you’re earning significantly more. Experienced school caretakers can expect to earn around £25,000 or more in the role. If you have any relevant experience then it might helpful in getting you a higher salary.
As a School Caretaker, you will normally work 38-42 hours a week subject to term times.
Some staff work all year round while some take term holidays.
The summer term stretches from the end of the Easter break to mid-July.
It includes a half term week long holiday in late May.
This is usually the busiest time, with later students sitting their GCSE’s.
The academic school year starts in early September, with the term stretching till Christmas.
The winter term is a half term holiday, usually a week long at the end of October.
Most schools have a 2 week end of term holiday stretching over New Year and Christmas.
This is the spring term and stretches from early January to Easter.
Easter usually falls on a different weekend each year, so the end of term two-week break can be either early April or late March.
This term also included a week-long half term break, usually in mid-February.
Once in the post, there are numerous development opportunities for site staff. Post-holders could take a vocational qualification in the following:
Experienced caretakers with responsibility for managing a small team may be able to consider:
We offer both Level 2 and Level 3 Courses & Qualifications. Some of these may be eligible for government funded learning meaning you could study for free subject to eligibility.