Site Assistant

Role overview

The Whitstable School, part of Swale Academies Trust, is hiring a Site Assistant to support the day-to-day running of the school premises. This is a hands-on position for someone who is adaptable, practical, and comfortable dealing with a wide range of tasks across buildings, grounds, and equipment.

The post is based at The Whitstable School in Whitstable, England, United Kingdom. The salary for the role is £25,316 to £26,378 (SAT B). Working hours are 37 per week, throughout the year, with working times to be confirmed at interview. The expected start date is July 2026, and interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 6 July 2026.

What the role involves

You will report to the Site Manager and help keep the school safe, clean, and well maintained. The work is varied and may change at short notice, so the school is looking for someone with a flexible approach and a strong willingness to help wherever needed.

• Carry out general maintenance across buildings, grounds, and equipment
• Complete minor repair work and basic site maintenance tasks
• Support porter duties and day-to-day site operations
• Open and secure school buildings as required
• Mow lawns and assist with grounds upkeep
• Work with contractors when needed
• Help maintain a safe and tidy site at all times

Working pattern and conditions

This is a 37-hour-per-week role across the full year. The successful candidate will also be expected to work one weekend in every four on a rotating basis with other team members. There is an expectation that some work may fall outside standard hours when necessary.

Person specification

The school is seeking someone who is reliable, punctual, and able to respond well to changing priorities. You should be happy working on your own or as part of a team, and confident using tools and machinery for maintenance and repair tasks.

Rewards and benefits

Working for the school offers a supportive environment with access to professional development and a range of employee benefits.

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Salary sacrifice shared cost AVC scheme
• Employee referral recruitment incentive
• Training and development opportunities
• On-site parking
• Discounts at local and national retailers, cinemas, and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme

Application process

For further details or an informal conversation about the role, candidates can contact TWS_hr@swale.at. Applications must be submitted through Kent Teach or by sending a Swale Academies Trust application form to TWS_hr@swale.at. CVs will not be accepted.

If you need help completing the application form, support is available from recruitment@swale.at or by calling 01795 905989. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed during the application process. In line with GDPR, application records will not be retained after the post has been filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date.

Safeguarding and checks

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment. This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require an enhanced DBS check. Shortlisted candidates will also be subject to an online check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

About the school

The Whitstable School is a secondary school in Whitstable, Kent, and is part of Swale Academies Trust. The school is working towards further improvement and has ambitions to reach outstanding standards. Its current direction includes a stronger focus on inclusive learning, leadership development, creative and vocational opportunities, STEM enrichment, and wider pathways for students.

For more information about the school, visitors are directed to the school website.