About The Role

Ark Dickens Primary Academy is a thriving, two-form entry primary school in the heart of Portsmouth. We are a proudly diverse, inner city community — and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

At Dickens, relationships are at the centre of everything we do. We are a relational approach school: we believe that strong, trusting connections between staff, pupils and families are what make the biggest difference. Our staff are passionate, dedicated people who believe in every child and work tirelessly to help them achieve their very best.

We also invest in our people. Personal development is something we take seriously, and you will be supported to grow and thrive in your role.

We are looking for a Premises Assistant to join our premises team where you will be working alongside our Site Manager to keep Dickens safe, clean and welcoming every single day.

 

You will work a rotating shift pattern:

Early shift: 7:00am – 3:00pm (opening the school)

Late shift: 10:00am – 6:00pm (closing the school)

This is a hands-on, varied role covering buildings and grounds maintenance, health and safety, security, cleaning oversight and contractor liaison. No two days are the same — and your work directly supports the children, staff and families who rely on this school every day.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Site Manager with the maintenance and security of the school buildings and grounds
• Carrying out routine checks, basic repairs, and general maintenance tasks
• Assisting with health and safety compliance, including checks, record‑keeping, and risk assessments
• Opening and closing the site, including securing buildings and setting alarms
• Preparing rooms and spaces for school activities, events, and lettings
• Liaising with external contractors and supervising works where required
• Responding promptly and effectively to maintenance or site issues during the school day
  
   

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous caretaking, maintenance, or site support experience (school experience desirable)
• Holds a valid MiDAS qualification, or is willing to undertake MiDAS training (subject to holding the appropriate driving license).
• Is dependable, well organised, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Has a good awareness of health and safety requirements, or a willingness to undertake training
• Takes pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well‑presented environment
• Communicates effectively with colleagues, pupils, and visitors
• If you would like to discuss this opportunity or for any queries, please contact the school on 02392 826514 or email [email protected]

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
• Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at https://arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

 

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Visit arkdickensprimary.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies. You can apply for this role by clicking here.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.