Custodian

Role overview

Wycombe Abbey is looking for professional, service-oriented Custodians to become part of the School’s security team. The post is central to maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming setting for pupils, staff and visitors, while supporting the day-to-day running of the campus and its access points.

This position combines security duties, customer-facing service and site coordination. You will help ensure the School operates smoothly at all times across entrances, patrol areas and the wider site.

Reporting line

This role reports to the Head Custodian and, ultimately, to the Headmistress.

Contract and working pattern

This is a permanent full-time role. The first three months will be a probationary period. A pre-employment Occupational Health assessment will be required for night shifts.

The role is based on an average of 40 hours per week, calculated over a 12-week rotating cycle. Each shift includes a paid 30-minute meal break. Working hours are arranged on a rota and will involve both day and night shifts as part of a 7-day, 52-week shift system. Bank holidays are treated as normal working days and are included in the salary through an appropriate allowance. Work during Christmas attracts an additional pay enhancement. Some occasional overtime may be needed to support important School events and activities.

Leave

Annual holiday entitlement is 30 days per year.

What the role involves

As a Custodian, you will play an important part in keeping the School site safe and secure. The role includes controlling access to the site, observing CCTV, carrying out patrols, managing visitor sign-in processes, handling incidents and emergencies, and supporting deliveries, events and parking arrangements.

You will also act as a first point of contact for visitors and staff, offering a professional and welcoming presence while helping to ensure School rules and procedures are followed.

About the School

Wycombe Abbey is a full-boarding girls’ school set in the centre of High Wycombe on a striking 170-acre campus. The School serves 650 pupils aged 11 to 18 and is known for its strong academic performance, outstanding resources and long-standing reputation in girls’ boarding education.

With more than 125 years at the forefront of girls’ boarding, the School continues to promote curiosity, innovation, leadership and enjoyment in learning. Pupils regularly gain places at leading universities around the world.

The location offers convenient access to London, the Chiltern Hills, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames and Beaconsfield, with Heathrow around 20 miles away and strong links to other London airports.

Pay and benefits

Wycombe Abbey operates its own pay scale, which is positioned favourably compared with other independent schools and sits well above the maintained sector.

• Membership of the School’s pension scheme
• Fee remission at Wycombe Abbey and selected preparatory schools
• Substantial CPD, training and professional development support
• Free on-site parking
• Complimentary meals
• Free access to the Sports Centre
• Free eye tests
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme

How to apply

Candidates should review the job profile document for the full role details. Applications must be submitted using the TES application form together with a cover letter addressed to the Headmistress, Mrs J Duncan. Questions about the vacancy can be directed to the HR Team on 01494 895575 or hr@wycombeabbey.com.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 6 July 2026, and interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 13 July 2026. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline if suitable applications are received early.

Safeguarding and compliance

Wycombe Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for this post if you are barred from regulated activity with children.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions, as well as any spent convictions or adult cautions that are not protected under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, as amended in 2020.

Wycombe Abbey is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Registered Charity No. 310638.