Head of Estates

We are seeking a Head of Estates to lead the day-to-day operation and care of our built estate across Benenden and Orwell Park. This senior role is responsible for ensuring that our buildings and facilities are safe, well maintained and resilient, supporting the smooth running of school life each day. Leading a skilled and committed estates team, you will oversee maintenance, compliance and the delivery of improvement projects, ensuring that high standards are upheld across our historic and modern environments. This is an opportunity to play a central role in sustaining the environments in which our pupils live, learn and thrive. The estate is integral to the Complete Education we offer, and its effective leadership underpins the wellbeing of our whole community. For an experienced estates professional who values teamwork, operational excellence and long-term stewardship, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the School. About you We are looking for an experienced estates professional with strong operational leadership and a commitment to maintaining high standards across a complex and historic site. You will bring sound technical knowledge, experience of leading teams and overseeing maintenance and compliance, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to the demands of a busy school environment. Collaborative and practical in your approach, you will take pride in ensuring that our estate continues to provide a safe, well cared for and inspiring setting for pupils and staff alike. Benenden is one of the leading day and boarding schools in Britain. We were founded in 1923 and are situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent. There are 550 girls in the school, aged 11-18, with 190 of those in the Sixth Form. Benenden is at the forefront of girls’ education in the UK, with recent innovations including the Benenden Diploma, a bespoke curriculum for our youngest two-year groups, and the Professional Skills Programme, teaching the Sixth Form skills for the workplace. We are an ambitious school, with recent developments including a state-of-the-art Science Centre and All-Weather Sports Pitch, and the newly established Centenary Hall and Sir David K.P. Li Music School. Benenden offers its own generous pay structure, responsibility allowances and benefits. Staff are provided with meals whilst on duty. The school’s leisure facilities, including wonderful grounds, a fitness gym and swimming pool are also free for staff to use, when available. At Benenden we know that everyone brings a unique perspective that adds to our community. We want to attract, retain and develop diverse talent, so that we are a great school, this means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent. For a full job description and to apply, please click the apply button. Completed applications should received by 9:00am on Monday 9 March 2026. Interviews are likely to be held on 13 March 2026. Please send informal enquiries to recruitment@benenden.school Please note CV’s are not accepted in isolation. The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times, this appointment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr