Executive Summary

Headington School Oxford is seeking full or part time Porters to join our Estates team in Oxford. Operating on a rotational evening and weekend shift pattern, you will act as the sole on-site presence, ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, and visitors. Key duties include managing site security, coordinating first-aid and emergency responses, supporting commercial lettings and handling minor facility logistics. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, holds a clean UK driving licence, and has excellent communication skills.

We offer a full time equivalent salary of c. £29,000 – £31,000 per annum, 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and full training where required. Compulsory leave over Christmas and New Year.

The Estates Department

The Estates Department at Headington School Oxford is responsible for the maintenance, security and operational readiness of both our Senior and Prep School sites in Oxford.

Managing a diverse portfolio of historic and modern buildings, extensive grounds and state-of-the-art sports facilities, the team ensures a safe, compliant and highly-functional environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

The department comprises maintenance technicians, grounds staff, caretakers and porters, all working collaboratively under the leadership of the Estates Manager. The team plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of the School, supporting major school events, commercial lettings and school operations year-round.

Role Description

The Duty Porter role is a permanent, all-year round position with full-time and part-time positions available starting in September 2026

Key Responsibilities

provide a safe, secure, and welcoming environment across school sites during evening and weekend shifts, serving as the primary out-of-hours responder and logistics lead

execute staggered lock-up protocols across Prep and Senior School sites, securing sports facilities and buildings

monitor CCTV, the Paxton Access Control System and ANPR while conducting regular foot and vehicle patrols

act as the primary out-of-hours responder to security incidents, fire/intruder alarms, and serve as the designated First Aider

serve as the initial on-call Health and Safety contact, escalating issues to live-in caretakers or the Estates Manager only when necessary

assist with the management of invacuation, lockdown and dispersal procedures in compliance with security guidelines (such as Martyn's Law)

act as the first line of support for commercial and sports lettings, ensuring external users comply with scheduling, safeguarding and safety rules

provide a professional welcome to visitors, parents, and contractors, while securely handling late mail and deliveries

conduct low-level compliance and safety checks, maintaining clear site signage and keeping emergency escape routes clear

manage key control for school facilities and minibuses, and support physical logistics and room set-ups for events

maintain high vigilance regarding boarding student welfare, ensuring external visitors do not enter restricted residential zones

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

educated to Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) in English and Maths

holder of a full, clean, current UK driving licence

Desirable

previous experience in security, portering, facilities, or customer service, with competent IT skills

valid SIA Licence, First Aid at Work Certificate, or IOSH qualification, ideally with previous school or university experience (training provided)

Personal Attributes and Skills

strong interpersonal skills to communicate politely and firmly with pupils, staff, emergency services and the public

highly self-motivated and capable of working independently on single-manned shifts

ability to remain calm, courteous and professional during high-pressure events or emergency situations

capable of manual handling, walking extensive patrols and responding rapidly across a dual-site campus

adaptable to changing shift patterns (term-time vs school holidays) and willing to cover team absences

highly observant regarding student welfare, safeguarding and overall site compliance.

sympathy with the values and ethos of the School

Terms of Appointment

Type of Contract

Permanent, all year round, full time and part time positions, starting in September 2026

Benefits

Pension

Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.

Fee remission

In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington School Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.

Salary

£29k – £31k FTE per annum dependent on skills and experience

Additional Benefits

All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir.

Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.