Gardener

Nore Academy is a growing specialist SEN school on the Isle of Sheppey, opened in January 2025. We support young people aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside associated areas of SEND including autism and communication difficulties. The school has continued to grow since opening, with 120 commissioned places for 2026-27.

Estuary Academy Island is our Alternative Provision, opened in September 2024 and co-located with Nore Academy. It provides up to 40 young people who are unable to access mainstream education with a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, alongside the pastoral support they need to successfully engage with education.

While each school retains its own identity and distinct provision, we are united by a shared purpose: to remove barriers, create belonging and ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

Across both schools, our work is underpinned by the Trust values of Community, Love, Flourish and Social Justice. These values shape how we lead, build relationships and champion the rights and potential of every young person. We believe pupils thrive when they feel safe, understood, valued and challenged to achieve.

As a Gardener, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the school's outdoor environment, ensuring the grounds are attractive, safe and well cared for throughout the year. The role includes planting and maintaining beds and borders, carrying out seasonal gardening tasks, grounds maintenance, and supporting outdoor learning areas such as allotments and forest school spaces. Working collaboratively with school staff and contractors, you will help create a welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors while promoting high standards of health, safety and environmental sustainability.

This is a permanent, term-time plus 5 weeks position, working 3 days per week, 12 hours per week with a National NJC pay grade 3 scale point 5 and 6, £26,427 - £26,847 (pro rata £8,548 - £8,684) depending on experience.

The successful candidate will:

• Be reliable, punctual and trustworthy
• Take pride in their work and have good attention to detail
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have a positive and flexible approach

Checks

We will conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates for information that is publicly available. This appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical screening and confirmation of qualifications and references.

The Trust/Nore Academy can offer you:

An organisation with a clear moral purpose to change young people’s lives

A commitment to support you, in developing new skills through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences.

The opportunity to work with a dedicated passionate team of professionals.

Access to our 24/7 employee assistance scheme.

Five-Year Service award for Support Staff.

Eye care reimbursement.

Eligibility to discount schemes such as Blue Light.

Further questions

If you have any further questions, please contact our HR Officer at HR@Noreacademy.co.uk.

Further information about Alternative Learning Trust/Nore Academy can be found on our website.

Applications must be received no later than the closing date on the advert. Applications received after this date will not be considered. To help manage applications efficiently, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.