Estates Manager

Are you a proactive and hands-on estates professional looking for a role where your work truly makes a difference?

Dovecote School is a nurturing and innovative independent special school located in the beautiful Somerset countryside. We specialise in supporting students with autism, SEMH, PDA, trauma, and complex SEND needs through a therapeutic and highly personalised approach to education.

We’re looking for an Estates Manager who will lead the operational care of our school site, working across our unique facilities—including farm areas, therapeutic spaces, classrooms, and green outdoor learning environments. This is more than just a maintenance role: it’s a chance to create and protect an inspiring space where young people feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

💼 What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading a dedicated estates team (gardener, caretaker, housekeeping, and farm staff).
• Taking ownership of site safety, compliance, and maintenance across a diverse and dynamic setting.
• Overseeing our compliance portal (iamCompliant), health & safety logs, and risk assessments.
• Working with SLT on strategic planning and sustainability improvements.
• Managing external contractors and small-scale capital projects.
• Championing sustainability, biodiversity, and responsible land management.

🌱 What You’ll Bring

• Practical experience in estates/facilities management with a strong safety focus.
• Leadership skills to inspire a small, committed team.
• Confidence using compliance systems and managing competing priorities.
• A warm, values-driven approach with a genuine commitment to supporting young people with additional needs.

💫 Why Join Us?

• Make a visible impact: Your work will directly support the well-being, safety, and learning environment of our students.
• Work with purpose: Join a school that values creativity, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.
• Enjoy a unique setting: Our rural campus includes green spaces, a school farm, sensory gardens, and a therapeutic learning ethos.
• Be part of a team that cares: We’re collaborative, compassionate, and committed to doing what’s right for our young people and each other.

🗓 Apply now and help us shape a safe, inspiring, and well-managed environment for the Dovecote community.