About the School - Downsend Sixth
At Downsend, we prepare children for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach to learning that not only inspires young minds, but fosters bravery, sparks imagination, celebrates innovation and creates opportunity every day.
From nursery through to A Levels, we provide the skills, motivation and inspiration for our students to be successful throughout their school journey and far beyond.
We have three Little Downsend locations in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead. Each teaches children from the age of two to six. The main school is located in Leatherhead and continues the same innovative, creative and academically excellent curriculum from Year 2 to Year 13.
Downsend School’s newest addition, Downsend Sixth, opening in September 2025, offers a modern and innovative approach to post-16 education. Designed with a focus on future-ready skills, Downsend Sixth combines a personalised learning journey for students aged 16-18, with a balanced emphasis on academic achievement and personal development. Students will thrive in a unique, state-of-the-art environment featuring exceptional academic facilities alongside inspiring spaces for socialising and collaboration. This holistic approach ensures students are equipped not only for academic success but also for the challenges of an evolving, globalised world. Downsend Sixth prepares young people to excel, empowering them to take confident next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, or the workplace.
We are an incredibly friendly and supportive staff and we are looking for the right people to join us. So, if you are ambitious, and are happy to challenge and be challenged in a positive way for better outcomes for the children, then we want to hear from you.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Minibus Driver to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the role
Reporting to the Transport Coordinator and Operations Manager, you will be responsible for providing safe, timely and courteous transport for our pupils and staff. Your main duties will include looking after the day-to-day shuttles for the new Downsend Sixth Centre to main site for staff and pupils and supporting the transport provision for home to school transport for Main site and Little Downsend as and when required. Health and Safety will also be a big part of your role and you will be responsible for the safety of all colleagues, pupils and visitors.
This is a part-time role needed during term time only. Basic hours for the week will be 20 to 25hrs per week with the possibility of more as the role evolves and based on the future needs of the school.
To view the, click here .
Who we are looking for
Our ideal candidate:
* Must have held a full British manual Driving Licence for a minimum of 24 months, with no more than 3 penalty points
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to work as part of a team and independently
* Be flexible to work when required with reasonable notice
It would be desirable, but not essential to:
* Hold a PCV licence to drive a 16-seater minibus with passengers - or be willing to take and pass this.
* Have previous experience of working with children would be an advantage
* Have experience in passenger carrying vehicles
Benefits at Cognita
* Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
* Free lunch provided during Term Time
* School holidays and public holidays
* Free parking on site (subject to availability)
* School fee discount
* Exclusive third-party discounts
* Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 19th January 2025 .
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.