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- Tasks: Support marketing, admissions, and development teams to promote our school and engage with the community.
- Company: Join Downside School, a historic and distinguished Catholic independent school in beautiful Somerset.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary lunch, on-site leisure facilities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in External Relations while making a real impact in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Strong ICT skills, excellent communication, and a passion for education and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Downside is an independent, co‑educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England's oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The School is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath. We are looking to appoint an organised, motivated and creative External Relations Assistant to join our busy External Relations team. This varied role is front facing and provides support across Marketing, Admissions & Development (alumni and fund‑raising) teams helping to promote the School, strengthen our community, and deliver an excellent experience for prospective families, pupils, alumni and stakeholders.
About the Role
The External Relations Assistant will work closely with the External Relations Director to provide first line administration support. They will assist with the telephone and email management, admissions and events co‑ordination, data entry and data management.
To be successful, you will have:
- Excellent competency in the use of ICT, ideally MS Office and Teams
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- A high level of organisation, accuracy, and attention to detail
- The ability to prioritise and be well organised
- An appreciation of the ethos of a Catholic and Benedictine boarding School, and a commitment to the spiritual life of the School
- A professional and welcoming manner when dealing with parents, staff, pupils, alumni and other visitors
- Calmness under pressure
- Resilience, commitment and confidence
- Experience of working in a secondary school environment will be an advantage.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- An experienced, supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team, providing a warm welcome.
- Excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Employee Assistance Program and Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Complimentary access to on‑site leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym, and squash courts.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start their career within External Relations.
Closing date: 17 May 2026, with interviews to take place on 22 May 2026.
About Downside School
Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co‑curricular activities. With facilities like a 400‑seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff‑pupil relationships. By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.
Application Process
To apply, please complete our application form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.
External Relations Assistant in Bath employer: Catholic Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Catholic Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Relations Assistant in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Downside School's ethos, values, and community. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and the school culture, plus it shows you're proactive.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to External Relations. Think about how your skills in organisation and communication can shine through in real scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Downside School.
We think you need these skills to ace External Relations Assistant in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: As an External Relations Assistant, being organised is key! Make sure your application reflects your ability to manage tasks efficiently. Use examples from your past experiences to showcase how you keep things on track.
Communicate Clearly: We want to see your excellent written communication skills shine through in your application. Keep your language clear and concise, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Highlight Your ICT Competency: Since the role requires a good grasp of ICT, especially MS Office and Teams, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with these tools. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and ready to hit the ground running!
Embrace Our Ethos: Understanding and appreciating the ethos of our Catholic and Benedictine school is crucial. In your application, share why this resonates with you and how you can contribute to our community. We’re looking for genuine passion!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Independent Schools
✨Know the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Downside School's Catholic and Benedictine values. Understanding their ethos will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the school's mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your organisational abilities. Discuss how you've managed multiple tasks or events in the past, as this role requires a high level of organisation and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your oral and written communication skills before the interview. Be ready to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your experience with ICT tools like MS Office and Teams.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Calmness
Think of situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure. Share these experiences during the interview to show that you can handle the busy environment of the External Relations team effectively.