At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and upgrade complex plumbing systems in a beautiful school estate.
- Company: Join Downside School, one of England's oldest and most distinguished schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunches, access to leisure facilities, and supportive team.
- Other info: Static role with excellent career growth and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a stunning rural environment.
- Qualifications: Gas Safe registered with relevant plumbing qualifications and experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a fully qualified, Gas Safe registered Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer to join the Works Department at Downside School. The School has a large estate, with complex plumbing infrastructure and a wide range of boilers and systems. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking routine maintenance and advising on how best to improve and upgrade the infrastructure over time. They will provide an efficient and effective response to reactive works and help ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. The successful candidate may be required to work at height and in confined spaces. In addition, they may be required to respond to occasional emergency callouts, which operate on a rota basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Planned & Reactive Maintenance: Undertake routine servicing, statutory safety inspections, fault diagnosis, and reactive repairs on all gas boilers, plant rooms, and ancillary equipment across the estate.
- System Balancing & Optimisation: Manage water distribution, heating loops, and hot water storage systems.
- Water Hygiene Compliance: Maintain and monitor hot and cold water services to prevent water stagnation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Contractor Liaison: Liaise with and assist in supervising external contractors during major plant overhauls or other work on site.
- Emergency Out-of-Hours: Participate in an on-call emergency response rota to address critical heating or plumbing failures on campus.
Experience & Qualifications
- Essential
- Gas Safe Qualifications (Commercial): Valid COCN1 (or CODNC01), CIGA1, CORT1, ICPN1, and TPCP1/1A.
- Gas Safe Qualifications (Domestic): Valid CCN1 and CENWAT.
- Plumbing/Hot Water: HWSS (G3 Unvented Hot Water Systems certification).
- Desirable
- Experience of working in historic or listed buildings.
- Experience of working in an educational environment, preferably a boarding school.
- Basic electrical competence for safe isolation and boiler control fault-finding.
We can offer the successful candidate
- A highly experienced, professional and supportive team of colleagues.
- A static, single-site role on a beautiful rural campus (no commuting to different places).
- Complimentary lunches from our excellent on-site caterers.
- Free uniform and safety equipment.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.
Contractual Details
- Competitive salary between £40,000 and £45,000 dependent on qualifications & experience.
- Working Hours are 39 hours per week, Monday-Thursday 8:00-16:30, Friday 8:00-15:30 with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.
- Permanent contract, 52 weeks per year with 28 days annual holiday (including bank holidays).
How To Apply
Application forms must be completed in full via our website and must include full employment and education history. Please include contact details of referees to cover the last 5 years, this must include your current and / or most recent employer. Closing date for applications: Monday, 8th June 2026. This advert may close early if suitable applications are received therefore an early application is encouraged. Downside School reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.
About Us
Downside School 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. It is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be DBS checked. We strive to be an equal opportunities employer.
Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer employer: The Independent Schools Council
Downside School offers a unique opportunity for a qualified Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer to join a supportive and professional team in a beautiful rural setting. With a focus on employee well-being, the school provides complimentary meals, access to leisure facilities, and a permanent contract with competitive salary and generous holiday allowance. This role not only allows for meaningful work within a historic educational environment but also promotes personal and professional growth through ongoing training and development.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Downside School and its values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss specific scenarios related to plumbing and heating systems. This will show you're not just qualified but also proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight your Gas Safe qualifications and any relevant certifications in your application. We want to see that you’ve got the right skills for the job, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application to fit the role. Mention your experience with complex plumbing systems and how you can contribute to our team at Downside School. It’ll make you stand out!
Be Thorough with Your History:When filling out the application form, include a complete employment and education history. We need to see where you’ve been and what you’ve done, so be as detailed as possible!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we might close the advert sooner if we find the right candidate. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Gas Safe qualifications and relevant plumbing regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with different systems, especially in complex environments like schools or historic buildings.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled maintenance issues or emergencies in the past. Highlight your ability to diagnose faults quickly and efficiently, as well as any experience you have with contractor liaison during major works.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be part of a supportive team, emphasise your collaborative skills. Share instances where you've worked well with others, especially in high-pressure situations or when responding to emergency callouts.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's infrastructure and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to improving their systems over time.
