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, gym access, and supportive team environment.
- 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 setting.
- Qualifications: Gas Safe registered with essential plumbing qualifications.
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 in England 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 lunches, 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 growth and development through ongoing training and support.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Downside School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer, you might face hands-on tests. Brush up on your skills and be ready to demonstrate your expertise in real-time.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to join the Downside School community.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer in England
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 Experience:When filling out your application, relate your past experiences to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we need at Downside School.
Be Thorough with Your History:Don’t skimp on your employment and education history! We need a full picture of your background, so include all relevant details and make sure to list your referees from the last five years.
Apply Early!:Since we might close applications early if we find the right candidate, it’s best to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and submit your application today!
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 various 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 your approach to system optimisation and compliance.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your knowledge of plumbing and heating systems. You might be asked how you would handle specific scenarios, so think through your responses and be prepared to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be liaising with contractors and working within a team, be sure to highlight your communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure situations.
