Downside School - Resident Sports Assistant - Hockey/Netball

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Resident Sports Assistant - Hockey/Netball at Downside School.

Detail

Are you a recent Graduate or currently seeking an Undergraduate placement and looking for a great opportunity to develop your skills? Would you like to be part of a team committed to providing support and an enthusiastic, positive attitude to the pupils of Downside School?

From September 2026, Downside School has an exciting opportunity for a Resident Sports Assistant to join the team. You will have the opportunity to be fully involved in all aspects of School life; academic, pastoral and the wider curriculum and will be fully supportive of Downside's Catholic character.

This role is available on a 10-month contract from September 2026 to June 2027.

Our Resident Sports Assistants work closely with the Director of Sport supporting the delivery of an extensive weekly sports and wider-curricular programme. Resident Sports Assistants work an average of 35 hours per week, over 6 days including the weekends and some evenings. This is a term-time only role, plus inset days and pre-season training.

Our Resident Sports Assistants are people who:

• Have experience in coaching any one or more of these sports: Hockey, Netball or Football.
• Have a relevant University degree or seeking a placement opportunity as part of your Undergraduate degree course.
• Are confident and willing to drive the School minibus (Full MiDAS training provided)
• Are passionate about working with children in an educational setting.
• Have an ability to contribute significantly to the schools wider-curricular programme.
• Are committed to their own professional development.
• Embrace our Catholic, Benedictine ethos.
• Pastoral work as a House Assistant:

There may be an opportunity to take on a supported House Assistant role within a boarding house which gives a valuable opportunity to experience the boarding life of the school. This would involve 2 evenings a week. If this is a role that interests you, please express your interest in your application. This role attracts a Downside allowance of £2,522 (1.0 point) per annum, pro rata.

We can offer our Resident Sports Assistants:

• On site accommodation with all meals provided during term time.
• A pro-rata salary of £14,229.13. For 10 months work, the salary will be split across 10 equal payments.
• Complimentary access to gym, indoor swimming pool and sports facilities.
• A stunning work environment set in beautiful grounds located close to Bath.
• Plenty of CPD opportunities to include lifeguarding, minibus training (subject to age of applicants at time of appointment) and in some instances support with financial cost of coaching awards.
• Opportunities for pastoral and wider-curricular involvement.
• Motivated and hard-working pupils who are keen to strive.
• A supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.

How to Apply

CVs are not accepted; Applications should be made through our website and must be completed in full to include your full employment and education history. Please provide contact details for referees to cover the last 5 years, this must include your current and / or most recent employer if you have worked.

Closing date for applications: Monday 27 April February 2026 (midnight).

Interviews will initially be held online using Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 29th April 2026. Following this, shortlisted candidates will then be invited to visit Downside School for a practical lesson, tour of School and sports facilities, and a discussion about whether you are interested in a House Assistant role. There will also be an opportunity to meet pupils, the sports team, and other colleagues.

NB: We may close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received, therefore an early application is encouraged. Downside School reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.

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. This is an exciting prospect for someone who is a graduate with an interest in entering the teaching profession or who is looking for professional experience before following a career outside education.

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. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer. By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Reg Charity Number: 1184700 Reg Company Number: 11751009