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- Tasks: Use sport to support behaviour and engagement in pupils with additional needs.
- Company: Specialist SEN school in Bury focused on positive impact.
- Benefits: Full-time, term-time role with flexible hours around training.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities to grow in education and SEN.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through sport.
- Qualifications: Background in competitive sports or coaching; experience with young people is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A specialist SEN school in Bury is seeking a Sports Coach with a strong sporting background to support pupils within a structured educational setting. This role is particularly well suited to semi‑professional athletes or individuals from competitive sport who are looking to transfer their discipline, leadership and motivational skills into a meaningful, long‑term career working with young people. Physical activity can be used as a key tool to support pupils with additional needs. Many pupils benefit from clear routines, positive role models and an outlet for energy and emotion.
The successful candidate will support pupils throughout the school day, using sport, movement and coaching principles to promote regulation, engagement and positive behaviour. You will not be expected to deliver PE in the traditional sense. Instead, your sporting experience will be used to encourage resilience, routine, teamwork and self‑control. Your background in competitive sport brings real value to this setting. Skills such as consistency, emotional control, communication and leadership are essential when supporting pupils who may struggle within mainstream education. Athletes often excel in SEN schools due to their ability to:
- Set and reinforce clear boundaries
- Model self‑discipline, respect and perseverance
- Stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly
- Build rapport through shared interests and physical activity
Key Responsibilities
- Use sport and physical activity to support behaviour and engagement
- Work with pupils 1:1 or in small groups across the school day
- Support emotional regulation and transition back into learning
- Act as a strong, consistent role model
- Promote teamwork, confidence and positive choices
- Work closely with teaching and pastoral staff
This role is ideal for candidates with backgrounds such as:
- Semi‑professional or competitive sports
- Sports coaching or performance pathways
- Football, rugby, athletics or individual sports
- Community or academy coaching
Experience working with young people is beneficial. Experience within SEN, SEMH or youth work is an advantage, but not essential for the right candidate with the right mindset.
The Ideal Candidate Will Be
- Confident, resilient and self‑motivated
- Professional and consistent in their approach
- Comfortable supporting behavioural needs
- Adaptable within a school environment
- Passionate about making a difference beyond sport
What's on Offer
- A full‑time, term‑time role that fits around training schedules
- Support and guidance within an SEN school setting
- Opportunities to gain experience in education and SEN
- A rewarding role where your impact is seen daily
Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.
Sports Coach in Bury St Edmunds employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Coach in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports world and let them know you're on the hunt for a coaching role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local sports events or community activities. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to using sport as a tool for positive change, which is key for roles in SEN schools.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising how to showcase your sporting background and how it translates into coaching young people. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to stay calm under pressure – these are gold in an SEN setting!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills and passion for making a difference. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Coach in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sporting Background: Make sure to highlight your experience in competitive sports or coaching. We want to see how your skills can translate into supporting our pupils, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements and what you’ve learned from your sporting journey.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for genuine passion and personality! When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to read the job description carefully and tailor your application accordingly. We want to see how your specific experiences align with the responsibilities of the role, so make those connections clear!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Showcase Your Sporting Background
Make sure to highlight your experience in competitive sports during the interview. Share specific examples of how your sporting discipline has shaped your leadership and motivational skills, as these are crucial for supporting pupils with additional needs.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Control
Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to stay calm under pressure. This role requires a strong ability to manage emotions, so share stories that illustrate your resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.
✨Connect Through Shared Interests
Building rapport with pupils is key. Think about how you can relate your sporting experiences to their interests. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for using sport as a tool to engage and motivate young people.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Positive Choices
Talk about your understanding of teamwork and how it can be applied in an educational setting. Provide examples of how you've encouraged positive behaviour and decision-making in your previous roles or experiences, showing that you can be a strong role model.