Forest Hill School - P.E & Cover Supervisor

FOREST HILL SCHOOL Dacres Road, London SE23 2XN Boys 11-16, Mixed 16-18

P.E. & COVER SUPERVISOR

Start: October 2026

Salary range: Scale 5, point 13-15 £34,863 - £35,892 pro rata Actual salary approximately £30,118 - £31,007 Term Time only (39 weeks), 35 hours per week Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4pm

Forest Hill School is a thriving and aspirational comprehensive school in south-east London, providing high-quality education to boys aged 11-16, with a successful joint Sixth Form provision with Sydenham School. We are a community that reflects the rich diversity of our local area and we are committed to helping every student achieve excellence.

A broad and ambitious curriculum is taught in modern facilities by dedicated staff who are passionate about their subjects, committed to high standards and focused on removing barriers to participation, progress and achievement.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated and professional PE and Cover Supervisor to join our cover team. The successful candidate will supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of teaching staff, ensuring that students complete work set by teachers in a calm, orderly and purposeful learning environment. The role also includes supervising PE lessons and physical activities, both on the school site and at Elm Lane, in line with agreed lesson plans, risk assessments and health and safety procedures.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is educated to degree level, or who has equivalent relevant professional experience, and who is keen to support young people, contribute to wider school life and develop their practice in a supportive school environment.

You will be required to:

• Supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of a teacher, ensuring students complete work that has been set in advance by teaching or curriculum staff.
• Introduce, explain and oversee pre-prepared work, monitor completion and provide feedback to teachers, curriculum leaders or the Cover Manager.
• Manage student behaviour in line with the school behaviour policy, maintaining a safe, calm and purposeful learning environment.
• Support the inclusion and engagement of all students, including those with SEND, medical needs, English as an additional language or other barriers to learning.
• Supervise PE lessons and physical activities on the school site and at Elm Lane, following PE department instructions, agreed lesson plans and relevant risk assessments.
• Promote positive participation, teamwork, respect and high standards of conduct in lessons, PE activities and wider supervision duties.
• Assist with tutor cover, examination invigilation, study support, homework clubs, lunchtime supervision and other reasonable duties as required.

Therefore, we are looking for someone who:

• Is educated to degree level, or has equivalent relevant professional experience, with GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
• Has experience of working with young people and can relate well to students from a range of backgrounds.
• Understands the role of a Cover Supervisor, including that lessons and resources are normally planned and set by teachers or curriculum staff.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to give clear instructions and build positive relationships.
• Can work independently, remain calm under pressure and contribute positively to a strong team ethos.
• Is flexible, proactive, well organised and able to follow school systems for attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and feedback.
• Has a clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, equality of opportunity and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Has an interest in PE, sport and wider school life.
• A sports coaching qualification, first aid qualification or experience supporting students with SEND would be desirable.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work in an established and experienced school that challenges stereotypes and has high aspirations for boys.
• A highly supportive Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and staff body.
• A personalised CPD programme, including training linked to safeguarding, behaviour management, SEND, health and safety and PE-related practice.
• Opportunities to broaden your experience in education and develop yourself for future roles in schools.

Please visit our website at www.foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk, to make direct online applications, which must be returned to vacancies@foresthillschool.co.uk. Please note - we do not accept CVs, (no agencies) and applications must be submitted on the Lewisham Support Staff Application Form, available from our School Website.

Informal visits are welcome and should be arranged with the Director of Strategy & Resources, Miguel Diaz – please contact the school on 020 8699 9343.

Closing date for applications is 12 noon Monday 28th September 2026 with interviews scheduled for the following week. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified and that the interview process will include lesson observation.

Safeguarding Statement

Forest Hill 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 candidate will be expected to follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. This post is subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks, enhanced DBS clearance, medical clearance and any other pre-employment checks required by the school. The post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Online searches may be carried out for shortlisted candidates as part of the school’s safer recruitment process.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Forest Hill School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation. The school is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. We have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure for the Disclosure and Barring Service.