At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach sports and support the vibrant Canford School Sports programme.
- Company: Join a prestigious boarding school with a focus on personal development.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, accommodation provided, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while exploring a potential teaching career.
- Qualifications: University graduate with coaching experience in sports like rugby, hockey, or cricket.
- Other info: Flexible role with diverse responsibilities and a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We wish to appoint, for September 2026, outstanding, enthusiastic and committed university graduates whose principal duty will be to help coach and deliver the Canford School Sports programme focusing on one of the following sports: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rowing and Athletic Development. This position is designed to allow graduates who might be considering a teaching career to experience life in a boarding school as fully as possible. Previous graduate assistants have gone on to positions in education both at Canford and other outstanding independent schools and state schools, both at home and abroad. Equally, others have subsequently moved into roles in Elite Sport and business. We are also happy to receive applications from those wishing to take a year out, but not necessarily considering teaching as a career.
OVERALL PURPOSE
- To coach sport.
- To help the housemasters/mistresses and tutors with the supervision of boarding houses.
- To lead elements of the weekend activities programme.
- To assist in a department appropriate to the strengths of the graduate, supporting lessons where possible.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
- To coach sport.
- To help with the coaching of sport for each of the three terms on up to six afternoons a week.
- To have sufficient playing and/or coaching experience of netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development to coach a team/crew for at least two of the three terms, including accompanying the team to matches (mainly on Saturday afternoons) and umpiring/refereeing if necessary.
- To have the willingness to help in other sports.
- Ideally be able to help the Heads of Sport in specialist areas such as strength & conditioning, match analysis, etc.
- To help the Sports Operations Co-ordinator facilitate the smooth running of the Department.
To assist in a boarding house
- To be on duty in a boarding house for two evenings a week, while a tutor is also on duty, to enable the tutor to spend some time with their tutor group. A graduate assistant will usually be assigned to two boarding houses and spend one evening (7.30-9.00) a week in each.
- To assist with the Shell weekend programme.
- To run an activity session for Shells on three Sunday afternoons a term. There will usually be flexibility over which Sundays these are.
GENERAL
- Graduate assistants will be expected to provide occasional cover for Matrons in Houses.
- Graduate assistants will be part of a rota to supervise the school library.
- Graduate assistants may occasionally be asked to help supervise pupils on school trips and expeditions.
- Graduate assistants may occasionally be called on to cover academic lessons.
- Graduate assistants would participate in the Canford Professional Development programme, sometimes being asked to deliver training.
- All graduate assistants will be accommodated on-site, usually in shared accommodation.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
- University graduate.
- The ability to coach at a good level in at least one sport, ideally from netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development. Ideally a candidate would have the experience to lead coaching sessions in at least one sport and have the experience/ability/willingness to help in other sports.
- Reliable, punctual, motivated to deliver the highest standards in education.
- Enthusiasm.
- Willingness to be involved in the life of the school.
No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and therefore the successful person must be flexible and willing to take on other reasonable responsibilities and tasks in order to fulfil the role. Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.
Graduate Assistants - Sport in London employer: Canford School
Contact Detail:
Canford School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Assistants - Sport in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to alumni or current staff at Canford School and chat about their experiences. This can give us insider info and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coaching skills! If you’ve got any videos or testimonials from your previous coaching gigs, bring them along to your interview. We love seeing real-life examples of your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. During interviews, share specific stories about your experiences in sports and how they shaped your desire to work in a school environment. We want to see that spark!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at Canford School.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Assistants - Sport in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for coaching and sports in your application. We want to see your commitment to helping others develop their skills, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your passion!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Graduate Assistant role. Mention the sports you’re most experienced in and how you can contribute to our programme.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for genuine individuals who are excited about being part of our school community. Let your personality shine through in your written application – it’s a great way for us to get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canford School
✨Know Your Sports Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the sports you'll be coaching. Whether it's rugby, hockey, or cricket, be prepared to discuss your experience and coaching philosophy. Think about specific drills or strategies you've used in the past that could benefit the team.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Canford School is looking for committed and enthusiastic graduates. During the interview, let your passion for sports and coaching shine through. Share stories that highlight your dedication and how you’ve positively impacted others in a sporting context.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
This role requires a willingness to take on various responsibilities. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to different situations in the past, whether it’s stepping in to help with other sports or managing unexpected challenges during training sessions.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Canford School's ethos and values, especially around equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role as a graduate assistant, both in sports and within the school community.