At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in lessons and promote teamwork through sports.
- Company: Engage Education, dedicated to helping graduates kickstart their teaching careers.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time roles, training opportunities, and career support.
- Other info: Gain valuable classroom experience and explore teaching as a career.
- Why this job: Turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career in education.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sport or related field; experience with children is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Sports Graduate / Teaching Assistant – Manchester
Location: Manchester Salary: £95–£115 per day, dependent on experience Contract: Full-time, long-term Start Date: September 2026
Sports Graduates – Start Your Career in Education!
Are you a Sports Graduate looking to turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career working with children and young people?
Engage Education are currently recruiting Sports Graduates to work as Teaching Assistants across a range of schools in Manchester.
This is a fantastic opportunity for graduates with a sporting background who are considering a career in teaching, education, youth work, coaching or pastoral support.
Your sporting background can be a huge asset in the classroom.
Schools value graduates who can motivate pupils, build positive relationships, encourage teamwork and provide strong role models.
The Role
As a Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will
- Support pupils in lessons across the curriculum.
- Work with individuals and small groups to help improve engagement and attainment.
- Use your sporting background to encourage teamwork, resilience, discipline and confidence.
- Support pupils with additional needs, including SEN, SEMH, autism and behavioural needs.
- Assist teachers with classroom activities and learning.
- Provide mentoring and pastoral support to pupils.
- Help promote positive behaviour and encourage pupils to reach their potential.
- Build strong and positive relationships with children and young people.
- Where appropriate, support PE lessons and extracurricular sporting activities.
- Who We're Looking For
We're particularly interested in candidates who
- Have a degree in Sport, Sports Science, PE, Coaching or a related subject.
- Have experience working with children or young people through coaching, volunteering, mentoring or youth work.
- Are passionate about helping young people succeed.
- Are confident, energetic and enthusiastic.
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Can build positive relationships with pupils.
- Are patient, resilient and adaptable.
- Are considering a career in teaching, educational psychology, youth work or pastoral support.
You don't necessarily need previous classroom experience. Your experience as a sports coach, athlete, mentor or youth worker can provide excellent transferable skills.
Why Work With Engage Education?
At Engage Education, we work with schools across Manchester and can help you gain valuable classroom experience while developing your education career.
As an Engage Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant, you can expect
- Competitive daily rates of £95–£115.
- Full-time and long-term opportunities.
- A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
- Opportunities to gain valuable school-based experience.
- Access to free CPD and training.
- Opportunities to work in mainstream and specialist SEND settings.
- Potential routes into teacher training and permanent education roles.
- PAYE employment.
- Ongoing career support.
- Perfect for Graduates Considering Teaching
If you've recently graduated and are thinking
“Could teaching be for me?”
This could be the perfect opportunity to get your foot in the door.
Gain hands-on classroom experience, develop your behaviour management and communication skills, and see what it's really like working in education — while getting paid.
Apply Today
If you're a Sports Graduate, Sports Coach or PE Graduate looking for your next opportunity in Manchester, apply today with Engage Education.
We'll help you find a role that matches your experience, interests and career ambitions.
Engage Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check where required
Sports Graduate/Teaching Assistant in Manchester employer: Engage Education
Engage Education is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs. With competitive pay, full-time opportunities, and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from ongoing professional development and access to specialist training. Located in Trafford and Manchester, our dedicated team fosters a nurturing environment where staff can grow and thrive while positively impacting young people's educational journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Graduate/Teaching Assistant in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Engage Education. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Engage Education. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Graduate/Teaching Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Engage Education aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Education
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Engage Education, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
