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- Tasks: Lead and develop the rugby programme while teaching physical education across all age groups.
- Company: Exeter School, a top co-educational day school in the Southwest.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, free lunches, and access to sports facilities.
- Why this job: Shape young athletes' futures and foster a love for sport in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and significant rugby coaching experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic PE department with excellent facilities and extensive co-curricular opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Exeter School is one of the leading co-educational day schools in the Southwest, educating over 1,000 pupils aged 3-18. We are looking to appoint a Head of Rugby & Teacher of physical education and games to join our school from September 2026. The role will lead an established rugby programme throughout the junior and senior school (Years 3-13) and is suited to someone with teaching experience and preferably prior experience as head of rugby in a school. Applicants should hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and be confident teaching physical education and games across the full age range (Years 3-13). Experience delivering a broad range of curriculum sports to a high standard is essential, with significant experience coaching and teaching rugby up to 1st XV (U18) level. The successful applicant will also lead teams in the school’s other core sports of hockey, cricket, and netball and will contribute to lunchtime, afterschool and weekend co-curricular commitments.
Responsibilities
- Design, development and delivery of the rugby programme across Exeter School to maximise pupil potential, including shaping player pathways and staff development, and ensuring smooth administration of the sport.
- Lead the rugby programme while supporting and coordinating coaching teams; manage fixture lists and maintain strong relationships across the school community.
- Promote an inclusive culture and belonging within sport and rugby for all pupils and staff, aligning rugby with whole-school aims and virtues.
- Teach physical education and games across the junior (Years 3-6) and senior (Years 7-13) school as part of the PE department.
- Contribute to the wider co-curricular sports programme, including lunchtime, afterschool and weekend activities, and support other core sports (hockey, cricket, netball) as required.
Department and School Context
The PE department consists of nine full-time and two part-time teachers, supported by academic staff coaching games and external coaches. All members teach across the junior and senior school. Exeter School offers extensive timetabled PE and Games lessons, with additional clubs and sessions at lunchtime and after school. The school fields teams in hockey, netball, cricket for girls; rugby, hockey, cricket for boys; and runs competitive squads in athletics, cross country, football, swimming, and squash. Fixtures run weekends and weekdays against leading schools in the southwest and in regional/national competitions. Facilities include 25 acres of playing fields, a floodlit astro development, swimming pool, sports hall, newly refurbished gym, studio and aerobic room. Rugby is the core boys’ sport in autumn term, with teams from U8 to U18 and multiple squads to accommodate players of all abilities.
Achievements and Context
The fixture list is extensive and includes matches against Blundell's, King's College Taunton, Bryanston, Bristol Grammar School, West Buckland, Plymouth College and QEH Bristol. Exeter School competes in county and national cups at U14, U15 and U18 and enters major 7s tournaments each spring. The school has a proud record of player development with many pupils progressing to county, regional, academy and BUCS pathways; some former pupils have progressed to professional rugby and other top-level teams.
Benefits and Salary
The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including employer pension contribution, free school lunch during term time, free on-site parking, discretionary staff discount on school fees, and access to the indoor swimming pool and fitness suite.
Applications and Safeguarding
The closing date for applications is Monday 23 February at noon, with interviews anticipated on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references addressed to the school and to satisfactory DBS clearance. This post falls into the category of Regulated Activity.
Head of Rugby and Teacher of physical education and games ref VNT012 employer: Exeter School
Contact Detail:
Exeter School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Rugby and Teacher of physical education and games ref VNT012
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and sports community. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend local rugby matches or PE events to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coaching skills! If you’ve got experience leading teams or developing players, make sure to highlight that in conversations. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to Exeter School’s rugby programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Exeter School and express your interest in the Head of Rugby position. We love seeing enthusiasm and initiative from potential candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Get involved in co-curricular activities! Show that you’re not just about rugby but also keen on contributing to other sports like hockey, cricket, and netball. We’re looking for someone who can foster an inclusive culture across all sports at the school.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rugby and Teacher of physical education and games ref VNT012
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rugby: When writing your application, let your love for rugby shine through! Share your experiences and achievements in the sport, and how you plan to inspire students at Exeter School. We want to see your enthusiasm for developing young talent.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your teaching experience and coaching background. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led rugby programmes or taught physical education. This helps us see how you fit into our school culture.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Exeter School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeter School
✨Know Your Rugby Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of rugby coaching and player development. Familiarise yourself with Exeter School's current rugby programme and think about how you can enhance it. Be ready to discuss your coaching philosophy and how you would shape player pathways.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to talk about your teaching experience across different age groups, especially in physical education. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used and be ready to share examples of how you've engaged students in sports, particularly rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a Head of Rugby, you'll need to lead and coordinate coaching teams. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about how you can promote an inclusive culture within the sport.
✨Engage with the School Community
Research Exeter School’s ethos and values, and be ready to explain how you align with them. Discuss how you plan to build strong relationships within the school community and contribute to co-curricular activities beyond just rugby, showing your commitment to the school's overall sporting success.
