Head of Academic PE and Teacher of PE (Maternity Cover)

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly qualified, experienced and dynamic teaching team at Sydenham & Dulwich Girls. We are looking to appoint a well-qualified Head of Academic PE and Teacher of PE to join our accomplished Sports department and play an instrumental role in developing the excellent reputation and provision of sport across the school.

You will teach across the Junior and Senior schools in a range of athletics, dance, fitness, gymnastics and games based activities. Our excellent facilities include a well-equipped sports hall and astroturf pitch at the Senior School and an eight-acre sports ground in Beckenham. Plans are in place to open a state of the art ergo room, gym and dance studio at the Senior school in summer 2026.

Our highly successful and popular Sports department plays a key role in the delivery of outstanding sports and co-curricular opportunities for our pupils. Alongside the teaching of GCSE and A Level PE, you will be expected to commit to the development of the most able and talented athletes through our High Performance Programme and Sports scholarships. Most importantly, you will be an energetic and organised teacher who is prepared to make a real commitment to the Sydenham & Dulwich Girls’ sports provision. This is a 4 or 5 day role on a fixed-term maternity cover.

Why Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School Established in 1887, SDG is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 with over 700 pupils. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK. The GDST is at the forefront of education for girls and has a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women. Sydenham & Dulwich Girls is a selective school with a mission to ensure that every girl reaches her full academic potential.

Our rich and diverse curriculum, with a full range of subjects as well as excellent enrichment provision outside of lessons, enables our students to develop the skills and personal attributes to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing society. We are ambitious and forward thinking, looking to ensure our school continues to offer an outstanding education to our young people as well as the very best in pastoral care. Tolerance and mutual respect are a cornerstone of our ethos alongside an education which delivers a contemporary, innovative understanding of what it means to educate the ‘whole child’.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension schemes
• Free school lunches
• Financial guidance and support
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

To apply, please submit your CV, application form and a cover letter addressed to the Head stating your reasons for applying. Applications should be received by 9am on Thursday 4 June 2026. We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process so early applications are encouraged. References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. GDST are committed to the safeguarding of and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.