Role Overview
The Head of Sport provides strategic, inspirational and highly visible leadership of the school's sporting provision. This position raises the profile of sport across the school, ensures high‑quality coaching, meaningful competition, and a culture of enjoyment, ambition and sportsmanship for pupils ranging from beginners to elite performers. The role leads PE, Games, co‑curricular sport, fixtures and scholarship pathways, with particular expertise in rugby, netball, football, cricket and hockey.
Strategic Leadership
- Sporting Vision – develop and articulate a clear, ambitious vision for sport at Holmewood House understood by pupils, staff and parents.
- Raising Profile – actively raise the profile of sport across the school community, celebrating success and promoting participation.
- Development Planning – lead the creation, implementation and annual review of a Sports Development Plan.
- Standards & Improvement – monitor standards of teaching, coaching and pupil outcomes, driving continuous improvement.
- Whole‑School Alignment – ensure sport contributes meaningfully to the school's wider educational aims, wellbeing strategy and values.
Curriculum Leadership
- Lead and oversee the PE curriculum from EYFS to Year 8.
- Ensure clear progression, high expectations and age‑appropriate challenge.
- Develop high‑quality schemes of work, assessment and tracking in line with ISI standards.
- Monitor and support excellent teaching across the department.
- Mentor staff and contribute to whole‑school professional development.
- Maintain alignment with national guidance and sector best practice.
- Lead the Scholarship Readiness Programme for Sport, preparing pupils for senior school sports scholarships.
Games & Co‑Curricular Programme
- Design and oversee seasonal Games programmes in rugby, netball, football, cricket and hockey.
- Ensure provision for all pupils, from participation pathways to elite performance.
- Coordinate before‑school, lunchtime and after‑school clubs.
- Promote physical literacy, confidence and enjoyment.
- Develop opportunities for inter‑house competition and inclusive sport.
- Encourage lifelong participation and positive attitudes to physical activity.
- Promote all aspects of sport to parents and the wider Holmewood community, ensuring the maximum number of people are reached.
Fixtures & Competitions
- Work with the Head of Girls Games to produce and manage the annual fixtures calendar.
- Organise inter‑school fixtures, tournaments and festivals using the SOCS online system.
- Ensure high‑quality team selection, coaching and preparation.
- Oversee logistics including transport, staffing and communication.
- Build strong relationships with local schools, clubs and governing bodies.
- Promote high standards of sportsmanship and behaviour.
- Organise and lead UK or overseas sports tours as required.
Staff Leadership
- Lead and manage all staff in the PE & Games department.
- Line‑manage specialist and non‑specialist staff.
- Oversee staff deployment for lessons, Games and match days and ensure staff are aware of expectations.
- Conduct performance reviews and support professional growth.
- Assist in recruiting, inducting and mentoring coaches and visiting specialists.
- Chair regular departmental meetings.
Health, Safety & Safeguarding
- Ensure safe delivery of all sporting activities.
- Maintain and review risk assessments with the Compliance Officer, ensuring the department is inspection ready.
- Undertake duties expected of all teaching staff.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree with QTS or equivalent degree in PE/Sport.
- Additional coaching or NGB qualifications – at level 2 or higher.
- First Aid, swimming, athletics or outdoor education qualifications.
Experience
- Teaching PE in prep/primary.
- Leading competitive sport.
- Organising fixtures.
- Staff leadership.
- Budget management experience.
- Experience in independent schools.
- Experience with ISI/inspection frameworks.
- Experience running large events or festivals.
Sporting
- High‑level coaching ability in at least two major prep school sports.
- NGB level 2 qualifications or higher expertise in rugby, netball, football, cricket, athletics, swimming or hockey.
- Experience preparing pupils for scholarships.
Leadership & Management
- Ability to lead a team.
- Driving departmental improvements.
- Managing logistics.
- Effective communication skills.
- Experience raising the profile of sport within a school.
- Experience using social media to create interest.
Personal
- Passion for sport and education.
- Ability to inspire pupils.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
- Evidence of innovation in sport; links with local clubs or NGBs.
- Publication of research into areas of interest in sport.
Salary
A competitive salary will be offered depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Benefits
- Enrolment in the School's Pension Scheme with Royal London.
- Optional Private Medical Insurance.
- Fee concession.
- Free parking.
- Free lunch/refreshments.
Hours of Work
This is a full‑time role, whilst the school is in session including staff Inset and training days.
Start Date
January 2027. An earlier start would be considered.
Offer
The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to an enhanced DBS check, verification of references, verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.
Application
The closing date for applications is Monday 6 July 2026. If you would like more information on the role, please contact Ruth O'Sullivan on 01892 860000. Applications can be completed via the school website and CVs may be submitted as supporting information.
