At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing sports department at Kent College.
- Company: Kent College, a supportive and successful co-educational school in Canterbury.
- Benefits: Work in a caring environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sport while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for sports and pupil development.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community committed to excellence and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Director of Sport will provide clear strategic leadership for sport across Kent College, leading a high‑performing and inclusive department that delivers excellence in both participation and performance. The postholder will be responsible for shaping and implementing a clear vision for sport, ensuring that the school’s provision reflects its ambitions for pupil development, competitive success, and the wider life of the school.
The Director of Sport will lead the continued development of the school’s flagship sports, particularly cricket and hockey, while also sustaining strength across football, netball and the wider sporting programme. They will ensure that pupils of all abilities are inspired to engage in sport and physical activity, and that those within performance pathways are supported to fulfil their potential.
As a visible and influential leader, the Director of Sport will promote a culture of ambition, teamwork, commitment and enjoyment, and will play a central role in the wider life of the school through fixtures, events, cocurricular, outreach and partnership work.
Kent College is a co‑educational school with a Methodist foundation. The school is located in Canterbury, just one hour from the centre of London by train. The Senior School (11–18 years) has some 600 boys and girls, approximately one‑third boarding and two‑thirds day. This is a fabulous opportunity to work for a happy, caring, and successful school in which pupils feel supported and encouraged to aim for high standards of achievement and conduct.
The school was graded as excellent in all categories in the recent inspection conducted by ISI in October 2022, the Independent Schools Inspectorate that conducts inspections on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education. In our most recent ISI inspection (results not yet published) the parent questionnaires reaffirmed the strength of our work with 98% of parents saying their child is happy, and 97% believing their child makes good or excellent progress.
Closing date: 17th April 2026, although if a pool of suitable candidates becomes available before that date the College reserves the right to interview and appoint without further notice.
Director of Sport in England employer: Kent College, Canterbury
Contact Detail:
Kent College, Canterbury Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sport in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Kent College through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your name on the radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sport! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your vision for sports at Kent College. Make it clear how you plan to inspire pupils and elevate the sporting culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's current sports programmes. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their flagship sports like cricket and hockey while also supporting all abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sport in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sport shine through! We want to see how you can inspire pupils and lead a high-performing department. Share your experiences and what drives you in the world of sports.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs of Kent College. Highlight your experience with cricket, hockey, and other sports mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand our vision and values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas are easy to follow. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your achievements and strategies for leading a successful sports programme.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent College, Canterbury
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for sport at Kent College. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and implement this vision, especially focusing on cricket and hockey, as well as how to engage pupils of all abilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Director of Sport, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've previously led teams, promoted teamwork, and inspired commitment in a sporting context. This will show that you can be a visible and influential leader.
✨Engagement with the Community
Think about how you can promote a culture of ambition and enjoyment not just within the school but also in the wider community. Be ready to share ideas on outreach and partnership work that could enhance the school's sporting programme.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to support pupils in their performance pathways. Practice articulating how you would handle various situations, ensuring you highlight your commitment to inclusivity and excellence.