At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an innovative sports programme and develop young athletes' performance.
- Company: Join The King's School, Canterbury, a prestigious co-educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £40,000 and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Inspire the next generation of athletes and make a real impact in sports development.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree and UKSCA accreditation or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join the team at The King's School, Canterbury as our new Head of Athletic Development and lead an ambitious and innovative sports programme within one of the UK’s most prestigious co‑educational schools. Reporting to the Director of Sport, you will develop and deliver a long‑term athletic development pathway that supports pupils’ physical performance, wellbeing and competitive success across a range of sports.
We are seeking an energetic and inspirational practitioner with experience in strength and conditioning, sports science or athletic development for young athletes. The successful candidate will lead high‑quality training sessions focused on movement, speed, agility, mobility and injury reduction, while supporting elite performers competing at academy, county and national level. Working closely with colleagues across the sports department, you will foster a culture of professionalism, ambition and continuous improvement.
Job details:
- Contractual hours: 40 per week, 35 weeks a year.
- Job category/type: Support.
- Date posted: 26/05/2026.
- Job reference: VAC00691.
Qualifications and experience:
- Relevant degree.
- UKSCA accreditation or equivalent.
Salary:
Salary in the region of £40,000, depending on relevant experience and qualifications.
Additional information:
The post will close once an appointment is made, therefore early applications are advised.
Safeguarding and recruitment policy:
The King’s School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process in line with statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Head of Athletic Development in Canterbury employer: King’s School
The King's School, Canterbury is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment for its staff. With a commitment to professional development and a culture of ambition, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate within their roles. Located in one of the UK's most prestigious educational institutions, the Head of Athletic Development will have the unique opportunity to shape the athletic journey of young athletes while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of contributing to the wellbeing and success of pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Athletic Development in Canterbury
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the sports industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Don’t just tell them what you can do; show them! Create a portfolio or a video demonstrating your training sessions or athletic development strategies. This will give potential employers a taste of your expertise and passion.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research The King's School and their sports programme thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Think about specific examples where you've made an impact in athletic development – they’ll want to hear about it!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. It’s the most direct route to get your application seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Athletic Development in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for athletic development shine through. We want to see how your energy and inspiration can contribute to our ambitious sports programme at The King's School.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in strength and conditioning or sports science. We’re looking for someone who can lead high-quality training sessions, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Professional:Since we value professionalism and continuous improvement, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. A polished application reflects your commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within our sports department.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! The post will close once we find the right candidate, so get your application in early through our website. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in athletic development, strength and conditioning, and sports science. Familiarise yourself with The King's School's sports programme and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for developing young athletes shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated athletes in the past, and be ready to discuss your vision for fostering a culture of professionalism and ambition.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations, such as developing training sessions or supporting elite performers. Think about real-life scenarios you've faced and how you successfully navigated them, focusing on movement, speed, agility, and injury reduction.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the school's long-term athletic development goals or how they measure success in their sports programme. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged with their mission.
