At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students facing challenges through sports and physical activities.
- Company: Lift New Forest, a friendly school focused on excellent education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and flexible working opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and ability to manage challenging behaviour.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Details
- Posted on: 25/06/2026
- Application Deadline: 17/07/2026
- Salary: NCJ 12 £28,598 - 17 £31,022 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
- School: Lift New Forest, Long Lane, Holbury, Hampshire, SO45 2PA
- Hours: Full time
- Contract type: Permanent
- Start date: September 2026
Your new school
Lift New Forest is a successful and friendly school in the Waterside area of Hampshire. Our vision is simple – to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day. At Lift New Forest, children belong to a community of students who are proud of their school, and behave very well in and out of lessons. They embody the habits of the New Forest Way: Be Kind, Show Determination, Make Good Choices. As a small school we are fortunate to be able to really get to know each student very well, creating a strong community feel and ensuring young people are safe, happy and successful.
Your new role
The role of the Sports Mentor is to support pupils who are facing difficulties in school because of issues related to social, emotional, personal, behavioural problems or other factors. The Sports Mentor helps these pupils overcome their barriers to learning, fully engage with lessons and improve academic and pastoral progress through the use of sport, physical activity, forest school and in‑class support.
What you’ll need to succeed
You will have experience of working with children of the relevant age, managing situations relating to challenging behaviour, delivering programmes for pupils with challenging behaviour, and coaching staff on suitable behaviour interventions. You should have strong listening skills, proven ability to handle sensitive situations with integrity, and communicate effectively with adults and children through written and verbal means, building good relationships with pupils, staff and parents/carers.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
We offer you
- Comprehensive training: Access to some of the best developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and much more.
Contact
If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school, please contact Jessica Billows, Recruitment Manager at jbillows@liftschools.org.
Equal Opportunities
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance; this includes 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.
Sports Mentor employer: Meadsteadprimaryacademy
Lift New Forest is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its students and staff. With a strong community feel, comprehensive training opportunities, and generous benefits including a pension scheme and lifestyle perks, employees are supported in their professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the picturesque Waterside area of Hampshire, Lift New Forest fosters a culture of kindness, determination, and good choices, ensuring a rewarding work environment for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Mentor
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Meadsteadprimaryacademy. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Meadsteadprimaryacademy. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Meadsteadprimaryacademy aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meadsteadprimaryacademy
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Meadsteadprimaryacademy, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
