Sport Coaches from September 2024

This is an exceptional opportunity for the right individuals to join our flourishing state boarding school that is renowned nationally for excellence in Sport. We are seeking coaches to help support our department with the delivery of sport within our Games and Co-Curricular programmes. Our main sports are Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball, and Cricket, and a particular background in one or more of these is highly desirable, though other sports can and will be considered.

Our girls' games programme is flourishing, and we would welcome coaches who can help us drive this forward. In September 2024, we are launching an Athlete Development Programme for a small group of our aspirational sportsmen and women. Experience in athlete mentoring, planning strength and conditioning programmes, and monitoring training plans, while not essential, is advantageous for this role.

The working hours are negotiable, but it is worth noting that our games programme runs each afternoon from 1.30pm, and our after-school sports programme ends at 5.30pm. Therefore, it is expected that this will form the bulk of the working hours. Involvement in our Saturday sports programme for at least one term would also be highly desirable. The sports coaching role is not a teaching role, but coaches will at times be expected to lead games sessions and support PE lessons.

As a coach, you will have a genuine interest in the subject and contribute with enthusiasm to the wider life of this busy boarding school through your contribution to the co-curricular sports programme. If you like what you read, then we would love to hear from you.

Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates and a covering letter detailing personal qualities, experience, and how you meet the person specification for the role.

About Us: Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country’s leading state boarding schools. Over fifty percent of the School’s students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also the EU and overseas. OSH looks and feels like a very British school. The atmosphere is calm and orderly, and also very relaxed because for the majority of our pupils, their school is also their home. Parents, pupils, and staff are all on the same side, and pupils want to learn.

We enjoy a very good academic reputation and regularly feature in the lists of the most academically successful maintained schools. We’re not about league tables, however. This school prides itself on a balance of academic achievement and outstanding opportunity for our pupils to develop as well-rounded people. Our extensive extra-curricular programme contributes to our pupils becoming happy, healthy, and interested young people, for whom sport, music, art, drama, outdoor pursuits, and DofE feature strongly.

The Physical Education Department at Old Swinford Hospital has three qualified PE teachers who teach a broad and balanced curriculum at both KS 3 and 4. The department also offers its students the opportunity to pursue their interest further in the subject through GCSE and BTEC courses. In years 7 – 11, all students have a minimum of three hours of Physical Education per week, while in the sixth form, they have two hours as a games afternoon. Students who chose examination PE will have considerably more contact time in the subject.

The co-curricular programme plays a huge part in the life of this busy boarding school. The programme is dominated by sport, and the pupil participation rates are exceptional. The school employs a number of specialist coaches to assist with running school teams and coaching at all levels in a range of activities. The Sports Coach in residence works closely with the teaching and coaching teams.

Old Swinford Hospital has had much success at local, regional, and national levels in an array of sports and has close links to several elite sports clubs in its major sports.

Person Specification:

• Enjoy working with children and have a personal charisma showing warmth, self-awareness, empathy, and kindness.
• Have competency in at least one of our major games with a desire and willingness to gain experience in the others.
• Have the ability to build positive relationships, listen to advice, and show appreciation of others.
• Have excellent time management with an ability to prioritise while keeping in mind a granular level of detail.
• Enjoy being part of a supportive team and work to enhance this environment.
• Have energy, enthusiasm, and passion in your coaching of sport and wider responsibilities.
• Be solution-oriented with a positive attitude.
• Have a good sense of fun with an ability to work under pressure while remaining calm and professional.
• Display commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people.

Job Specification:

• Work collaboratively with the DOS, sports leads, and the sports residents to ensure games provision is appropriately planned and delivered.
• Lead enjoyable, engaging, and appropriate sessions across the age ranges.
• A willingness and capability to deliver coaching sessions outside of their specialism at times is essential.
• Help the DOS and other coaches set the tone in terms of ethos, developing a culture of participation and performance.
• Contribute fully to a CC programme to enhance the opportunities available for boys and girls within OSH.
• Promote OSH sport within the local and wider community both in the primary and secondary sectors.
• Work with the PE department to help develop and assess examination practicals when appropriate.
• Any other tasks that may from time to time be reasonably required.

Remuneration:

A remuneration package will be agreed upon appointment depending upon experience. In line with current regulation, you will, if you are eligible, be offered a workplace pension through NEST.

Old Swinford Services Ltd welcomes applications for employment from all sectors of the community.

Suitability to Work with Children:

Old Swinford Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The School reserves the right to close the job advert early where sufficient applications have been received, and we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for the post.