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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic PE department, overseeing sports programmes and fostering student engagement.
- Company: A vibrant independent school dedicated to excellence in sport and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a community that values wellbeing, teamwork, and high standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through sport and physical education.
- Qualifications: Passion for sport, strong leadership skills, and experience in teaching or coaching.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
This is a key role for a dedicated professional who is passionate about sport, values high standards, and is committed to ensuring that all pupils can participate, enjoy and excel. The successful candidate will oversee a broad, balanced and inclusive curricular and co-curricular programme, enabling pupils of all abilities to engage in a wide range of sporting activities.
The role includes responsibility for the effective organisation and delivery of major school sports, including football and cricket, alongside a full programme of fixtures, clubs, competitions, trips and tours that form a central part of school life.
You will manage and support the PE Department, including PE teachers, sports coaches and graduate assistants. You will foster a positive team ethos, ensure clear communication within the department, and support colleagues through induction, mentoring, performance management and professional development.
The role requires a strong practical presence, with regular attendance at fixtures, training sessions, weekend events and key school occasions. The post holder will have oversight of teaching and learning in PE through the school from ages 3 to 18, including GCSE and A Level Physical Education.
You will ensure schemes of work are current, lessons are well planned and engaging, and assessment, feedback and the use of data support strong outcomes for all pupils. A commitment to excellent classroom practice, adaptive teaching and high standards of behaviour and engagement is essential.
In addition, you will be responsible for the day-to-day organisation and smooth running of the department, including timetabling, staff deployment, departmental budgeting, resource management, and liaison with estates, grounds and sports centre staff to ensure facilities are safe, well maintained and fully utilised.
You will represent the department at relevant meetings and ensure that health and safety, safeguarding and risk assessment procedures are consistently upheld.
This role would suit an energetic, approachable and well-organised professional who thrives in the independent school environment, enjoys working as part of the wider life of a school, and is committed to promoting positive values, equality of opportunity and pupil wellbeing through sport and physical education.
Head of Department employer: St Helen's School
Contact Detail:
St Helen's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and sports sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head of Department role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for sport! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and successes in promoting sports and physical education. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all pupils can thrive.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and sporting achievements. Tailor your responses to highlight how your vision aligns with their values. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved programmes in the past – it’ll show you’re the right fit for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your interest in being part of our community and makes it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: Let your enthusiasm for sport shine through in your application. We want to see how dedicated you are to promoting physical education and ensuring all pupils can enjoy and excel in various sporting activities.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Department, you'll be managing a team. Make sure to showcase your experience in leading and supporting others, whether it's through mentoring or fostering a positive team ethos. We love seeing examples of how you've built strong relationships with colleagues.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements and responsibilities that relate to the job description. We appreciate concrete examples of how you've organised events, managed budgets, or improved teaching practices in PE.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helen's School
✨Know Your Sport Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the sports programmes your potential employer offers. Familiarise yourself with their current teams, fixtures, and any recent achievements. This shows your passion and commitment to the role, and it’ll help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams, mentored colleagues, or improved departmental performance in the past. Highlighting your experience in fostering a positive team ethos will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios related to managing a PE department. Think about how you would handle challenges like scheduling conflicts, resource management, or ensuring high standards of behaviour among pupils. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
This role requires a focus on inclusivity and engagement for all pupils. Be ready to share your strategies for ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, can participate and excel in sports. Discussing your approach to adaptive teaching and creating an inclusive environment will show that you align with the school’s values.