Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic PE department, overseeing sports programmes and ensuring all pupils excel in physical activities.
- Company: A vibrant independent school dedicated to promoting sport and pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a community that values teamwork, inclusivity, and high standards in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through sport and foster a love for physical education.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports management and a passion for teaching and mentoring.
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. As Head of Department, 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and sports sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know someone who knows someone, so leverage those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for sport and education shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and sporting achievements. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and how you can contribute to their success. We’re all about finding the right fit, so show them you’re on the same page!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We appreciate a candidate who shows initiative and gratitude, so make sure to express your continued interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for sport in your application. We want to see how you can inspire pupils to participate and excel in various sporting activities, so share any relevant experiences or achievements that showcase your dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to our specific role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around managing teams and fostering a positive ethos.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 you’ll be overseeing, like football and cricket. Brush up on the latest coaching techniques, rules, and trends in physical education to show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or departments in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and supporting colleagues, as well as how you foster a positive team ethos. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the PE Department effectively.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with current schemes of work and assessment methods in PE. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure lessons are engaging and inclusive for all pupils, showcasing your commitment to high standards and adaptive teaching.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet about real-life situations, such as managing fixtures or dealing with health and safety issues. Prepare to share your strategies for ensuring smooth operations within the department and maintaining a safe environment for all activities.