At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop swimmers of all ages, from beginners to elite athletes.
- Company: Plymouth College, a prestigious school with a rich history in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site accommodation, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy optional boarding duties with residential accommodation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while coaching at a top institution.
- Qualifications: Swim England Coaching Certificate or equivalent, with experience in developing competitive swimmers.
The predicted salary is between 30460 - 30460 £ per year.
Plymouth College in Devon is seeking a Lead Swim Coach to support the elite swimming programme. Applicants should have established experience and proven results developing swimmers towards a British and/or English Age Group National Championships or a national equivalent.
Plymouth College is a leading co-educational school with a strong track record in independent education since 1877. The successful applicant will be a first-class coach who is enthusiastic, passionate, self-motivated, driven, caring and an excellent communicator. The role supports swimmers of all ages and abilities: performance, development, age group, junior and para swimmers. Optional boarding duties may be undertaken to assist with supervision and pastoral care of boarders on a duty rota. On-site residential accommodation is available for staff who opt into boarding duties.
This is a permanent, full-time position, working 39 hours per week for 52 weeks per year, with a salary aligned to the Plymouth College Support Staff Pay Scale Band 5A. The role commences on 1 September 2026. The closing date for applications will be advised, and Plymouth College reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Plymouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Role Summary
The Lead Swim Coach will be a key member of the Plymouth College Aquatics team and will assist, support and, where appropriately qualified and experienced, lead the delivery of coaching sessions for swimmers ranging from Year 7 to high-performance international athletes. Working with the Director of Swimming, Deputy Director of Swimming, Plymouth College Aquatics Committee, Swim Administrator and Director of Sport, the Lead Swim Coach will contribute to planning, execution and delivery of training programmes, competitions, training camps and day-to-day squad activities. The post holder will also support the wider administration and operational delivery of the PCA programme, ensuring athletes are supported both in and out of the pool.
Key Responsibilities
- Coaching and Athlete Development: assist and lead (where appropriate) coaching across the Plymouth College Aquatics programme; support the development of swimmers from age 7 upwards, including performance, development, age-group, junior and para-swimmers; contribute to session planning, athlete monitoring and performance progression.
- Administration and Operations: assist with officiating and administration of swimming as required; process meet entries using relevant club software (e.g. HyTek); assist with off-site excursions; attend relevant staff meetings.
- Pastoral and Duty of Care: promote safeguarding and pupil welfare; support pastoral needs of swimmers in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.
- Optional Boarding Duties: candidates may join the boarding team to support supervision and pastoral care of boarders (these duties sit outside the core 39-hour contract).
Residential Option
On-site accommodation is available for those who opt into boarding responsibilities. Living on campus requires a set number of boarding duty hours, separate from the 39-hour contract.
Safeguarding and Duty of Care
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Annual safeguarding training is provided; staff must follow Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Confidentiality
Maintain confidentiality of information concerning the College and pupils.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications and Experience: Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate (or UKCC Level 2) or international equivalent; NRASTC; commitment to professional development.
- Skills and Knowledge: Proven progression in swimming for age 7+, experience leading British national-level athletes, excellent communication with colleagues, parents and pupils.
- Personal Qualities: empathetic, calm, reliable, well-organised, able to work independently and flexibly; inspirational.
Desirable Criteria
- Swimming Lifeguard and Paediatric First Aid; full driving licence; high-level competitive swimming experience; HyTek software experience.
Appointment Terms
- References: two satisfactory references; DBS and any other required pre-employment checks.
- Terms: permanent, full-time; 39 hours per week, 52 weeks per year; salary Band 5A (£30,460.56 per annum); three-month probation.
- Optional Boarding Duties and Residential Accommodation: additional duties available; on-site accommodation provided on a licence basis; utilities charged as required by HMRC.
Training and How to Apply
Safeguarding and training requirements include Swim England safeguarding certification (valid within the last two years) and a Swim England Coaching Certificate. Required HR training and ongoing CPD are encouraged. See the Recruitment Pack on the Plymouth College website for application details. A copy of the application form is attached for convenience.
Contact: 01752 505100
Lead Swimming Coach in Plymouth employer: Swim England
Plymouth College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises the development of both students and staff. As a Lead Swimming Coach, you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of swimmers, from beginners to elite athletes, in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration. With on-site residential accommodation available for those who take on optional boarding duties, you can enjoy a fulfilling career while being part of a prestigious institution committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Swimming Coach in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow coaches, athletes, and even parents in the swimming community. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a coaching session or a workshop coming up, invite potential employers to see you in action. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager directly. Ask questions about the programme and express your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and connect with others in the industry. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Swimming Coach in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for swimming and coaching shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about developing swimmers and supporting their journey towards success!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in coaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. We’re looking for proven results, so share specific examples of how you've helped athletes progress in their swimming careers.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim England
✨Know Your Swimmers
Before the interview, research Plymouth College's swimming programme and its athletes. Familiarise yourself with their achievements and challenges. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their development.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Philosophy
Be prepared to articulate your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the values of Plymouth College. Discuss specific strategies you've used to develop swimmers of various ages and abilities, especially those competing at national levels.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to convey your ideas clearly. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you’ll be working with swimmers, parents, and colleagues. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your communication style.
✨Prepare for Pastoral Care Questions
Since the role involves supporting the welfare of swimmers, be ready to discuss your approach to pastoral care. Share examples of how you've created a positive and inclusive environment for athletes, ensuring their safety and well-being both in and out of the pool.
