At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a top-tier fencing programme at a prestigious school.
- Company: The King’s School, Canterbury, known for excellence and tradition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exceptional facilities, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fencing and inspire young athletes to excel.
- Qualifications: Elite-level coaching expertise in Épée and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a real impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The King’s School, Canterbury is seeking an outstanding Head of Fencing to lead and further develop one of the strongest fencing programmes in the UK, with a start date of April or September 2026. As reigning Public Schools’ Champions in both boys’ and girls’ Épée, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of fencing at a school renowned for excellence, ambition and tradition.
Fencing is a flagship sport at King’s, engaging over 90 pupils each term across senior and junior schools, supported by exceptional facilities including a dedicated fencing hall with competition and training pistes. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, elite-level coaching expertise (particularly in Épée), and strategic oversight of a comprehensive programme that nurtures beginners through to international-level competitors.
Working closely with the Director of Sport, the Head of Fencing will oversee coaching staff, competitions, equipment, budgets and player development, while ensuring pupils balance high-performance sport with academic and pastoral wellbeing. The role includes regular training sessions, competition travel (including weekends), and active promotion of fencing across the school community.
This post would suit an inspirational coach with strong organisational skills, deep connections within the fencing world, and a passion for developing young people.
The King’s School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory 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.
Head of Fencing in Canterbury employer: The Boarding Schools' Association
Contact Detail:
The Boarding Schools' Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fencing in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow coaches, athletes, and fencing enthusiasts. Attend events or workshops to make connections that could lead to opportunities. Remember, it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for fencing shine through. Share your vision for developing young talent and how you plan to elevate the programme at The King’s School.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s fencing history and current achievements. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The King’s School and contributing to its legacy of excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fencing in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fencing: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for fencing shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to lead a programme like the one at The King’s School. We want to see your love for the sport and how it can inspire young fencers.
Highlight Your Coaching Expertise: Make sure to detail your coaching qualifications and experience, especially in Épée. We’re looking for someone with elite-level coaching skills, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements and any successful programmes you've led in the past.
Connect with Our Values: The King’s School prides itself on excellence, ambition, and tradition. In your application, reflect on how your values align with ours. We want to know how you plan to nurture both high-performance athletes and well-rounded individuals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boarding Schools' Association
✨Know Your Fencing Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your fencing knowledge, especially in Épée. Be prepared to discuss your coaching philosophy, training methods, and how you plan to develop both beginners and elite competitors. Show them you’re not just a coach but a visionary leader who can elevate their already strong programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Be ready to talk about how you would manage coaching staff, oversee competitions, and balance the demands of high-performance sport with the wellbeing of students. They want to see that you can inspire and motivate others.
✨Connect with Their Values
The King’s School prides itself on excellence, ambition, and tradition. Make sure you align your answers with these values. Share your passion for developing young athletes and how you can contribute to the school community. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real impact.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their vision for the fencing programme, how they support coaches, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.