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- Tasks: Coach netball and support students in a vibrant school sports environment.
- Company: Thriving boarding school with a strong sports culture.
- Benefits: £18,000 salary, accommodation provided, and hands-on coaching experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in teaching or sports coaching.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your coaching skills.
- Qualifications: Strong sporting background and confidence in coaching team sports.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 18000 £ per year.
Do you want to build a career in sport, education or coaching? Are you ready to gain hands-on experience in a high-performing school sports environment? This Graduate Sports Assistant role offers the chance to work across a broad sporting programme while supporting students both on and off the field.
This role is a live-in position, accommodation is provided on the school grounds.
Location: Horsham, Sussex
Contract: August 2026 to July 2027, One Year Contract, full academic year
Salary: £18,000 annual salary, plus accommodation
This is a brilliant opportunity for a graduate or undergraduate with a strong sporting background to join a busy and well-resourced sports department for one academic year from 31 August 2026. For the right candidate, there may be the opportunity to secure a further year through a competitive process. Previous assistants have progressed into teaching, PGCE or SCITT training, and sports performance pathways.
The Role
As a Graduate Sports Assistant, you will play a key part in the delivery of sport and physical education across the school. You will coach your main sport to a high standard, with rugby, hockey, football or netball forming your primary focus, while also providing support in areas such as cricket, athletics, swimming or basketball. You will work alongside PE teachers, sports coaches and senior staff to support practical lessons, games sessions, fixtures, training and wider physical activity programmes. The role also includes officiating, team management, sports administration, and helping to maintain high standards of conduct, discipline and punctuality among students.
This is not just a coaching role. You will also contribute to the wider life of a busy boarding environment, supporting house teams, supervising student access to sports facilities, and taking an active role in pastoral and broader extracurricular provision.
The Candidate
You will be a motivated and energetic individual with the confidence to coach at least one major team sport to a high level. You should be organised, proactive and keen to contribute to a demanding but rewarding school setting where sport plays a major role in daily life. This role would suit someone considering a future in teaching, sports coaching, pastoral care or performance sport. You will need to enjoy working with young people, be prepared to get involved fully in school life, and bring a professional approach to both coaching and administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver sports sessions as part of the wider physical activity programme
- Support PE teachers during practical PE lessons across different age groups
- Coach and develop students in your specialist sport
- Assist with additional sports including cricket, athletics, swimming or basketball where required
- Officiate fixtures and support team selection and match-day management
- Help organise weekly sports schedules and match-day materials
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of a busy sports department
- Promote high standards of behaviour, discipline and punctuality
- Reinforce the school’s core values through all aspects of your work with students
- Contribute to boarding and pastoral responsibilities as part of the wider staff team
- Supervise student use of sports facilities, including some weekend duties with time off in lieu during the week
- Support weekend and extracurricular programmes as required
The Environment
You will be joining a large and ambitious sports department with experienced staff, external coaches and strong whole-school involvement in sport. The programme covers a wide range of activities, with major sports including rugby, football, netball, hockey, cricket and athletics, alongside continued growth in areas such as basketball and swimming. The setting offers excellent sports facilities and a strong culture of participation and performance, making this an ideal role for anyone looking to develop practical experience in a professional school sports environment.
Apply
This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable school-based sports experience in a full and varied role from August 2026. It will suit candidates who want to make an impact, develop their coaching practice and play a meaningful part in the education and development of young people. Send your CV if you are ready to take on a Graduate Sports Assistant role in a thriving boarding school environment.
Graduate Netball Supports Coach employer: The Graduate Network
Contact Detail:
The Graduate Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Netball Supports Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its sports culture before your interview. Research their teams, recent achievements, and coaching styles. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coaching skills in a mock setting. Gather some friends or family and run a mini training session. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you real examples to share during your interview about how you engage and motivate young athletes.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insider tips on what the school values in a Graduate Sports Assistant and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply, make sure to highlight your passion for sport and education. Use our website to showcase your unique experiences and how they align with the role. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Netball Supports Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sport shine through! We want to see how much you love coaching and working with young people. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to sports and education.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your netball experience and any coaching qualifications you have. We’re looking for someone who can coach at a high level, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we want to see your personality, it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your application. Use clear language and structure your application well. Remember, you’ll be working in a school environment, so professionalism is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and what we’re looking for in a candidate.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Graduate Network
✨Know Your Sport Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your netball knowledge! Be prepared to discuss coaching techniques, strategies, and how you can engage students in the sport. Showing a deep understanding of netball will demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Highlight any past roles where you've supported others, whether in coaching or other activities, and how you contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or even demonstrations during your interview. Think about how you would plan a training session or manage a game. Practising these scenarios beforehand will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Emphasise Your Pastoral Skills
Since this role involves supporting students beyond just sports, be sure to mention any experience you have in pastoral care or mentoring. Discuss how you can contribute to the wider school community and support students' overall development.