At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach netball and support various sports while engaging with students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Dynamic boarding school with a strong focus on sports and student development.
- Benefits: £18,000 salary, accommodation provided, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a passionate sports department with excellent facilities and a culture of participation.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in coaching and education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong sporting background and confidence in coaching at least one major team sport.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 18000 £ per year.
Overview: Graduate Sports Assistant (Netball specialism). 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 in Heath 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 in Heath
✨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 us tailor our conversation and show that we're genuinely interested in contributing to their sports programme.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coaching skills in a mock session with friends or family. This will not only boost your confidence but also give us some real examples to discuss during the interview about how we engage and develop 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, helping us align our approach and stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
When we apply through our website, make sure to highlight our passion for sport and education in the cover letter. Let’s express our eagerness to contribute to both coaching and pastoral duties, showing that we’re ready to dive into school life!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Netball Supports Coach in Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: Make sure to highlight your love for sport and coaching in your application. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to helping young athletes grow.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Sports Assistant role. We’re looking for specific examples of your coaching experience and how you’ve contributed to sports teams or activities.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we want to see your personality, remember to maintain a professional tone in your written application. Show us that you can balance being friendly and approachable with the responsibilities of a coaching role in a school environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school culture there!
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, rules, and strategies. Think about how you can apply your skills to help students improve and how you can engage them in the sport.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
This role isn’t just about coaching; it’s also about supporting students in their overall development. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve positively influenced young people in the past, whether through sports or other activities.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
You’ll be working closely with PE teachers and other staff, so highlight your ability to collaborate. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in a coaching or educational setting.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s sports programme, the culture of the department, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.