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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic sports department, shaping an ambitious sporting culture.
- Company: Join Loughborough Schools Foundation, a vibrant community with a rich sporting tradition.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent facilities, professional growth opportunities, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through sport and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and expertise in coaching at all levels.
- Other info: Thriving environment with a supportive staff team and career-defining opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Sport to lead our thriving and dynamic Sports Departments. This is an exciting opportunity, career defining role for a top-class practitioner, leader and manager to shape an ambitious sporting culture across the schools making up the Foundation.
Loughborough Schools Foundation proudly works with Loughborough University Sport and Loughborough University National Tennis Academy (LUNTA) as part of a bespoke programme designed to provide junior elite tennis players expert coaching, science, medicine, and education. The LUNTA students receive an excellent education, boarding and pastoral provision at Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School. Our partnership expands beyond the LUNTA programme, with student athletes across our senior schools benefitting from specialist coaching and use of world-class facilities at Loughborough University – the world’s leading sports university.
The successful candidate will inspire pupils of all abilities, develop high-performing teams, and promote wellbeing, participation, and excellence. You will lead a talented staff team, oversee the curricular and co-curricular programme, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of sport within the schools.
Responsibilities
- Is an experienced and motivating leader with a track record of raising standards and participation.
- Brings expertise in coaching and developing sport at performance and participation levels.
- Can think strategically and manage people, facilities, and resources effectively.
- Is committed to promoting health, wellbeing, teamwork, and enjoyment through sport.
- Thrives in a busy, fast-paced and high-achieving independent school environment.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Experience in leadership with a track record of raising standards and participation.
- Expertise in coaching and developing sport at performance and participation levels.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to manage people, facilities, and resources effectively.
- Commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, teamwork, and enjoyment through sport.
- Ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced independent school environment.
Benefits
- Excellent facilities and a rich sporting tradition.
- A supportive, forward-thinking staff team.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership impact.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
About the Organisation
Loughborough Schools Foundation is a vibrant and diverse community, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you have the skills and ambition to succeed in this role, we would love to hear from you.
Application Process
For further information about the role, please view the job description and personal specification. Candidates should apply via the website and should complete the online application. In addition, please submit a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) addressed to Mr Staley - CEO and send to: recruitment@lsf.org. For an informal discussion about the role with the CEO, please contact the PA to the Central Services Executive team; Kathleen Payter – k.payter@lsf.org who will arrange this over Teams.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Noon on Tuesday 24 February 2026
First round interviews are expected to take place week commencing 9 March 2026
Second round interviews are expected to take place week commencing 16 March 2026
Director of Sport employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports industry, especially those connected to Loughborough Schools Foundation. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's sporting culture and their partnership with Loughborough University. Show us that you’re not just a great leader but also someone who understands the unique environment you’ll be stepping into.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. We want to hear your ideas on promoting wellbeing and participation through sport.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for who we are at StudySmarter. Understanding our values and culture will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in.
Craft Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to address it to Mr Staley and keep it concise – no more than two sides of A4. Highlight your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our ambitious sporting culture.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, be sure to detail your track record in raising standards and participation in sports. We want to see specific examples of how you've motivated teams and developed talent, so don’t hold back!
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. Completing the online application form is crucial, and don’t forget to submit your cover letter to recruitment@lsf.org. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Sport Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and developments in sports, especially those relevant to the role. Research the Loughborough Schools Foundation’s current sporting initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can enhance their programmes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully raised standards in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve motivated teams or improved participation rates, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Foundation's commitment to health, wellbeing, and teamwork. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you plan to promote these principles within the schools.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role. Inquire about their vision for the future of sport at the Foundation and how you can contribute to achieving those goals.
