At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop rugby, coaching pupils and organising fixtures.
- Company: Walhampton School, a vibrant independent school in a stunning location.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunch, healthcare cashback, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to pupil development and sporting excellence.
- Why this job: Inspire young athletes and shape the future of sport in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong rugby coaching experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Walhampton School is seeking to appoint an outstanding, enthusiastic and ambitious Head of Sport (Rugby) to join our thriving Sports Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate rugby coach/teacher to lead and develop rugby across the School, inspiring pupils of all abilities and helping to shape the future of sport at Walhampton. Set in 100 acres on the edge of the New Forest and close to the Solent, Walhampton offers an exceptional environment in which children are encouraged to be kind, curious and achieve their very best. Sport plays a central role in school life and we are proud of our strong sporting culture, broad participation and competitive success.
About the role
The successful candidate will take ownership of rugby throughout the School, leading the development of the programme across both curriculum and co‑curriculum sport. Working closely with the Director of Sport and Sports Administrator, they will oversee fixtures, team allocations, player development pathways and the continued promotion and growth of rugby at Walhampton. The role includes coaching pupils across all age groups and abilities, supporting staff who coach rugby during the season, developing strong partnerships within the local sporting community and helping to identify opportunities to further enhance participation and performance. The successful candidate will also lead the Walhampton Athlete Development Programme (WADP) for rugby, including additional coaching sessions, tournaments and occasional Saturday fixtures and training sessions during the Winter and Spring Terms.
What you will do
- Lead and develop rugby across the School.
- Deliver high quality coaching and teaching to pupils across all age groups and abilities.
- Organise and oversee fixtures, tournaments and sporting events.
- Support the planning of sports timetables and staffing.
- Lead the Walhampton Athlete Development Programme (WADP) for rugby.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure excellent communication with pupils, parents and staff.
- Promote and develop rugby both within and beyond the School community.
- Support the wider life of the School and contribute positively to the Sports Department.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an energetic and committed individual with a genuine passion for sport and pupil development. The successful candidate will be an excellent coach and role model who can inspire pupils, work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute enthusiastically to the wider life of the School.
Essential
- Strong rugby coaching and/or teaching experience.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to motivate and inspire young people.
- A commitment to high standards and pupil development.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Willingness to contribute to the wider co‑curricular life of the School.
Desirable
- Experience leading a sports programme or department.
- Experience organising fixtures, tournaments and sporting events.
- Experience working within an independent school environment.
- Relevant coaching or teaching qualifications.
- Experience developing performance pathways for young athletes.
Why Walhampton
A supportive and inspiring team in a beautiful setting on the edge of the New Forest. Professional development opportunities to grow in your career. Competitive salary and staff benefits, including: Free lunch during term time, Free tea and coffee, Healthcare cashback plan, Employee Assistance Programme, 24‑hour GP access, Free onsite parking.
Walhampton is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for 370 boys and girls aged 2–13. The school lies in beautiful ancient woodland on the southern edge of the New Forest near Lymington in Hampshire. Walhampton School is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK. It is a criminal offence for an individual to apply for a role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.
Head of Sport (Rugby) in England employer: The Independent Schools Council
Walhampton School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring environment for the Head of Sport (Rugby) role. Nestled in the stunning New Forest, the school promotes a strong sporting culture and provides ample professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and attractive staff benefits, including free meals during term time and healthcare support. Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing young athletes and shaping the future of sport within a vibrant school community.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sport (Rugby) in England
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like The Independent Schools Council. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including The Independent Schools Council. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sport (Rugby) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining The Independent Schools Council aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Independent Schools Council, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
