At a Glance
- 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 various levels.
- Other info: Thriving environment with a supportive staff team and opportunities for leadership impact.
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
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.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Director of Sport role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent achievements. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about shaping their sporting culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how you plan to inspire pupils and staff alike. We believe that a confident presentation of your ideas can set you apart from the competition.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sport in London
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 our culture and values. Understanding what makes us tick will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Craft Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to address it to Mr Staley and highlight your leadership experience and passion for sport. Keep it concise, no more than two sides of A4, and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've raised standards and participation in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Follow Up: After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to reach out for an informal chat with our CEO, Mr Staley. It’s a great way to express your enthusiasm for the role and get any questions answered. Plus, it shows initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Sport Inside Out
As a Director of Sport, you need to demonstrate your deep understanding of various sports and coaching methodologies. Research the latest trends in sports education and be ready to discuss how you can implement these at Loughborough Schools Foundation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate staff and students alike, as well as how you've raised standards and participation in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Foundation's mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your vision for sport aligns with theirs, especially regarding health, wellbeing, and teamwork. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's sporting culture, future initiatives, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right environment for you.