At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop water polo skills in enthusiastic students of all ages.
- Company: Whitgift School, a leading independent school with a strong sports programme.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, opportunity to inspire young athletes, and contribute to sporting excellence.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in students' athletic journeys.
- Qualifications: Experience in water polo coaching and a passion for athlete development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35892 £ per year.
Whitgift is one of Britain’s leading independent boarding and day schools for boys aged between 10 and 18 years, with approximately 1500 pupils and over one hundred boarding pupils. It is set in an attractive 48-acre parkland site in South Croydon enjoying excellent links to London, Surrey and the south coast.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and highly motivated Water Polo Coach to join its thriving Aquatics and Sports Programme on a self‑employed basis from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for water polo and athlete development to play a key role within one of the country’s leading independent school sports departments.
The successful candidate will contribute to a well‑established and highly regarded water polo programme, supporting pupils across a range of age groups and abilities while helping to maintain the school’s reputation for sporting excellence. The Self‑Employed Water Polo Coach will report to the Head of Aquatics.
We invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a daily basis, and interviews may take place at any time. This vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline if sufficient applications are received, so early submission is encouraged.
We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.
To apply, please visit www.whitgift.co.uk/vacancies. For any queries, please telephone 02086889222 or email the Human Resources Department at SchoolHR@whitgift.co.uk.
Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Where applicable, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and online media checks. It is an offence to apply for a role at the school if you know that you are barred from regulated activity with children.
All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school’s safeguarding ethos.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to interview.
Self-Employed Water Polo Coach employer: The Independent Schools Council
Whitgift School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values enthusiasm and expertise in sports coaching. Located in the picturesque South Croydon, the school provides a unique opportunity for self-employed Water Polo Coaches to engage with a diverse group of students while contributing to a prestigious aquatics programme. With a commitment to safeguarding and professional development, Whitgift fosters an environment where coaches can thrive and make a meaningful impact on young athletes' lives.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Self-Employed Water Polo Coach
✨Connect with Local Sports Clubs
Get in touch with local sports clubs and recreational centres. They often need freelance support for events, coaching, or management tasks. Don’t be shy—offer your skills and let them know you’re available to help with their upcoming projects.
✨Attend Sports Networking Events
Make the rounds at local sports networking events, meet-ups, and expos. These gatherings are fantastic spots to meet potential clients and other freelance professionals in sports-recreation-management. Bring your A-game, chat with others, and see how you can collaborate or offer your services.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing projects you've worked on—event planning, marketing strategies for sports programmes, or even volunteer work. Highlight your best achievements and share this on platforms like Instagram or your own website. This visibility can pull in clients looking for freelancers with your expertise.
✨Leverage Social Media Groups
Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities focused on sports and recreation management. These platforms are goldmines for freelance opportunities, plus you'll be in the loop about new projects and hiring needs in the industry. Engage with the conversations and position yourself as a knowledgeable resource!
We think you need these skills to ace Self-Employed Water Polo Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Sports Management:When you're applying for a freelance role in sports-recreation management, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have managing teams, organising events, or working within recreational facilities. Make sure to detail your specific achievements in these areas, as this will set you apart from other candidates who might have broader experience.
Show Off Your Portfolio of Past Projects:As a freelancer, potential clients want to see what you've done before. Compile a portfolio that includes case studies of past projects, detailing your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This not only gives them a glimpse into your skills but also your approach to sports-recreation management.
Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:One of the key aspects of freelance work is establishing a good understanding of your availability and rates. Be upfront about your typical hourly or project rates in your application, and let them know when you're ready to start. This transparency can make a big difference in the selection process.
Tailor Your Application to The Independent Schools Council:Make sure to research The Independent Schools Council thoroughly and tailor your application to resonate with their specific needs and values. Reference their past projects, mission, and aims in your cover letter to demonstrate that you're not just any sports-recreation manager – you’re the right fit for them!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In sports-recreation management, showcasing your experience in organising events or managing teams is crucial. Bring along a portfolio of past events you've worked on or list some successful projects to demonstrate your capability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Latest Trends
Staying up-to-date with current trends in sports and recreation can set you apart. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the industry, as well as any innovative programmes you’d suggest for The Independent Schools Council.
✨Pitch Your Unique Selling Points
As a freelancer, this is your chance to sell not just your skills, but your unique approach to sports-recreation management. Be prepared to discuss how your background can bring value to The Independent Schools Council and make them see why they need you in their corner.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical questions or case studies during your interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in sports management, like crisis management or team dynamics, as this can demonstrate your critical thinking in real-world situations.
