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- Tasks: Lead and develop a top-tier fencing programme, coaching from beginners to elite competitors.
- Company: The King’s School, Canterbury, renowned for excellence in sports and academics.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape future champions and work in exceptional facilities.
- Why this job: Inspire young fencers and make a real impact in a prestigious school environment.
- Qualifications: Elite-level coaching expertise in Épée and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to safeguarding and developing young talent.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The King's School, Canterbury is seeking an outstanding Head of Fencing to lead and further develop one of the strongest fencing programmes in the UK, with a start date of April or September 2026. As reigning Public Schools' Champions in both boys' and girls' Épée, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of fencing at a school renowned for excellence, ambition and tradition.
Fencing is a flagship sport at King's, engaging over 90 pupils each term across senior and junior schools, supported by exceptional facilities including a dedicated fencing hall with competition and training pistes. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, elite‑level coaching expertise (particularly in Épée), and strategic oversight of a comprehensive programme that nurtures beginners through to international‑level competitors.
Working closely with the Director of Sport, the Head of Fencing will oversee coaching staff, competitions, equipment, budgets and player development, while ensuring pupils balance high‑performance sport with academic and pastoral wellbeing. The role includes regular training sessions, competition travel (including weekends), and active promotion of fencing across the school community. This post would suit an inspirational coach with strong organisational skills, deep connections within the fencing world, and a passion for developing young people.
Responsibilities- Provide visionary leadership and elite‑level coaching expertise (particularly in Épée).
- Strategic oversight of the fencing programme from beginners to international competitors.
- Oversee coaching staff, competitions, equipment, budgets, and player development.
- Ensure pupils balance high‑performance sport with academic and pastoral wellbeing.
- Conduct regular training sessions and manage competition travel.
- Promote fencing throughout the school community.
- Elite‑level coaching expertise in fencing, specifically Épée.
- Experience leading and developing a comprehensive fencing programme.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills.
- Deep connections within the fencing community.
- Passion for developing young people.
Closing date: 8 February 2026. Interview date: w/c 23 February 2026.
The King's School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we are an equal opportunity employer.
Head of Fencing in Canterbury employer: The King's School
Contact Detail:
The King's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fencing in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fencing community and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coaching skills! If you can, organise a workshop or a demo session to showcase your elite-level coaching expertise. This not only highlights your abilities but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active in the fencing scene! Attend competitions, seminars, and events to keep your finger on the pulse of the sport. This will help you build relationships and stay updated on trends that could impress hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and show us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Fencing role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fencing in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for fencing shine through! We want to see how much you care about developing young talent and promoting the sport. Share your experiences and what drives you to lead a programme like this.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Head of Fencing role at The King's School. Highlight your elite-level coaching expertise in Épée and any relevant leadership experience. We love seeing candidates who understand our values and vision!
Be Organised: Your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. We appreciate candidates who demonstrate strong organisational skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The King's School. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's School
✨Know Your Fencing Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your fencing knowledge, especially in Épée. Be prepared to discuss your coaching philosophy, training methods, and how you plan to develop both beginners and elite competitors. Show them you’re not just a coach but a visionary leader who understands the nuances of the sport.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong organisational and leadership skills. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or developed a programme. Be ready to share how you would manage coaching staff and ensure a balanced approach to high-performance sport and student wellbeing.
✨Connect with the Community
Demonstrate your deep connections within the fencing community. Talk about your network and how you can leverage it to promote fencing at The King’s School. They’ll want to see that you can engage with the wider fencing world and bring opportunities to the school.
✨Balance is Key
Emphasise your understanding of balancing high-performance sport with academic and pastoral care. Prepare to discuss strategies for ensuring pupils thrive both in fencing and their studies. This shows you’re not just focused on medals but also on developing well-rounded individuals.
