Postgraduate Teacher of Sport

University College School was founded in 1830 to promote principles of liberal scholarship. That remains our first and overriding aim. Intellectual curiosity, breadth of study and independence of mind combine to achieve academic excellence; they are not subordinate to it. UCS remains true to the liberal traditions of its founders and continues to work hard to foster independence of mind among its pupils, to value their individuality and to create a diverse and inclusive community. Academic results are excellent. Music and drama are very strong at UCS and the school offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.

The Present Vacancy

We are looking for a new graduate in Sports Science or a similar discipline. The post would particularly suit those considering a teaching career, though no teaching experience or teaching qualification is required. The successful candidate will be someone who is passionate about sport, who has a love of teaching, learning and coaching and who wishes to share that passion with enthusiastic and energetic pupils. The successful candidate will play a significant role in the delivery of PE and Games throughout the senior school (Year 7-13). They should therefore be able to coach Rugby, Football, and Cricket, preferably at a high level in at least two of these. Basketball is also an increasingly popular choice for UCS pupils and therefore candidates with experience coaching Basketball would also be desirable.

Hours: full-time, including Saturdays and occasional Sundays

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Team-teaching and supporting the delivery of PE lessons
• Supporting the delivery of the Athletic Development programme
• Teaching small groups of pupils in specialised topic areas
• Assisting with Games teaching across the age range
• Assisting with sports coaching, and managing a school team across all three terms
• Undertaking refereeing or umpiring duties for a range of sporting fixtures (depending on expertise)
• Supporting the work of the PE and Games Department (for example, researching curriculum topics or assisting with video and performance analysis)
• Assisting with the organisation of transportation of UCS pupils to our off-site sports fields
• Running or assisting with co-curricular activities as appropriate, such as gym supervision/instruction
• Refereeing or umpiring Deme (House) and school matches as appropriate
• Involvement in sports tours and other school trips, as required
• Contributing to the pastoral care of pupils by co-tutoring a form group
• Taking on other responsibilities concerning the delivery and coaching of sport at UCS, as reasonably requested by the Foundation Director of Sport and/or the Headmaster

The P.E Department

The school’s principal sports are Rugby (Autumn Term), Netball (Autumn and Spring Terms), Football (Spring Term), Hockey (Autumn and Spring Terms), and Cricket (Summer Term). In addition, facilities and opportunities exist for Tennis, Athletics, Cross Country, Basketball, Swimming, Fives, Table Tennis, Fencing, Yoga, Bouldering, and Squash. All pupils are required to have Games as part of their normal curriculum, and a large number of pupils represent the school in at least one sport. Sport is coached mainly by members of the PE Department, although with some input from academic teaching staff. The PE staff consist of ten full-time PE teachers and two PGATs, plus a part-time swimming coach. External coaches contribute to the provision as required. Fixtures are played throughout the week, during Games afternoons, and on Saturdays. The PE and Games Department coordinates an annual enrichment week and an annual Women in Sport week, and organises sports tours within the UK and internationally.

Salary and Benefits

UCS has its own competitive salary scale. The payment for this post will be dependent upon qualifications and experience, but will be above the national scale. While the school does not offer accommodation, schemes are in place to assist members of staff with loans for house purchase. The school is similarly prepared to offer loans to help with daily travel expenses. In all cases, eligibility for financial assistance is carefully and independently scrutinised and every effort is made to assess the needs of individual applicants. If admitted to the school, the children of UCS staff may be educated at reduced fees. All members of staff are entitled to membership of UCS Active (the private Health & Fitness Club based in the Sir Roger Bannister Sports Centre) at a heavily reduced rate.

Arrangements for the Appointment

Please submit your application via the UCS page on My New Term. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 18th March 2026. However, please note that we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during this process; early applications are therefore very welcome. University College School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. This is a requirement as the position is within a school working with children aged under 18. UCS will also undertake its own recruitment checks through contact with previous employers, and others, to confirm applicants' identities and their professional records.