Head of Sport

Thank you for considering the role of Head of Sport at Glendower Preparatory School. We are a leading all-girls preparatory school, committed to fostering academic excellence, personal development, and a love for physical activity. We believe in the power of sport to shape character, develop leadership skills, and promote well-being. We are looking for an inspirational individual to lead our Sports Department, driving forward both participation and excellence in sport. If you share our passion for nurturing well-rounded pupils, we look forward to receiving your application.

About Glendower Preparatory School

Glendower Preparatory School is renowned for its vibrant learning environment and high expectations in both academic and co-curricular activities. We offer a broad, balanced education to girls from Nursery through Year 6, fostering a supportive atmosphere where girls thrive. Our Sports Department plays a pivotal role in helping develop confidence, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.

All of our sport takes place off-site and we are proud of the excellent facilities we use including Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Imperial College. Sport is central to our curriculum and extra-curricular programmes, and every pupil is encouraged to participate fully, regardless of their level of ability.

The Role

The Head of Sport will lead a dynamic department, managing the delivery of our sports programme and overseeing all aspects of physical education from Nursery to Year 6. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner with a passion for sports and a track record of achieving excellence at both participation and competitive levels. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all pupils develop a love for sport while also supporting those who demonstrate exceptional talent.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Lead, develop, and manage the Sports Department to ensure an inspiring and inclusive sports curriculum.
• Ensure that sports teaching and learning are aligned with the school’s ethos, using forward-thinking practices to enhance pupil engagement.
• Organise a broad and varied programme of sporting activities that allow pupils to develop physically, socially, and emotionally.
• Ensure high standards of teaching across all age groups, from early years to Year 6, and set clear targets for pupil achievement.
• Use data to track pupil progress and ensure effective interventions where needed.
• Lead staff training and development within the Sports Department to ensure continuous improvement.
• Extra-Curricular Programme
• Lead a comprehensive Sports Day programme for all pupils and manage all aspects of participation and organisation for the event.
• Develop and expand the extra-curricular sports offering, ensuring a wide range of sports is available to pupils, from netball and hockey to gymnastics and athletics.
• Manage fixtures, tournaments, festivals and House Sport events, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to represent the school.
• Provide guidance and coaching for pupils with high sporting potential, ensuring pathways for competitive success at local, regional, and national levels.
• Lead the school ski trip and play a central role in running the school ski squad.

Pastoral Care

• Ensure that every pupil feels supported in their sporting development, providing individualised care and encouragement.
• Promote a culture of respect, teamwork, and inclusivity across all sporting activities.
• Work closely with parents and staff to communicate the progress and well-being of pupils in relation to sport and physical activity.

Leadership & Management Duties

• Line-manage members of the Sports Department, ensuring staff are well-supported and have clear professional development pathways.
• Take responsibility for health and safety in all sporting activities and facilities, ensuring risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Lead the relationship management with all off-site sporting facilities the school uses to deliver the Glendower Sport and PE programme.
• Oversee the maintenance and procurement of sports equipment, managing the department’s budget effectively.
• Represent the Sports Department at senior leadership meetings and contribute to the school’s broader strategic development.

Person Specification

• Essential Criteria
• A degree in a relevant subject and a teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent)
• Significant experience in leading sports within a school environment, with a proven track record of improving pupil outcomes in sport.
• Expertise in coaching in netball and hockey along with confidence in coaching cricket, athletics, gymnastics and swimming.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate both pupils and staff.
• A commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to enjoy and excel in sport.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with pupils, staff, parents, and external partners.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in an independent school setting.
• A history of competing or coaching at a high level.
• Familiarity with using data to inform teaching practices and pupil development.
• Some experience of leading ski trips and running a successful ski squad.

Salary and Benefits

The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Glendower Preparatory School offers a supportive working environment and a range of benefits, including complimentary lunch and refreshments during term time and a competitive defined contribution pension scheme.  

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents to novaly@glendowerprep.org

• A completed application form. 
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and what you can bring to the Sports Department at Glendower. 

Applications should be submitted by Friday 29 November 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application and discussing how you can contribute to the future success of sport at Glendower Preparatory School.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Glendower Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and must be committed to the safeguarding principles outlined in the school’s policies.