Head of Hockey

Rossall School is among the most successful and prestigious independent boarding and day schools in the North West with flourishing pupil numbers.

With an enticing and highly aspirational culture, Rossall School is offering opportunities for exceptional educators to come and work with supremely talented, inspiring and compassionate professionals to teach our hard working, ambitious and delightful pupils.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring, enthusiastic and qualified coach who will play a significant role in the Sports Department through their vision for and development of the Hockey programme in the School throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. They will work closely with the Hockey Professional and other members of the PE Department assisting with lessons and coaching across a number of different age groups. They will also manage a team of staff who, as well as experienced and qualified coaches (both internal and external) will consist of many teachers who will need guidance and support in their coaching. 

The Head of Hockey will join a team of Heads of individual sports who work closely together to provide a well-balanced, aspirational and forward looking sporting programme that has consistency in pedagogy and outreach across the entire sporting programme. They will be expected to be available at all times during which school sport takes place, including Saturdays during term-time. 

The Hockey Club has strong links with Fylde HC, Garstang HC and Preston HC and a significant element of this role is to strengthen and further develop these links to enhance player development and pathways.  

Rossall School has a strong reputation for Hockey, producing international players as well as regularly winning county and regional tournaments and now competing in various national level competitions.

As such this is a great opportunity to lead a successful, high performing sport with very good participation levels to further success. 

Reporting

The Head of Hockey will report to the Assistant Head (Sport); however they will have contact with the entire department and various heads of sports on a daily basis. 

Main Responsibilities

• Promote and enhance the Hockey Programme at all levels. 
• Develop and implement an all-inclusive coaching structure within Hockey. 
• Liaise closely with the Director of Sport regarding arranging fixtures, which includes transport, catering and first aid arrangements. 
• Coach and umpire Hockey in each of the playing terms to a wide range of age groups. 
• Organise and assist with skill clinics during both in and out of season timeframes.
• Help develop links with local clubs and the various pathways available to students at all levels / ages. 
• Provide termly INSET (ideally before term starts) and continuous coaching support, guidance and practical advice to ensure the development of all coaches within the school. 
• Liaise with feeder prep schools, building relationships by offering coaching and umpiring sessions. 
• Assist the Head of Athletic Development with the conditioning programmes for Hockey players. 
• Organise and run various IAPS, county and regional tournaments. 
• Organise and run various sporting events / trips as required; both for Hockey and other sports. 
• Submit and manage the annual budget using a realistic approach to costs and expenditure. 

General Responsibilities

• Assist at weekends (mainly Saturdays) throughout the school year as required by the Assistant Head (Sport).
• Assist the Head of Athletic Development in the Fitness Suite to supervise and assist students across a wide range of sporting disciplines in their physical development. 
• Ensure that the Health & Safety aspects of the club are met and amendments to the Risk Assessments are dealt with in a timely manner. 
• Provide the website manager with regular updates regarding success and wider opportunities created through the club. 
• Represent Hockey on the Sports Committee and attend the weekly PE Department meeting. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Sports Coaching

• A high level of playing and / or coaching experience in Hockey
• Ability to deliver high quality Hockey sessions to students from age 12 through to 18 
• UKCC Coaching qualifications would be a significant advantage

Pastoral and Extra-Curricular

• A professional, yet caring and compassionate approach to dealing with students 
• Willingness to be involved in a range of extra-curricular activities 
• Committed to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people 
• Committed to valuing and respecting the views and needs of children and young people

Personal Qualities

• Conscientiousness, enthusiasm and the ability to sustain long hours during term time, including evenings and weekends 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to develop a rapport with pupils throughout the school
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines 
• A positive attitude towards professional development and their own learning

Further details of the post can be found on the website www.rossall.org.uk

Deadline for submission of applications 12.00 noon on Monday 1st July 2024

Early applicants may be offered an interview before the closing date

Rossall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An enhanced DBS clearance will be undertaken by the School. The position is regulated activity and therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An online check will also be conducted.

The School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be viewed here: https://rossall.org.uk/policies/