Abingdon School is seeking a Head of Athletic Development to join the team.
Location: Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE
Working hours: 40 hours per week, working week under term time plus
Job Type: Part Time, Permanent
Salary: £28,340 per annum (pro rata), £33,892 (FTE)
Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026 midday
About Us:
The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.
Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.
Head of Athletic Development - The Role:
Abingdon School is seeking to appoint a Head of Athletic Development who will provide the direction for the long term athletic development of Abingdon’s pupils and for influencing the approach to strength and conditioning in our broad sporting community, ensuring best practice for long term success and prevention of injury.
The normal working hours will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Saturday. This is a full time position mainly working between the hours of 08:00am-5:00pm Monday to Saturday over 34 weeks’ term time (based on Abingdon School Term dates). Plus 4 weeks during school holidays in agreement with the Director of Sport and PE.
Head of Athletic Development - Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Athletic Development & S&C programme, driving performance, physical literacy and injury prevention across the school
- Develop a coeducational model, championing female athleticism and ensuring equal access and opportunity
- Provide individualised athlete support, including screening, monitoring, return-to-play and external partnerships
- Contribute to Games, PE and talent pathways, including coaching, CPD, holiday programmes and elite team preparation
- Support strategic delivery, ensuring equity, safeguarding, budget oversight and school engagement
Head of Athletic Development – You:
- Qualified S&C coach (Sports Science degree; UKSCA Level 2 essential) with strong youth development experience
- Inspirational practitioner, delivering engaging sessions across ages and abilities
- Strong leader and communicator, contributing fully to departmental and extracurricular life
- Innovative and reflective, confident using ICT and AI to enhance delivery
- Committed to safeguarding, professionalism and pupil welfare
Head of Athletic Development – Benefits:
- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private healthcare insurance
- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
- Free lunches during term time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Christmas closure days
- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
- There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
- We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
- We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses
We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to equality of
opportunity for all staff and job applicants.
Early applications are encouraged. We may make an appointment prior to the advertised closing or interview dates.
Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026
Interview date: Monday 23 March 2026
Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
To submit your CV for this Head of Athletic Development opportunity please click ‘Apply’ now