We wish to appoint, for September 2026, outstanding, enthusiastic and committed university graduates whose principal duty will be to help coach and deliver the Canford School Sports programme focusing on one of the following sports:
Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rowing and Athletic Development
This position is designed to allow graduates who might be considering a teaching career to experience life in a boarding school as fully as possible. Previous graduate assistants have gone on to positions in education both at Canford and other outstanding independent schools and state schools, both at home and abroad. Equally, others have subsequently moved into roles in Elite Sport and business. We are also happy to receive applications from those wishing to take a year out, but not necessarily considering teaching as a career.
OVERALL PURPOSE
* To coach sport.
* To help the housemasters/mistresses and tutors with the supervision of boarding houses.
* To lead elements of the weekend activities programme.
* To assist in a department appropriate to the strengths of the graduate, supporting lessons where possible.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
To coach sport
* To help with the coaching of sport for each of the three terms on up to six
afternoons a week.
* To have sufficient playing and/or coaching experience of netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development to coach a team/crew for at least two of the three terms, including accompanying the team to matches (mainly on Saturday afternoons) and umpiring/refereeing if necessary.
* To have the willingness to help in other sports.
* Ideally be able to help the Heads of Sport in specialist areas such as strength & conditioning, match analysis, etc..
* To help the Sports Operations Co-ordinator facilitate the smooth running of the Department.
To assist in a boarding house
* To be on duty in a boarding house for two evenings a week, while a tutor is also on duty, to enable the tutor to spend some time with their tutor group. A graduate assistant will usually be assigned to two boarding houses and spend one evening a week in each.
* To assist with the Shell weekend programme
* To run an activity session for Shells on three Sunday ,afternoons a term. There will usuallywill usually be flexibility over which Sundays these are.
GENERAL
* Graduate assistants will be expected to provide occasional cover for Matrons in Houses.
* Graduate assistants will be part of a rota to supervise the school library.
* Graduate assistants may occasionally be asked to help supervise pupils on school trips and expeditions.
* Graduate assistants may occasionally be called on to cover academic lessons.
* Graduate assistants would participate in the Canford Professional Development programme, sometimes being asked to deliver training.
* All graduate assistants will be accommodated on-site, usually in shared accommodation.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
* University graduate.
* The ability to coach at a good level in at least one sport, ideally from netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development. Ideally
a candidate would have the experience to lead coaching sessions in at least one sport and have the experience/ability/willingness to help in other sports.
* Reliable, punctual, motivated to deliver the highest standards in education.
* Enthusiasm.
* Willingness to be involved in the life of the school.
No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and therefore the successful person must be flexible and willing to take on other reasonable responsibilities and tasks in order to fulfil the role.
Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.