We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic person to join our passionate Sports department. You will be committed to ensuring every child reaches their potential through your child-centred approach. You will be proactive in seeking self-development whilst also working effectively within a team. In this role you will enrich the learning experience for pupils, particularly with Games and PE learning opportunities, and you will help with the day to day running of the School.
THE SCHOOL
Ipswich School is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. It was established prior to 1399 and moved to its present site in 1852. It is a co-educational school with a day nursery, and around 1100 pupils aged between 3 months and 18 years, and operates a five-day week.
Ipswich School has offered places to girls as well as boys since 1993 and prides itself on being truly co-educational. The School comprises a Senior School with over 880 pupils aged from 11 to 18, and the Prep School, with some 200 pupils aged from 4 to 11. The Lodge Day Nursery provides the very best care for approximately 100 children aged from 3 months to 4 years.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Sports Assistant)
You will undertake a range of duties throughout the Lower and Upper Prep School which may include (depending on the needs of the Prep School, and your skill set):
● Support Games and PE teaching in Lower and Upper Prep
● Support swimming teaching from Reception to Year 6 children
● Lead teams of children in coaching sessions (particularly in our core sport of hockey, rugby, netball and cricket)
● Assist teachers in the delivery of lessons
● Assist at fixtures, including the umpiring of matches
● Dealing with children who have been injured, ensuring that they receive appropriate care from a qualified first aider
● Support with the organisation and running of Sports Day in the Summer Term
● Accompany children on school trips, including residential trips
● Offer clubs within the co-curricular offering after school
● Help with playground supervision and teaching playground games
● Office/administration duties
● Help Teaching Assistants with their duties (e.g. backing boards for display, display work)
● Help to set up for Prep School events
● Help with House events during the school day, particularly inter-House Sports events
● Keep playtime equipment organised and tidy
● Breaktime and lunchtime duties
● Provide support for Late Stay or Mini Latestay on some days during the week (this operates between 3:30pm and 6pm every day)
Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Line Manager. These lists are not exhaustive and duties may be changed or added to as determined from time to time.
There is a possibility that accommodation could be provided in one of the boarding houses at the Senior School. Some light evening or weekend boarding duties would be expected. If this is desired, please make this clear on your application.
DESIRED REQUIREMENTS
● Specialism in one of our core sports (hockey, rugby, netball or cricket)
● Strong swimmer and has an interest in helping with swimming teaching
● First Aid qualification, or be prepared to obtain one
You will be responsible to the Deputy Head of the Prep School, who in turn is responsible to the Head of Ipswich Prep School. You will work closely with pupils and teaching and support staff in the Lower and Upper Prep.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good team working and communication skills
● Ability to respect confidentiality and understand the importance of protecting data
● Resourceful and self-directed, able to show initiative
● Flexible in approach and willing to take on other duties as required
● Able to prioritise own workload and to differentiate between tasks that are important and those which are urgent
● Forward-thinking and proactive
● Ability to support the School’s Safeguarding Children policies and procedures.
HOURS OF WORK, SALARY AND BENEFITS
● This is a fixed term post for the 2026-27 academic year (subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period lasting 3 months).
● The hours of work during Ipswich School term time will total 38 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days, and will be worked as follows:
Mondays – Fridays, working hours between 8.45am – 6pm with a one hour break for lunch, (and a short additional break each day, to ensure weekly working hours do not exceed 38 hours).
● If additional hours are worked, they can be claimed at the National Living Wage from 1 April 2026, which is dependent on your age. Additional hours must be authorised in advance by the Prep Head.
● Ipswich School term time includes two INSET days immediately prior to the start of the Michaelmas term each year (1 and 2 September 2026), and one in February each year (12 February 2027), making a total of 35 weeks per annum. Staff are expected to work their normal hours on INSET days to attend staff training and professional development activities.
● In addition, you will be expected to attend a New Staff Induction day on Monday 31 August 2026.
● The salary for this post will be £16,077.35 per annum (for the hours as detailed above, for an 18-20 year old) which is inclusive of statutory holiday pay. The salary will be paid in installments from September 2026 to July 2027 inclusive (a total of 11 months).
● Free lunch is provided in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation.
● Staff are able to use the School’s swimming pool and fitness gym (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations).
● After 3 months’ service and/or in line with workplace pension legislation, you will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme and you will receive x3 death in service cover.
CLOSING DATE AND INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS
Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format please contact us.
Completed application forms, which are available at or by contacting HR on 01473 408300 / hr@ipswich.school should be returned by noon on Monday 2 March 2026 to: the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SG or email: hr@ipswich.school. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible after the closing date and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 12th March 2026. Should this date not work with public examinations or other commitments, please do note this in the application.
If we have not been in touch with you by 12th March 2026 then we regret that your application will have been unsuccessful, but we would like to thank you for your interest.
PLEASE NOTE
● Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. The Ipswich School policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders and the Code of Practice relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service are available on request.