Role Introduction
As Director of Sport, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership across all areas of sporting activity at the College; delivering a sports programme that allows Eton to compete with similar schools at all levels, whilst maintaining our core values of participation and enjoyment for all.
Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.
Main Duties
A VISION FOR ETON SPORT
You will:
1. work collaboratively to forge a clear vision for the future of all sporting activities at Eton;
2. articulate that vision both internally and externally with clarity, vigour and enthusiasm;
3. ensure that Eton sport is inclusive and provides opportunities for every boy at the right level;
4. create the conditions for the top teams to thrive whilst remaining true to the school’s goal of providing opportunities for boys of all abilities to engage with the sports programme;
5. act as an ambassador for Eton sport both locally and nationally, with a view to widening collaboration and partnership;
6. promote our plans with potential donors and build enthusiasm for the future of Eton sport.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
You will:
7. oversee the school’s sporting programme;
8. ensure that our safeguarding responsibilities are front and centre of all we do;
9. manage risk in the school’s sporting programme, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and updated in conjunction with the College’s health and safety officers;
10. model excellence in coaching by coaching a school team in every term;
11. lead the team of professional coaches and sports staff, both employed directly and as contractors;
12. manage the school’s sporting facilities and directly line-manage the team responsible for staffing the facilities;
13. line-manage and work closely with the Deputy Director of Sport to support the school’s programme of sport.
WIDER RESPONSIBILITIES
You will:
14. manage boys behaviour to ensure a positive and safe learning environment;
15. treat boys with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect and observing boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position;
16. tutor a group of boys, overseeing their academic progress and taking an interest in their wellbeing;
17. accompany boys on visits away from the school as required;
18. assist on a regular basis in a boarding house, supporting the House Master and getting to know the boys;
19. take on a teaching timetable as appropriate to your experience;
20. contribute to the staff duty rota and the school’s wider social programme.
CO-CURRICULAR
21. contribute to the co-curricular life of the school;
22. accompany students on visits away from the School, subject to risk assessment;
23. actively contribute to the staff duty rota, such as supervising meal times and exam invigilating;
24. contribute to the wider school social programme, including workshops, seminars, chapel services, competitions, trips, open days, and so on.
PASTORAL
25. be committed to the safeguarding of all young people;
26. manage behaviour effectively to ensure a positive and safe learning environment;
27. treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position;
28. tutor up to twelve pupils, (typically in groups of six) taking an interest in their academic progress and well-being;
29. assist on a regular basis in a boarding house, supporting the House Master and getting to know all the students.
LOOKING OUTWARDS
You will:
30. advise on a sporting outreach programme that makes Eton’s facilities available to the local and the national sporting community, in accordance with the College’s charitable goals;
31. liaise with the Admissions Department to organise and run events involving feeder prep-schools;
32. develop opportunities for joint sports activities with girls’ schools;
33. liaise with the Deputy Head (Partnerships) to ensure that Eton’s sporting facilities are used in accordance with our policies and charitable aims;
34. advise on the design and delivery of a programme of sporting opportunities using the College’s resources to partner schools;
35. liaise with local partners and play a role in developing sporting opportunities in the local area and ensuring that Eton has a voice in the deliberations of the local council and other organisations when these issues are discussed;
36. assess the impact of our outreach activity in sport.
The Ideal Candidate
ABOUT YOU
You will:
37. be passionate about the role of sport in education, understanding how it can positively affect all pupils;
38. have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people;
39. be able to communicate with, enthuse and motivate both young people and a team of colleagues and have the credibility, through your own experience in sport, to speak with authority and confidence;
40. be well organised and capable of managing a broad portfolio of tasks, giving due weight to each;
41. be able to be both flexible and firm, and the judgement to know when each is required;
42. be a positive, forward-looking and collaborative colleague;
43. be excited to contribute whole-heartedly to all aspects of boarding school life;
44. be committed to working within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion;
45. be committed to the safeguarding, welfare and wellbeing of young people;
46. have a strong sense of ownership and professional accountability, with an understanding of when to consult and when to act;
47. have sound judgement in managing sensitive and complex situations, and understand the value of clarity, care and flexibility when doing so.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
You will have:
48. an outstanding record of engagement and achievement in sports provision/ coaching at school and/or professional level;
49. experience of leading and managing sports provision at a school level;
50. experience of directly line-managing a team;
51. an honours degree (2:1 or above) and the ability to teach a curriculum subject;
52. prior experience of managing a budget and working to agreed deadlines;
53. a demonstrable understanding of Safeguarding and Health and Safety requirements as they relate to school sport;
54. a demonstrable commitment to your own professional development.
55. A teaching qualification is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
Our staff are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.
Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include a generous pension scheme with a 16% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution), salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family‑friendly pay. Colleagues also benefit from a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or significantly discounted access to the College’s excellent sport and leisure facilities, and discounts with local retailers and businesses.