Director of Sport

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. It values the development of the whole person, placing emphasis on both academic achievement and co-curricular involvement. The school aims to support every pupil in order that they might achieve their potential.

The school seeks a dynamic, well-qualified, and experienced teacher to lead its highly successful PE & Games Department from September 2022. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute fully to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.  

Strategic vision is an important aspect of this role.  We have enjoyed a great deal of success in recent years, but we are aware of the changing nature of school sport and our need to change in response.  We welcome applications from those who have a clear vision of what school sport at PGS should look like in the years to come.  We are committed to offering the best opportunities for our pupils and we are keen to embrace new ideas. 

We are looking for someone who can provide dynamic and inspirational leadership to a large and committed department, someone with excellent organisational skills and experience of both sport and physical education.  The successful candidate will offer their own contribution to the co-curricular sports programme with a high level of expertise in at least one sport and will lead by example.

The Director of Sport will have responsibility for all aspects of sport and physical education in the Senior School and will work closely with the Director of Sport and Head of Girls Games in the Junior School to ensure continuity throughout the age range.  In addition, the Director of Sport will work with the Directors of Music and Drama who together form a strong team to oversee and coordinate a large portion of the school’s co-curricular provision.  The role reports to the Assistant Head Co-curriculum and will direct a department consisting of the Head of Physical Education, the Heads of Athletics, Cricket, Netball, Rugby and Tennis, the Head and Assistant Head of Hockey, the PE & Games Administrator and a large team of external specialist coaches.  A Level Physical Education is an option for Sixth Form pupils.

The Portsmouth Grammar School has a national reputation for the range and quality of its sport.  Many pupils are attracted to the school, not just because of the academic excellence, but also by the reputation we have earned for sporting success.  That said, sport for all is of equal importance to us and we are proud of various initiatives that ensure all pupils at PGS have the opportunity to represent the school in some way. 

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check. 

Further information is available on the website at www.pgs.org.uk under the ‘About Us’ section and any queries regarding the vacancy should be emailed to HR@pgs.org.uk. 

An electronic application would be preferable, submitted to HR@pgs.org.uk.  All applicants should complete an application form, and send a covering letter addressed to the Head, Dr Anne Cotton, together with a full curriculum vitae.  All applications should be accompanied by the names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three referees. 

The closing date is noon Monday 31st January 2022 and early applications are encouraged. Interviews will take place on  Monday 7th February 2022 and candidates are asked to allow the whole day for the process.