Director of Sport

The Director of Sport is responsible for all aspects of leading and managing curricular and extracurricular sport, games and swimming at Copthorne. As well as re-shaping the department’s strategic direction, the in-coming Director of Sport will oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operation, promote an inclusive sporting program for pupils of all abilities as well as maintain Copthorne’s sporting excellence at a regional and national level.

Copthorne is proud of its fantastic facilities; swimming pool, full size astro pitch, netball and tennis courts, cricket pitch and sports fields for rugby and athletics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic plan for the sport and games provision across the school in line with Copthorne Prep’s strategic goals.

• Brings external best practice and undertakes research, to determine the future direction and strategy of sport at the school.

• Regularly review the progress of the department’s strategic vision and making appropriate adjustments.

• Oversee and manage the teaching staff, actively promote a culture of sharing best practice and continuous professional development.

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking PE and swimming curriculum.

• Promote and act as a role model for fair play, good sportsmanship, good conduct and appearance across staff, coaches and pupils.

• Planning budget and resources for the department in conjunction with the Bursary.

• Liaise with other areas of the school such as Catering, Estates, Matron, Bursary, Admin Team, Comms, Transport and HR as necessary.

• Line manages all members of the sports staff, including those responsible for delivering the curriculum and support their professional development via the appraisal process, PDP process and INSET

• Mentor new members of staff and NQTs.

• Lead and inspire the staff, children and coaches to maximize involvement and participation.

• Manage a competitive and inclusive sports fixtures program, challenging pupils to achieve their best.

• Take ownership of events relating to the department, including fixture lists, first aid, umpire, travel, catering and sporting facilities.

• Ensure that pupils receive high quality assessment feedback through marking and assessment in lessons.

• To effectively build on behaviour management strategies within the department which work in line with the whole school policies.

• Contribute to parent information evenings, school events and promotion of sport.

• In conjunction with the HR Department, recruit and develop specialist coaching staff, ensuring appropriate training and professional development is in place.

• Manage and oversee all necessary administration and ensure that relevant written policies and codes of practice are kept up‐to‐date and that staff are properly trained, informed and operating to these.

• Provide support for children seeking sports scholarships.

• Create a sporting partnership program offering sporting opportunities to the local community.

• Ensure an equitable provision of sport for both girls and boys, promoting gender equality.

Person Specification

• Previous experience in a similar role and size school

• Qualified teacher status

• Genuine passion for working with and teaching young people

• Extensive knowledge and experience of sport, games and swimming

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent admin skills, able to effectively manage a number of fixtures and deadlines

• Proficient IT skills such as outlook, word, excel

• Acts as a role model for our school values

• Works collaboratively and supportively with colleagues across all aspects of the school

• Emotional resilience to cope with and learn from challenging situations

• Respects and values the different experiences, ideas and backgrounds others can bring to teams