Director of Sports and Activities

The English College in Prague is looking to appoint a Director of Sports & Activities to lead our PE department. We are flexible regarding the exact qualification and experience of the applicant, but are looking for someone who would enjoy teaching regular PE throughout the school, and also leading on intra-and inter-school sport, running the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and organising other activities-based trips such as canoeing, cycling and skiing as part of the school’s :more programme. The role would suit either an established activity practitioner, or a PE teacher looking to further their career in an interesting environment that allows autonomy and creativity.

The successful candidate will relish the idea of working in a school which values relationships in the learning environment - whether that be the classroom, the Sports Centre or on trips. The ideal candidate will understand modern approaches to the teaching of physical education in its most holistic sense. While we do not currently offer the IB “sports, exercise and health science” course, a candidate with knowledge of this qualification would be at an advantage because it could be something that the school works towards in the future. Very importantly, the successful candidate will be interested in in-school pedagogical development. All teachers in the school are encouraged to be involved in teaching and learning development activities, such as lesson-based action research groups, personal research projects, mutual observations and piloting various initiatives to see if they work well in our context. In summary, a strong interest and desire to connect with, and learn from, other colleagues is essential.

The PE department is formed of three people, the Director of Sports & Activities and two Teachers of PE. Because of the need to interact with other schools, and more widely with other service providers for matches, trips and expeditions, at least one member of the department must be fluent in Czech. We currently have this, so this post is open to English-speakers regardless of their knowledge of Czech, and will value highly experience of a British-style school environment with a strong culture of intra- and inter-school competition.

The school is currently in temporary (but excellent and modern) accommodation, with on-site PE facilities we can use on some days. At other times we use a nearby commercial facility. Once we are back in our own building (September 2025) we will continue to use this facility, which includes a pressure hall, athletics track, and a professional-standard sports hall. Operating on different sites does lead to some operational challenges, and the physical disconnect between the school and the sport facilities requires the PE staff to work actively to maintain lines of communication and a presence with other colleagues based in the main building.

The right candidate will be joining a diverse and dedicated team who maintain a dynamic learning and extra-curricular environment in which the needs and talents of the individual student are recognised and nurtured.

Short School Statement

We are an unusual, exciting and academic HMC secondary school, educating both Czech and international students, that is committed to fostering good relationships. Our membership of HMC allows access to superb networking and training opportunities in the UK, but we can operate with an autonomy and freedom rarely possible in Britain. While we prepare our students for a small number of core IGCSEs, and Common European Framework language exams, our main focus is on delivering success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Czech Maturita qualification. Each year, our graduates go on to study at prestigious universities in the UK, continental Europe and occasionally, Asia and North America. The majority of our teachers are native level speakers of English, immersing our students in the language as authentically spoken and supporting their own language development, and our teaching style is typically that found in the best British schools. We offer the successful candidate adventure, challenge, a permanent contract and good remuneration in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For further information including a description of living and working in the Czech Republic, please visit the English College in Prague website via this link.

For 2024 - 2025 the school is in temporary accommodation, across a split site, but from around September 2025 we will return to our own building which will have been extensively renovated and extended.

Watch this video about teaching at the English College, and this video about Sports Day.

Read here what our staff say about life in Prague with the English College. 

Job Specification Overview:

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of teaching PE and Sports in a British-style environment.
• Have experience of leading others, or the aspiration to do so, with relevant background experience.
• Have a relevant degree and teaching qualification, e.g. QTS.
• Be experienced and confident in running school trips and holding high profile events (sporting and otherwise).
• Be excited about working collaboratively to shape the vision of the department.
• Be curious about the possibility of whether the IB “sports, exercise and health science” course may be a worthy aim for the school in the next few years.

Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and References Statement

The English College in Prague is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to a police check, ICPC or similar, depending on their country of origin or previous employment. Identity checks, employment checks and qualifications checks all form a non-negotiable part of the recruitment process. Any gaps in employment will be examined and we will require at least two references, including one from your most recent Headteacher. Safeguarding and child protection training is given on arrival and the induction process also assiduously follows UK best practice in this area. 

How to apply:

Fill in the ECP application form (which you can download after clicking at Apply Now) and send it with a short covering letter to the Headmaster, Dr Nigel Brown, at recruitment@englishcollege.cz. Please include a complete career history as well as the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of two referees, including your current or most recent Headteacher. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. 

First round interviews will be conducted in London or online by March 15th. The final round will be held in Prague in the week from 18th March. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.