Dunottar School - Lead Netball Coach (Netball Professional) part time, 20 hours per week, term time only

Dunottar is a co-educational school for pupils aged 11-18 set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate. Under the Headship of Mark Tottman, the school is on a very exciting journey having recently won the prestigious Education Business Award for the ‘Outstanding Progress – UK Independent Schools’ category 2019. Dunottar is experiencing fast growth in pupil numbers and to accommodate this expansion, we have recently completed a £6.6 million capital development programme to build a new Sixth Form Centre and Assembly Hall/Performing Arts Centre.

Dunottar is a great place to work, with a team of highly professional and committed teachers and support staff. We incorporate best practice from independent schools and academies right across the United Learning Group, whilst retaining our unique, friendly ethos in Reigate where pupils are nurtured to make significant personal progress at the same time as achieving excellent academic results. United Learning is an outstanding organisation which prides itself on providing a working and learning environment which encourages ‘the best in everyone’. You will join a network of staff belonging to over 90 other schools, with opportunities to engage with fellow professionals which far exceed what one school could achieve on its own. Personal development and career opportunities are excellent. They will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program, both during the working week and some weekends.

Overview   

Our vision is to develop a school sporting programme that harbours a passion and enjoyment of participation in sport, and playing as part of a team, that will be carried forward beyond school life. Where pupils take pride in and aspire to train and play for the school’s teams on a weekly basis, whether that be in regular Saturday fixtures or county/national tournaments. 

We want to develop a sporting culture that will see us regularly field A and B teams across all years in our ‘priority sports’ – netball, rugby, football (for girls and boys) and cricket (for girls and boys) – with over 95% of pupils involved in competitive school sport. We want to be known by our regular opponents as a school that competes well, whilst maintaining high levels of etiquette and sportspersonship whenever we take to the sporting arena.

Dunottar has a long history of playing Netball and as a small school we ‘punch above our weight’ both in aspiration and achievement. Most recently our U12 girls’ netball team have made netballing history at our school by reaching the final of the Sisters n Sport National Netball U12 Bowl for Schools South to be played in March 2024. 

Fixtures are played onsite at Dunottar where we have use of three floodlit outdoor courts, one court within the sports hall and we also have arrangements with a local school for our larger weekend fixtures and training when required.

The role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Netball Coach (Netball Professional) to join our dynamic sports department. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of netball techniques, strategies, and coaching methodologies. This role will report to the Director of Netball and Director of Sport.

They will be dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where students can develop their skills, teamwork, and sportspersonship. They will play an integral role in inspiring and motivating a love and passion for Netball at Dunottar and will have an aspirational vision for netball performance and opportunities for our students.

Exact working pattern to be agreed, to include 2-4pm games afternoons Monday to Friday x 5, 4.00-5.15pm afterschool practice Monday to Thursday x 4 and Saturday mornings 8.00-11.30am.

Key Responsibilities 

• To develop and implement comprehensive training programmes designed to enhance players' technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning.
• To plan and conduct engaging and progressive netball sessions in conjunction with the Director of Netball for various age groups and skill levels, including individual and team-based drills.
• To provide constructive feedback and personalised coaching to players to support their skill development and performance improvement.
• To collaborate with the school's Director of Netball to coordinate fixtures, tournaments, and inter-school competitions.
• To inspire and motivate students to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and teamwork both on and off the court.
• To foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes respect, sportspersonship, and healthy competition.
• To keep abreast of the latest trends, techniques, and developments in netball coaching and actively seek professional development opportunities.
• To communicate effectively with students, parents, and school staff regarding training schedules, match fixtures, and player progress.

Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate training sessions and fixtures. However, there will be flexibility around the right candidates playing and training commitments. Dunottar schools will provide the candidate with access to our onsite Gym, Courts and Pool for training and wellbeing purposes.

Dunottar School, Reigate – Person Specification

Lead Netball Coach (Netball Professional)

Professional Qualifications and Skills

•  Proven experience as a Netball Coach at a school, club, or representative level.
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Recognised coaching qualification(s) from a reputable sports governing body (e.g. England Netball Coaching Award Level 1-3).
• Ability to umpire the game would be advantageous or a willingness to undertake the relevant training supported by Dunottar School (e.g. England Netball's Into Officiating or C Award Umpire)

Personal Qualities

• High levels of personal and professional integrity
• Commitment to outstanding coaching
• High degree of self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism.
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and motivate students of varying ages and abilities.
• A passion for youth development and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and contribute positively to the school community.

Teaching and Learning

• Strong knowledge of netball rules, techniques, and strategies.
• Evidence of creative and innovative approach to coaching.
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating coaching.
• Ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your sessions.

Philosophy and Ethos

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Be willing to contribute to our busy co-curricular programme of activities involving trips and clubs.
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct.
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare.
• Willingness to undergo the necessary background checks including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).