Graduate Sports Assistant (Netball specialism)

Fixed Term Contract: End Aug 2026 – Early July 2027, full-time/term-time only (possibility of further contract extension with PGCE placement)

The School is seeking to appoint a graduate with a good degree in any discipline to join our fun, forward-thinking school on a 10-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in an educational setting by contributing fully to the sporting and co-curricular programme at the School. There is also the prospect of getting involved in other aspects of school life for those who are considering a career in teaching and/or wish to take full advantage of the opportunity.

The successful candidate will assist professional sports coaches and PE/games staff across the curriculum. Candidates will be required to have played netball to a strong club level or above, with coaching experience being highly desirable. A specialism in netball is essential, and the successful candidate will play an important role in supporting and developing these programmes within the School’s games provision.

The position demands enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive approach to all games. If you like to work collaboratively and welcome the opportunity to participate fully in a busy and thriving School, we offer a comprehensive induction and CPD programme for all levels of staff, a competitive remuneration package with living out allowance payment, and outstanding, well-equipped facilities. Meals will be provided during term time.

The role is approximately 40 hours per week, term time including inset days. There is also the requirement to work up to four days ahead of each term for pre-season training and three days of summer camp (July 2026 – dates to be confirmed). Hours will be worked across 5 days, Monday to Saturday, with the equivalent of one day off per week (to be confirmed on timetable allocation). The role requires flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings. There may be opportunities to be involved in boarding duties; however, any additional hours undertaken in this capacity will fall outside the contracted Sports Graduate hours. The postholder will also be expected to assist with Saturday sports (home and away fixtures) and any other School trips as required.

The placement duration is normally for one academic year, however, subject to academic qualifications of the candidate, the academic requirements of the School, and completion of the PGCE application process, there may be the possibility to extend for a further year, with PGCE placement support for 2027/2028.

Closing Date:  12pm (noon) Monday 22 June 2026

Interviews to be held on 25 June 2026.

We reserve the right to appoint at any time in the recruitment process and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

St John’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The job holder should be aware of their responsibilities for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons who they may come into contact with whilst at St John’s adhere to and ensuring compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.”

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