Head of Performance Hockey

We are looking to appoint a highly qualified, experienced and dynamic Head of Performance Hockey who will work for and with the Director of Hockey, to continue to make Repton the premier Independent School destination for young hockey players, both girls and boys; someone who will inspire individuals at all levels and who will play an important role in the development of Repton Hockey Club.

This opportunity offers an exciting chance to work with some of the most promising junior players in the country. The combination of School and Club offers an unrivalled chance to achieve success at the highest level alongside a wider programme of participation. Over 80% of Reptonians represent the School in at least one sport. 100% of pupils participate in sport at least three times a week. Sport, academics and the cocurricular complement each other, with each being critical to the success of the whole.

For a detailed description of duties and benefits, please view the Candidate Information Pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 24th April 2023 at 9am.

You should complete the online application form and also submit a covering letter, addressed to Mr Mark Semmence, Head, which should include what attracts you to the position and how you feel your experience, skills and personal qualities qualify you to take on the role.

Applicants will be contacted for interview if they have been successful in the short-list process. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 26th April.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Coach hockey to a high level and coach other sports as required

• Fully contribute to the wide co-curricular life of the School

• Be available to attend hockey tours (UK and overseas)

• Work and assist in the development of the School’s High Performance Programme

• Assist in the development of the School’s use of sports analysis

• Help to co-ordinate and support the wider hockey coaching team

• Organise fixtures and annually review the fixture list

• Develop opportunities for pre-season tours and trips

• Co-ordinate and deliver 1:1 and small group training

There will be an important ambassadorial dimension to the position. The Head of Performance Hockey will maintain outstanding relationship with staff, pupils, parents and the wider world of Hockey. S/he will maintain and enhance the School’s reputation as a destination of first choice for ambitious young players, and will work alongside other departments in the School to attract and develop promising athletes. This will involve high quality communications, close liaison with feeder schools and maintaining a visible presence through the world of Hockey.

The successful candidate will ensure the highest standards are consistently maintained. It is important that the Hockey programme fits seamlessly into the wider life of the school, and that its standards and philosophy are consistent with the academic and behavioural expectations at Repton.

Repton Hockey Club

Repton Hockey Club was founded in 2016 and is becoming one of the most successful clubs in the country. It has a small number of high-performance adult teams and a large junior section. As an accredited England Hockey Talent Centre, the Club focuses on performance, incorporating junior talent ID and development.

The Club has always performed exceptionally well indoors, competing at the highest national level. It has won numerous national indoor and outdoor EH Championship titles, as well as gaining year-on-year league promotion in the adult section.

The Head of Performance Hockey will be responsible for: leading an adult league team, leading a junior team, leading an adult indoor team, assist the Director of Hockey in coordination of School and Club hockey fixtures, player development and coordination in national age group pathways, assisting in player and coach recruitment.

The Ideal Candidate

Repton is seeking to appoint a respected Hockey leader, with a proven record of success at either club or school level. Experience of coaching elite junior players is essential. Coaching qualifications, ideally at EH Level 4, or equivalent, are desirable, though applicants from all backgrounds in the game are invited to apply.

The successful candidate will be expected to be fully committed to Repton Hockey, and to work with drive, energy and determination to ensure its success. This will require a range of abilities, including the capacity to maintain strong professional relationships with staff, pupils and parents. Previous experience in a large and dynamic sports environment will be an advantage.

More than any specific experience or qualifications, the appointed person will be dynamic, energetic and ambitious. They will set an example in all areas and model high standards. Applicants are welcome from candidates with expertise and charisma, who recognise both the significance and possibility of this position and seek a potentially career-defining opportunity within Hockey.

About Repton School

Repton School, founded in 1557, is a leading co-educational School situated in the historic village of Repton. Five miles from Burton upon Trent and eight miles from Derby, Repton lies in the very centre of England. The School boasts a consistently fine academic record and is active and successful in a wide range of other activities. The School’s 600 plus pupils, both boys and girls, are predominantly boarders. Each belongs to one of the ten boarding houses. Repton prides itself on its long and close association with the village. 

With the establishment of Repton Dubai in 2007, Repton was a pioneer among UK independent schools in establishing overseas ‘branches’. Repton International Schools Ltd has now established a family of six international schools (seven as of September), with four in the UAE, one in China, one in Malaysia and Repton Cairo opening in September. The School takes great pride in its international family and works closely with its overseas partners to ensure that each Repton International school fully reflects the ethos and values of the UK school.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, therefore the following shall be deemed to be included, in addition to the duties that you may be required to perform:

Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 it is a criminal offence for a person over 18 (e.g. teacher, matron, sports coach) to have a sexual relationship with a child under 18 where that person is in a position of trust in respect of that child, even if the relationship is consensual. This applies where the child is in full-time education and the person works in the same establishment as the child, even if s/he does not teach the child. Moreover, whatever the age of the pupil, a sexual relationship between an employee and a pupil will be considered an abuse of a position of trust and gross misconduct, likely to result in dismissal.