Graduate
Sports Assistants & Graduate Teacher Assistants
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Welcome
It is an exciting time to be joining Canford. Our community is alive with ambition — in the classroom, on the sports field, on the river and on the stage — and that energy is reflected not only in our academic success, but in our pupils’ enthusiasm to contribute, to lead and to grow. Canford is a place where young people are encouraged to think boldly, act with integrity and make the most of the opportunities before them.
We are also a school that continues to look forward. The recent launch of the Canford Schools Group marks an important new chapter in our development. Our partnership with Dumpton School is the first of several planned collaborations with like-minded schools in the independent sector. Together, we share a commitment to excellence, kindness and ambition, while valuing the individuality that allows each school community to thrive. For those starting their professional journey with us, this offers the chance to be part of something dynamic, purposeful and evolving.
At Canford, relationships matter. The strength of our community lies in the way people support one another — pupils, staff and families alike. We believe in empowering young people to take responsibility, show courage in their learning, and care for those around them. We also believe in developing our staff in the same way: through trust, high expectations and meaningful professional opportunities.
Our Graduate Sports Assistants and Graduate Teacher Assistants roles are designed for those at the beginning of their careers who are curious about education, excited by working with young people, and eager to play a full part in the life of a busy, thriving boarding school. These are immersive, hands-on roles that offer far more than work experience: they provide the chance to contribute, to learn from outstanding professionals, and to develop the confidence, skills and insight that will serve you well in any future career — whether in teaching or beyond.
If you are ambitious, open-minded and motivated by the chance to make a real difference to young people’s lives, I warmly encourage you to apply. We would be delighted to welcome you into the Canford community.
CHRIS WHEELER Headmaster
Background
Founded in 1923, Canford School is set in 250 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset. The School, which has some 660 pupils aged 13–18, the majority of whom board, is amongst the country’s top co-educational boarding and day schools. The 19th-century Canford Manor House sits at the heart of the campus, and the facilities are exceptional. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh, lively approach. The School offers a superb sports and co-curricular programme for pupils, which is seen as amongst the best in the independent sector.
Having celebrated its centenary in 2023, Canford was a finalist for ‘Public School of the Year’ in the Tatler 2026 Awards, the Independent School Parent’s ‘Top School in the South of England 2025’ and the number one-ranked co-ed boarding and day school in the South West for top A level and GCSE results in the Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025. It is an exciting time to be joining the School, with September 2025 seeing the arrival of a new Head, the opening of a new Sixth Form College and the announcement of the merger with Dumpton School to form the Canford Schools Group of charitable independent schools.
Canford is in the final stages of completing ‘The College’, an impressive new £20m facility which will offer our Sixth Form pupils outstanding provision. With U6th day pupils based
in the Hub along with university-style services for Futures, Welfare and Academic Support and boarders in the residential wings, the building is designed to ensure all pupils develop the independence they need to be ready for life beyond Canford, whether at university or one of the growing number of other post-school routes.
Having been at capacity in our boarding houses for many years, the creation of this new facility will create spaces across all boarding houses to grow and develop our boarding provision, which will be an important part of the vision for the coming years.
Alongside its place as a school, Canford also offers excellent commercial facilities which are available to members of the public, including event and wedding facilities, a sports centre, a nine-hole golf course, real tennis courts and a semiprofessional theatre.
This is an exciting time as Canford School and Dumpton merge in December 2025 to form the Canford Schools Group. Dumpton is a popular co-educational day prep school for pupils aged 2–13 years, three miles from Canford. A finalist in the 2025 Independent School of the Year ‘Co-educational School of the Year’ award, it has experienced continued growth in pupil numbers and record numbers of scholarships to senior schools in recent years.
Vision and Values
COURAGEOUS ATTITUDE
Being principled and strong, yet reflective and tolerant, takes courage.
We support members of our community to be bold in expressing thoughts, words and deeds yet respectful of the diversity in our world and society.
HUMBLE AMBITION
Pursuing goals without arrogance or complacency brings meaningful success. We challenge members of our community to be energetic and resilient in pursuit of their goals but honest and grateful for fulfilment of them.
GRACIOUS LEADERSHIP
Fulfilling a duty to guide, support and include others makes a difference.
We urge members of our community to lead graciously and serve willingly for the greater good.
PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT
Building a confident mindset develops positive life-long learning.
We inspire members of our community to be curious and determined in pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.
The Academic Leader
HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
No.1
school in the region* for top A Level and GCSE results.
1-1 suppor t to achiev e the v er y best outcome for ev er y pupi l
Lea rn ing is not just accepted it ’s pa rt of our culture
120 specia lis t subject teacher s across 20 depar tments
Sm all class size s 15 for GCSE , 10 for A Lev el**
Te aching tailored by year grou p, with College approach to Sixth Fo rm
We do no t simply select We look for
top-set pupils. ; all-round potential
Breadth o f inta ke
120 Year 9s join from over 50 diff erent schools***
Academ ic e xcellenc e , but not a results-at-all-costs
independent minds and focus on e ver y child ’s bes t pe rs onal outcome
Over 95% of our pupils currently choose to go on to university, with 80%+ offers from Russell Group/Top 12. But the world is changing fast. Our College Futures programme guides every path – from degree apprenticeships and Art Foundations to Medical Schools and international study. Our focus is on the best outcome for every individual Canfordian.
* Based on Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025., co-ed independent senior boarding and day
The Boarding Culture
Canford’s genuine 7-day-a-week boarding school community offers rich experiences and lasting friendships for all pupils. There is flexibility for boarders to spend some Saturday nights at home if they want to, keeping families closely connected, while day pupils can take full advantage of everything on offer in the evenings and at weekends.
HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
culture inclusive for both boarding and d ay
7-day-a-week 21st-century – boarder
4 out of 5 boarder s are in school e very weekend – there is no ‘emptying out ’ cultur model s can opt for some ext ra Saturda y nights at home *
e ay
The mix of fun an d skills-based evening and weekend activities are open to all pupils, boarding and d
Boarding
is the real deal.
Talk Education
Boarding opportunities extend the fun!
Current boy boarder On average, Canford tracked. *Boarders can leave after Saturday school a number of extra times each term in addition to exeats and half terms, but must return by Sunday evening.
Tiered Opportunities in Sport and Activity
HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
50 + diff erent spo rt s, clubs and activities , inclusiv e and open to al l * Hockey, Cr icket, Netball, Tennis , Footbal l
OCs Be yond Can ford
USA Golf #27 r ank, U23 Wor ld Rowing Gold, U19 England C ri cket , Bath and Leicester Premiers hip Rugb y
CCF – Best School **
260 CCF cadets , 26 Sixth For m NCOs
100+ teams play 1,000+ fixtures across 16 sports every year, developing sporting skills, teamwork, confidence, and positive physical wellbeing.
Sport here is everything you might expect in a school of this calibre and scope – and then some.
The Good Schools Guide
*2023-25, **The Week: Independent Schools Guide
The Role
Graduate Sports Assistants
Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rowing and Athletic Development
OVERALL PURPOSE
• To coach sport.
• To help the housemasters/mistresses and tutors with the supervision of boarding houses.
• To lead elements of the weekend activities programme.
• To assist in a department appropriate to the strengths of the graduate, supporting lessons where possible.
This position is designed to allow graduates who might be considering a teaching career to experience life in a boarding school as fully as possible. Previous graduate assistants have gone on to positions in education both at Canford and other outstanding independent schools and state schools, both at home and abroad. Equally, others have subsequently moved into roles in Elite Sport and business. We are happy to receive applications from those seeking a placement to support their degree or those wishing to take a year out, but not necessarily considering teaching as a career.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
To coach sport
• To help with the coaching of sport for each of the three terms on up to six afternoons a week.
• To have sufficient playing and/or coaching experience of netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development to coach a team/crew for at least two of the three terms, including accompanying the team to matches (mainly on Saturday afternoons) and umpiring/refereeing if necessary.
• To have the willingness to help in other sports.
• Ideally be able to help the Heads of Sport in specialist areas such as strength & conditioning, match analysis, etc..
• To help the Sports Operations Co-ordinator facilitate the smooth running of the Department.
• For the right candidate, there may also be the opportunity to support the sports programme in other prep schools (as part of the Canford Schools Group).
To assist in a boarding house
• To be on duty in a boarding house for two evenings a week, while a tutor is also on duty, to enable the tutor to spend some time with their tutor group. A graduate assistant will usually be assigned to two boarding houses and spend one evening (7.30-9.00) a week in each.
To assist with the Shell weekend programme
• To run an activity session for Shells on three Sunday afternoons a term. There will usually be flexibility over which Sundays these are.
GENERAL
• Graduate assistants will be expected to provide occasional cover for Matrons in Houses.
• Graduate assistants will be part of a rota to supervise the school library.
• Graduate assistants may occasionally be asked to help supervise pupils on school trips and expeditions.
• Graduate assistants may occasionally be called on to cover academic lessons.
• Graduate assistants would participate in the Canford Professional Development programme, sometimes being asked to deliver training.
• All graduate assistants will be accommodated on-site, usually in shared accommodation.
The Person
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
• University graduate.
• The ability to coach at a good level in at least one sport, ideally from netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or athletic development. Ideally a candidate would have the experience to lead coaching sessions in at least one sport and have the experience/ability/willingness to help in other sports.
• Reliable, punctual, motivated to deliver the highest standards in education.
• Enthusiasm.
• Willingness to be involved in the life of the school.
No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and therefore the successful person must be flexible and willing to take on other reasonable responsibilities and tasks in order to fulfil the role.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to become familiar with the policies and procedures for safeguarding children and child protection which can be found here
The Role
Graduate Teacher Assistants
English, Mathematics, Humanities
Graduate Teachers at Canford are valued members of the academic and pastoral community. These fixed term posts provide an exceptional opportunity for graduates to gain paid experience in education while receiving structured training, mentoring and exposure to all aspects of school life.
Graduate Teachers will support academic departments and will receive guidance and training in the art of teaching. The role provides exposure to the busy life of a boarding school, offering experience in both academic and pastoral aspects of school life.
They will initially observe and then team teach. They will work within a friendly, ambitious and well resourced department committed to helping every pupil fulfil their potential. They will also be expected to play a major role in supporting the co curricular and pastoral/boarding life of the school.
Applications are welcome from candidates with a strong honours degree in any discipline. We are particularly interested in graduates from Mathematics, Humanities, Creative Design and Technology, Business Studies, Economics, or closely related subjects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching & Learning
• Team teach/teach a reduced timetable to a high standard, following departmental schemes of work.
• Prepare engaging lesson materials, drawing on extensive existing resources.
• Develop strong teaching practice with the support of internal mentoring.
• Contribute to the creation and sharing of departmental resources.
• Set appropriate prep/homework and provide timely feedback in line with school policies.
• Complete reports, grades and assessments by published deadlines.
• Attend departmental meetings and training sessions.
• Support pupils through drop in clinics, revision sessions or extension activities.
Pastoral Responsibilities
• Act as a tutor within a boarding house, supporting pupils’ wellbeing and academic progress.
• Undertake one evening duty per week (and occasional weekend commitments).
• Contribute to the delivery of the school’s PSHE programme Co Curricular Contribution.
• Assist and support the co curricular programme (sport, drama, music, societies, outdoor education, academic enrichment etc.).
• Support trips, events and activities that enrich pupils’ wider experience Compliance & Professional Conduct.
• Uphold the school’s safeguarding, data protection and information security policies.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, punctuality and reliability.
• Engage fully in training, appraisal and professional development opportunities.
The Person
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
Essential
• A good honours degree in English, Mathematics, a Humanities subject, or a closely related discipline.
• Enthusiasm for working with young people and contributing to a boarding school community.
• A positive, flexible and good humoured approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative and embrace new challenges.
Desirable
• Experience working with young people in any capacity.
• Interest or ability in sport, music, drama or other co curricular areas.
• A desire to explore teaching as a long term career. No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and therefore the successful person must be flexible and willing to take on other reasonable responsibilities and tasks in order to fulfil the role.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to become familiar with the policies and procedures for safeguarding children and child protection which can be found here.
Contract type:
Hours:
Employment Terms & Benefits
• Discounted sports centre membership
• Staff wellbeing & health workshops
• Free healthy lunch
• Free cash plan
• Flu jabs
HEALTH
Commencing:
Salary:
Accommodation:
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in service benefit
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free car parking
• Free financial advice
• Free access to Lifeworks portal, including online advice and support and access to free counselling
• Discounted golf club membership
• Facebook group for social events
• Staff discount on facilities hire
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and holiday allowance
Fixed term commencing Sept 2026 and ending July 2027
40 hours per week, scheduled around the school day. As a boarding school position, the roles involve supporting house life during evenings and weekends, as well as helping with sports fixtures and school events. This is a term-time only role, offering valuable experience in a supportive school environment
September 2026
Up to £18,525 per annum plus excellent benefits package
Shared on-site accommodation included together with meals during term time
MONEY
• Your voice
• Appraisal scheme
• Professional development opportunities
• Use of NASH building
• Excellent working environment
WORK
LIFE
• Discounted sports centre membership for your family
• Family social events
• Reduced theatre tickets
• Free cash plan for children
FAMILY
Application Process
Please visit www. canford.com/JobVacancies, and submit your CV along with a supporting video application.
The video should be two minutes long and outline your sporting or academic learning background, and what you can bring to the role at Canford School.
Applications should be submitted by 16th March 2026
We will consider applications as they are received; therefore, the vacancy may close earlier than advertised.
If you have any questions, please contact the HR Team on 01202 847590 or email: recruitment@canford.com
At interview, you will meet with our Senior Leadership Team and other key members of staff. If you are applying for the Graduate Sports Assistant role, you will be asked to coach a session in your chosen sport. Successful candidates will then be invited to spend a day at Canford School in June, meeting the relevant department (academics or sport) and spending time with current graduates. There will also be an induction day before the start of the academic year.