APPLICATION PACK
CLOSING DATE: TUESDAY 5 MAY 2026 AT 12 NOON
FULL-TIME, PERMANENT COMMENCING ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027 TEACHING ALLOWANCE: 2 POINTS
METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION
Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.
I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.
Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.
This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY.
J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBLE TO: DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
At Methodist College Belfast, rugby is more than a sport – it is a tradition that spans over 150 years and has shaped generations of players, coaches and leaders. As the most successful school in Ulster Schools’ Cup history, with 37 outright wins to our name, our rugby programme is founded on excellence and a commitment to instilling a lifelong love of rugby, underpinned by enjoyment, respect and values that extend well beyond the playing field.
Following a comprehensive review of our rugby provision, we are now entering an exciting new phase of development. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and knowledgeable Assistant Director of Rugby who can bring fresh expertise, energy and ideas to our programme. Central to this role is a commitment to developing high quality rugby in an environment where enjoyment, engagement and personal growth sit alongside aspiration and achievement. This is a pivotal position, offering the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to players, coaches and the wider rugby culture at the school, while helping to shape the next chapter of Methodist College rugby.
THE ROLE
The position of Assistant Director of Rugby will be an integral role here in Methodist College Belfast. Time will be allocated to support the Assistant Director of Rugby in the effective delivery of their role. The post holder will be required to teach Games each afternoon, attend sessions before and after school as required, deliver curricular Physical Education, and teach additional subject(s) as directed by the Principal. The areas of responsibility are outlined below:
SUPPORT THE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
The Assistant Director of Rugby will work closely with, and in support of, the Director of Rugby to ensure a coherent, aligned and high quality rugby programme across the school and in partnership with local rugby clubs and primary schools to formalise and strengthen pathways from grassroots to competitive youth rugby. This professional partnership is central to the success of Methodist College rugby, requiring regular communication, shared planning and a consistent approach to coaching standards, player development and values. The Assistant Director of Rugby will play a key role in providing informed insight from the junior level, while supporting continuity between junior and senior programmes. Through collaboration, leadership and mutual trust, this role helps ensure that the rugby pathway at Methodist College is unified, aspirational and sustainable.
COACH A TEAM
The successful candidate will coach an assigned school team and contribute to the vibrant sporting culture within the school. All coaches in Methodist College strive for meaningful participation and competitive success, celebrating achievement while promoting enjoyment and personal development.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RUGBY RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
• Provide clear leadership for their assigned areas of responsibility within the Rugby Programme ensuring alignment of philosophy, expectations, and coaching standards across all teams.
• Help oversee the strategic and day to day development of rugby across the U12–U14 age groups within Methodist College Belfast.
• Contribute to the development of the school’s Rugby Development Plan including Key Performance Indicators.
• Establish and maintain a positive, ambitious, and inclusive rugby culture where enjoyment, respect, teamwork, and resilience are at the forefront.
• Model and promote behaviour that reflects the school’s CREST values in all training, fixtures, competitions, and interactions on and off the pitch.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE
• Liaise regularly with the Director of Rugby and the Athletic Performance Team to secure best practice in:
◊ Athletic development & fitness
◊ Strength and conditioning
◊ Mindset and performance psychology
◊ Nutrition and wellbeing
• Ensure skills development pathways are clear and consistent across all age groups, working alongside specialist skills coaches to embed core competencies.
• Implement mechanisms for effective feedback.
COACHING TEAM COORDINATION
• In coordination with the Director of Rugby, support the coaching staff ensuring a unified coaching approach, shared expectations, and alignment of weekly planning.
• Provide ongoing guidance, mentoring, and feedback to coaches, ensuring strong communication so that team values and standards are upheld consistently.
• Ensure effective use of Spond for communication and operational organisation.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR PUPILS
• Coordinate and support leadership development for players, with a particular focus on developing captains and emerging pupil leaders.
• Involve players and use their voice for impact.
• Create structured opportunities for pupils to take ownership, develop responsibility, and build confidence in leadership roles both on and off the pitch.
ORGANISATION AND OPERATIONS
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Rugby in the planning and delivery of training programmes, fixtures and competitive schedules.
• Organise and lead House Rugby Competitions, ensuring high-quality events that encourage participation and fun.
• Support the planning and execution of rugby trips, tours, and enrichment activities for pupils.
• Track and report on player participation data, using it to drive improvements in engagement and retention.
CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY
• Ensure pupils feel valued and recognised through regular celebration of achievement, effort, improvement, and embodiment of CREST values.
• Work with staff to highlight player progression stories and positive contributions across the rugby community.
• Build positive relationships with players, families, and the wider school community through strong, proactive communication.
TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES:
TEACHING AND LEARNING
• Plan, prepare for and deliver subject courses as assigned by timetable.
• Deliver effective teaching in line with College policies, staff training and identified development priorities.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the Departmental Team to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
• Set high expectations for all pupils.
• Use a variety of methods and approaches to match curricular and learning objectives.
• Set homework regularly, in accordance with Departmental and School Policy, to consolidate learning and encourage pupils’ independence.
• Work with the Learning Support team and Support Staff to meet the needs of all pupils.
• Use positive behaviour management in an environment of mutual respect which allows pupils to feel safe and secure.
• Have a thorough and up-to-date subject knowledge and understanding, including the relevant aspects of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and specifications for external examination courses.
ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING
• Assess and provide feedback in line with relevant College policies.
• Target set, track and record pupil progress.
• Identify necessary interventions to support pupils.
• Contribute to target setting/actions within Personal Learning Plans as detailed in the Code of Practice.
• Report to parents in line with College reporting procedures.
PASTORAL SUPPORT, CHILD PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING
• Complete annual Child Protection and Safeguarding Training.
• Act as a Form Tutor as assigned by timetable.
• Keep an accurate register of pupils for each lesson. Unexplained absences should be reported.
• Keep pastoral notes as required and ensure that information is passed to the relevant pastoral/ form team/designated teacher promptly and in line with school procedures.
• Understand the school’s emergency evacuation procedures and implement as required.
• Complete Accident Report Forms for any accidents that happen under teacher supervision and ensure all relevant people are informed. For incidents of a serious nature ensure that SLT/ Principal are informed immediately.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
• Be a role model to pupils through personal presentation and professional conduct.
• Follow school policies and the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Arrive to class on or before the start of each lesson, and begin and end lessons on time.
• Cover for absent colleagues as is reasonable, fair and equitable in line with relevant policies.
• Establish effective working relationships with colleagues.
• Attend and contribute to departmental and staff meetings as required.
• Liaise effectively with parents/carers and other agencies as required.
• Play an active part in the self-evaluative processes of the school and teaching departments.
• Attend assemblies.
• Undertake any reasonable tasks as directed by the relevant line manager.
• Carry out any other duties which the Principal may reasonably assign.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE REVIEW
• Engage actively in professional development opportunities.
• Participate, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review approved by the Board of Governors of the College
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
1. Honours Degree (2.2 or above) in a relevant discipline e.g. Sports Science, Sport & Leisure Studies, Physical Education or where Physical Education is a component of the qualification.
2. Registered or eligible for registration with GTCNI as of August 2026.
3. IRFU Coaching Award or equivalent.
4. Experience as a rugby coach in a school programme at 1XV level, Medallion or within a provincial programme and/or playing rugby at an elite level.
5. Experience of teaching Physical Education (teaching practice acceptable).
6. Experience of player development in areas such as:
• Technical Skills
• Tactical Understanding
• Physical Development
• Mental Skills
• Personal & Social Development
• Performance Analysis.
7. Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills:
• Self-motivated
• Flexible
• Resilient
• Organised
• Able to work as part of a team
• Able to motivate pupils and staff.
8. Committed to professional development.
9. Will contribute to the School’s extra-curricular programme including Saturday morning sport and before and after school throughout the year (Winter and Summer).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
1. IRFU Level 2 or equivalent coaching qualification and/or experience in additional sport.
2. Evidence of rugby development, either implementation or as part of an existing rugby programme.
3. First Aid qualification.
4. Experience of administration and organisation of sporting programmes.
5. Experience of teaching Physical Education up to GCSE level (teaching practice acceptable).
6. Willingness to teach additional subject(s).
Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking a criminal records check through Access NI and to this check being clear of any offences which might affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable arising from this check is final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.
Shortlisting will be carried out against the published essential and desirable criteria. All candidates must meet the essential criteria to be shortlisted. Where a high number of candidates meet all essential criteria, the selection panel may apply the desirable criteria, or enhanced levels of the essential and/or desirable criteria, to differentiate between candidates. This will be done fairly, consistently and in line with our recruitment and equality policies.
