Assistant Director of Sport (Co-ed) and Head of Netball

Assistant Director of Sport (Co-Education) and Head of Netball

RGS Senior

Full time

Extensive individual support enables pupils to...develop a breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship. This is a significant strength of the school.

ISI Inspection - 2025

Leaders maintain a school culture that actively promotes inclusion and mutual respect highly successfully. This is a significant strength of the school.

ISI Inspection - 2025

Co-education: phased entry from 2027

See our brochure for further details

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

Thank you for your interest in a position at the Royal Grammar School Guildford.

The RGS boasts a diverse, vibrant community of individuals in both teaching and support roles and we take pride in the success of our School.

The latest ISI inspection report identified two significant strengths within our School; "mutual respect" and "scholarship". We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Not only does it recognise the consistently high efforts by staff across the School, but the award of not just one, but two significant strengths by the ISI is extremely rare.

The academic standards in the School are excellent and are enriched by an extensive extra-curricular programme in which all academic staff are expected to participate; sports and the arts are important elements in School life.

We announced in December last year the exciting news that, beginning with Year 12 in 2027, RGS will become co-educational, offering girls the same opportunities that our boys enjoy. Transition will be phased and will progress organically through the year groups. You can read more in our brochure (see opposite).

The benefits of working at the RGS go beyond those listed in the job description. If you accept an offer of employment, you would be joining a staff body that collaborates professionally and socially across all departments.

The RGS is an exciting place in which to be a member of staff; I look forward to receiving an application from you.

Dr Jon Cox, Headmaster

The school is an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils succeed academically and make the most of the extensive range of opportunities

PE DEPARTMENT

The RGS PE department believes that physical activity plays an important role in every pupil’s life, and opportunities for all are central to the sporting programme. Throughout a student’s school career, the department strives to promote physical wellbeing, a strong moral code and a lifelong engagement in sport.

The PE Department across both Prep and Senior consists currently of eleven full-time members of teaching staff, one part-time teacher, a Department Administrator, a Head of Athletic Performance, two Sports Apprentices and three Sports Assistants. Part-time coaches of both major and other sports contribute to the programme and many teachers of other disciplines also contribute to sport.

In the Prep School, the PE curriculum focuses on building pupils’ physical literacy in a variety of sporting environments. At Senior school, sports including basketball, table tennis, tennis, badminton, softball and health related fitness are introduced more formally, and a greater emphasis is placed on athletic conditioning. The successful candidate will be expected to teach PE across the Senior School and some requirement for Prep School teaching is also likely; for this reason QTS status is desirable.

GCSE PE is an option block for Fourth and Fifth Form academic study where uptake and results have been extremely strong. A-Level PE is offered in the Sixth Form. The department follows the AQA specifications and theory lessons are taught in a dedicated PE classroom. It is a possibility that the successful candidate could deliver on these examination courses and they should be passionate about teaching pupils of the highest calibre.

Throughout their time at the RGS, each student has a morning or afternoon (3 periods) devoted to games activities. The main school sports for boys are rugby in the Michaelmas term, hockey in the Lent term and cricket in the Trinity term. For girls, the main school sports will be hockey (Michaelmas), netball (Lent) and cricket (Trinity). Students develop a foundation in the major sports up to Third Form; from the Fourth Form onwards the games options available to pupils broaden greatly.

The successful candidate will lead teams throughout all three terms, and the ability to coach and officiate is essential. There are many extra-curricular sporting opportunities for all students. Block fixtures are arranged in the major sports on Saturdays for all age groups in the Senior School with some midweek matches also taking place. A typical Saturday in the Michaelmas Term sees up to 400 students playing against other schools, with several minor sports also running fixtures.

Whatever the sport or term, any student invited to represent the School is expected to give this preference over all other commitments, both on weekdays and at weekends. Bradstone Brook, the School’s sports ground, is situated three miles from the School. This exceptional 20-acre playing field complex offers facilities of a professional standard; the School’s First XI cricket square is among the best to be found anywhere in the country. The School’s town centre site boasts an outstanding sports complex including a brand new, state of the art, performance suite, newly laid all weather training area and spacious sports hall. Facilities are being developed further as part of the School’s move to co-education; details of some of these developments will be discussed at interview.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPORT (CO-EDUCATION)

Strategic Leadership and Development

• Assist the Whole School Director of Sport in developing and implementing a clear vision, strategy and development plan to optimise the quality of sports provision at RGS Prep and RGS Senior.

• Work alongside the sports leadership team to support the transition to coeducation by creating a sports programme that enables all pupils to establish a lifelong passion for sport and physical activity.

• Contribute to the planning and development of new and upgraded facilities as part of the move to co-education.

• Promote high standards of behaviour, performance and participation in all school sports.

• With a particular emphasis on the benefits to female pupils, promote the value of sport in supporting student wellbeing, character education and achievement across RGS Prep and RGS Senior.

• Provide access to positive role models to encourage participation (e.g. through guest speakers and coaching clinics).

• Encourage the sharing of best practice across both schools with a particular focus on the sports introduced as part of the move to co-education.

• Monitor and evaluate the delivery of particular sports and the quality of coaching across both RGS Prep and RGS Senior.

• Focussing particularly on the move to co-education, contribute to the arrangement and promotion of sports tours and trips at both RGS Prep and RGS Senior.

• Contribute to RGS Senior’s sports scholarship assessment and scholar's programme.

Management and Administration

• Line manage Sports Assistants, PE Teachers and a number of those staff running other sports.

• Support the day to day operational delivery of the sports programme at RGS Prep and RGS Senior, including working with the Whole School Director of Sport to deploy staff effectively to the games and co-curricular sports programme.

• Working with relevant Heads of Sport, ensure equity in the profile, provision and operations in girls’ and co-educational sports.

Management and Administration (cont.)

• Advise the Whole School Director of Sport on the requirements for external coaching staff and contribute to the recruitment process.

• Work closely with the School’s suppliers to develop a girls' sports kit that is professional, inclusive and practical.

• Alongside the Whole School Director of Sport, contribute to the planning and management of relevant budgets.

• Alongside the Whole School Director of Sport and other Assistant Directors of Sport, ensure teaching and learning in Physical Education at RGS Prep and RGS Senior is of high quality and inclusive.

Co-curricular and Competitive Sport

• Work with Heads of Sports to build a fixture list that allows for appropriate competition and participation.

• Organise and promote a wide range of co-curricular sports clubs and activities that focus on girls’ engagement and participation and support House sports competitions.

• In consultation with Heads of Sports, Assistant Director of Sport (Prep) and the Whole School Director of Sport, co-ordinate school teams for girls in local, regional, and national competitions.

Communication and Outreach

• Communicate upcoming girls’ sporting events via the school calendar and updated on SOCs, and provide updates on girls’ performance for internal/external comms.

• Build and maintain links with relevant external organisations in girls’ sport, such as sports clubs, universities and national governing bodies.

• Alongside the Whole School Director of Sport, foster links with local primary and secondary schools that promote girls sport by hosting events, visiting schools and organising coaching CPD workshops.

• Advise the Whole School Director of Sport and the School’s marketing team on material relating to girls’ sport that ensures an appropriate presence both online and in high-quality sporting publications.

HEAD OF NETBALL

The Head of Netball will be responsible for the overall administration of netball within the Senior School and for the development of a progressive and cohesive coaching structure. They will coordinate fixtures, INSET and the extra-curricular coaching programme in consultation with the Whole School Director of Sport.

The successful candidate should have an awareness of the modern game and recent playing and/or coaching experience. They are responsible to the Whole School Director of Sport and are expected to:

• Teach within the agreed departmental scheme of work and follow agreed whole School policies on such matters as reports, marking and assessment.

• Attend departmental meetings and INSETs as well as whole School Staff meetings as indicated by the Headmaster or Deputy Heads.

• Exercise proper care of rooms and equipment and follow the School’s policy on Health and Safety matters.

• Take responsibility for the establishment and initial development of the School’s netball programme; organise and confirm fixtures, ensuring a comprehensive schedule of matches and, in due course, team tours.

• Coach netball to an appropriate standard to all age groups, including the 1st VII, and attend practices and fixtures, during evenings and weekends as required.

• Nominate pupils for representative trials where appropriate.

• Support and mentor staff outside of the PE department taking netball teams, allocating staff to suitable age groups and developing a programme of INSET training.

• Order and maintain netball equipment.

• Manage logistical arrangements for matches, e.g. confirming courts, inspecting in poor weather and issuing cancellations, liaising with the Director of Sport to ensure adequate safety and medical cover is in place, organising umpires, communicating transport and catering requirements.

• Manage the netball budget effectively and fairly.

• Ensure that the Netball Risk Assessment is updated annually and is aligned with broader school policy.

• Support internal and external communications, e.g. collating/reporting weekend results and providing seasonal reports to the school magazine and governors.

• Coaching teams in other major sports across the school including at weekends.

All staff are expected to:

• be aware of and comply with all aspects of the School’s Child Protection Policy and to undergo initial and ongoing training;

• be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible; and

• positively support equality of opportunity and treatment to colleagues and pupils in accordance with the School’s equal opportunities policy.

This job description is not comprehensive and other duties, within the scope of the post, as requested by the Head of Department, Deputy Heads or Headmaster will be undertaken as required.

RGS TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION &

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Job Title: Assistant Director of Sport (Co-education) and Head of Netball

Responsible to: Whole School Director of Sport

Responsible for: Sports Assistants, PE Teachers, Heads of Other Sports, Netball Coaches

Teaching our students to learn

a. Classroom management: teaching staff will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust. High expectations will be set and a range of strategies will be used to manage classes effectively, with praise, sanctions and rewards used consistently and fairly.

b. Formative and summative assessment: of student work, consistent with departmental marking policy and on a sufficiently regular and timely basis.

c. Maintaining classrooms and equipment: staff will treat all school property with respect and care and, equally, ensure their students do likewise.

d. Reporting on student progress: teaching staff will complete reports and grades in a prompt and timely fashion as and when required by the school in the appropriate directed manner and style.

e. Professional Development: teaching staff will reflect on and seek to continually improve their practice through, for example, collaboration with other staff, engaging with CPD courses opportunities and the school’s Personal Development Strategy (PDS) appraisal process.

f. Planning: teaching staff will be able to demonstrate evidence of planning in terms of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and then delivering well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of teaching practices.

g. Special Educational Needs: teaching staff will make themselves aware of and accommodate pupils’ specific learning and medical needs.

Supporting and enriching our school community

a. Appearance: teaching staff should wear smart business dress which mirrors the dress code of the students, or appropriate RGS issue co-curricular clothing when required.

b. Attendance: teaching staff are expected to support school events, such as assemblies; and attend those events as required by the Headmaster, including: Open Day, Junior and Senior Prizegiving Ceremonies, Commemoration Service, Parents’ Evenings, Field Days, Development Days and the Entrance Examination day.

c. Co-curricular contribution: teaching staff, including part-time staff on a pro-rata basis, are expected to make a significant contribution to the co-curricular life of the school. An example of what constitutes a significant contribution is taking a team with fixtures and after school practices, helping with a club or society and being involved with a house. Staff are matched to their skills as much as possible and so may contribute in equivalent ways to the example above.

d. Duties: teaching staff are expected to play their part in covering lessons and undertake duties as part of the ‘staff duty rota’, and carry out any other responsibility as reasonably requested by the Headmaster.

e. Pastoral contribution: teaching staff are expected to play a full role in the pastoral life of the school; this will include taking a Tutor Group when required.

f. Punctuality: staff should ensure prompt attendance within school contracted business hours.

Desire

Ian Teacher of Biology, joined 2022

If you could choose any other career, what would it be? Professional sportsman! (In a dream life. Never got even close!!)

What Staff groups are you involved in?

Staff football after work; trips to the pub; fantasy football wine league; staff prayer on a Friday before school.

Teacher of Mathematics, joined 2017

What's the best thing about working at the RGS?

You are treated professionally and the students are a pleasure to teach. An excellent environment to grow as a teacher.

If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Be kind to yourself.

Upholding the School policies

a. Awareness and modelling of school policies: teaching staff will read and act upon, or in accordance with, all the relevant school and departmental policies, and complete the annual ‘staff awareness’ form.

b. Equal opportunities: staff are expected to adhere to the School's equal opportunities policy.

c. Ethics and behaviour: staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of the school by maintaining the highest standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school. They will show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others and not undermine Fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

d. Safeguarding: staff are expected to be aware of and comply with all aspects of the School’s safeguarding policy and to undergo initial and ongoing training; and be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students for whom they are responsible.

e. Student safety and wellbeing: staff will display the highest possible regard for student safety and wellbeing in accordance with policies, procedures and reasonable good sense at all times, whether on or off school premises.

Person Specification

Essential

• Recent playing and/or coaching experience of netball.

• Inspirational leadership skills with the ability to organise and implement strategic change in sport.

• Be a role model for female sport, championing its development within the School.

• Be an outstanding communicator to colleagues, parents and pupils.

• Committed to fostering an inclusive sporting environment that champions good character, enables pupils to realise their potential and engages them in lifelong participation.

• A proven track record in developing girls’ sport in schools.

• An outstanding PE teacher who consistently teaches active lessons that engage and challenge pupils.

• Coaching/teaching experience in at least one of rugby, hockey, cricket or athletics.

• Honours degree in relevant subject.

• At least two referees with recent knowledge, including a referee from most recent employer.

• Qualified Teacher Status or willingness and ability to acquire qualification.

• The ability to teach and motivate very able pupils to A-Level.

• Willingness to make a significant contribution to the School’s wide range of extracurricular activities.

• The ability to grasp the School’s ethos and to contribute meaningfully to its pastoral life.

Desirable

• Degree of 2.1 or higher academic qualification.

• Familiarity with school sports administration including the use of SOCs.

• Experience of teaching dance and gymnastics.

• An enthusiastic commitment to all aspects of the curricular programme.

• Expertise that will allow the successful candidate to contribute meaningfully to the School’s programme of extra-curricular activities.

• The ability to communicate passion and enthusiasm for their subject.

• The ability to drive a minibus or willingness and ability to undergo training.

• The candidate should have a commitment to high academic achievement.

• Strong organisational skills and an ability to work to deadlines.

• Commitment to developing as a teacher.

• The ability to reflect upon their own practice.

• The ability to cooperate and work effectively with colleagues from all areas of school life.

WORKING AT THE RGS

Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to department colleagues, key people within the School and fellow new starters from across the departments.

Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and field trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football, crochet and a wind band. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.

Kalpesh Teacher of Mathematics, joined 2024

What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Amazing culture and atmosphere where everyone is learning.

What is your motto in life? Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Aldona Finance Manager, joined 2023

What do you love about your department? Kindness and friendliness.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Bake, sport, hiking, time with my children

Jill Deputy Head,

joined 2016

What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Working in a school where you are given professional freedom, trust and the resources to do your job.

If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Enjoy the moment.

BENEFITS

In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits:

Remuneration

Pension

Fee reduction

Relocation

Medical

QTS status

Career progression

Gym

Dining

Employee Assistance Programme

Well above the national scale, comparing favourably with others in the independent sector.

Choice of TPS or defined contribution scheme. The overall employer contribution in either case is 25% to include pension and benefits.

Fee reduction for child(ren) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).

A generous relocation package for those living outside the area. There is a mortgage subsidy scheme as well as a rental scheme.

Private medical scheme.

Full support for a new member of staff wanting to achieve QTS status.

The RGS has a proven track record of career progression, both within the School and promotion to other schools.

Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.

Lunch and refreshments are provided during term time.

A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.

ABOUT THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.

Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do.

Students come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place.

The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all students study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which students study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the students’ time at the School.

The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all students studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are coeducational, organised jointly with Guildford High School.

All students are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme. Whilst not curricular, there is an expectation that staff will support this provision as their experience and expertise enables.

All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme and numerous sports tours. Staff are invited to attend and support all of these events.

WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD?

Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.

Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.

William Cobbett “

The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life.

GUILDFORD

The setting:

The Surrey Hills

North Downs

South Downs

Picturesque villages

The south coast

Travel by rail:

Clapham Junction 29 minutes

London Waterloo 39 minutes

Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes

Gatwick Airport 45 minutes

Travel by road:

London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles

North Downs

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.

APPLICATIONS

We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.

Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.