Graduate Sports Assistant

HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference); Ashmore Green; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Ashmore Green seeks a Graduate Sports Assistant to join the PE Department starting September 2026. This full-time, fixed-term position includes assisting in teaching PE to students aged 11-18, with a focus on sports coaching. The role offers free on-site accommodation and provides opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment. Ideal candidates will have a passion for sports and the ability to work with students of varying abilities, particularly in Hockey or Strength & Conditioning.

Benefits

Free staff accommodation provided on site

Free meals

Modern gym facilities

Life Insurance and Critical Illness cover

Opportunities for professional development

Vibrant staff community

Beautiful working environment

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate passionate about sports.
• Ability to teach and support pupils of varying abilities.
• Own transport essential due to rural location.

Responsibilities

• Assist with teaching PE lessons to pupils from year groups 7-13.
• Support in coaching various sports during school fixtures.
• Engage in school life and activities.

Skills

Experience in Hockey

Strength & Conditioning knowledge

Adaptability

Passion for sports coaching

Education

Graduate degree

Job description

Teaching careers in HMC independent schools

Downe House require an energetic Graduate Sports Assistant to join our successful PE Department from September 2026.

Downe House require an energetic Graduate Sports Assistant to join our successful PE Department from September 2026.

Fixed term contract from 1st September 2026 – 31st July 2028. Full time, term time only plus INSET days.

Are you a graduate and sports enthusiast looking for a rewarding position?

Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their sporting goals?

Downe House require an energetic Graduate Sports Assistant to join our successful PE Department from September 2026. This is an exciting route to kickstart your career and gain valuable experience in teaching and sports coaching as well as developing personal skills. We are a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women.

In this role you will assist with teaching PE lessons to pupils from year groups 7-13. You will work with pupils of varying abilities, learning to challenge the more able and assisting those who require additional support. As there is a huge variety of sports on offer at the school, there is a need to be adaptable and open to learning how to teach and umpire a variety of sports at school fixtures. We are seeking an individual who ideally has experience or a particular interest in Hockey or Strength & Conditioning. Please indicate your sporting specialism(s) in your application.

The school offers superb sporting facilities including extensive playing fields, lacrosse pitches, an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, sports hall, newly renovated gym, dance studio, indoor heated swimming pool, netball courts, squash courts and ample woodland for cross country running.

You will be part of a nurturing and supportive but busy and thriving school, where everyone is encouraged to get fully involved with school life. We have Graduate roles in other departments, so you will not be alone! This is a residential post, and the postholder will live in free on-site accommodation, sharing facilities with other Graduate Assistants.

Benefits

• Free staff accommodation provided on site
• Provision of delicious and nutritious free meals and on-site parking
• Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times
• Life Insurance and Critical Illness cover
• Regular opportunities for professional development
• A vibrant and supportive staff community
• A variety of social occasions through the year
• Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ

12 The Point, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QU