Graduate Sports Assistant

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Ipswich is seeking a Sports Graduate to assist in coaching and administrative duties for sports during the academic year 2026-2027. This fixed-term role includes contributing to student sports coaching, help organize teams, and supervise in boarding houses. You will benefit from free accommodation, meals, and access to fitness facilities. Apply by 2 February 2026 to be part of a committed team fostering a love for sports among students.

Benefits

Free staff accommodation

All meals provided during term

Access to swimming pool and fitness gym

Pension scheme

Mental health support through Smarthealth

Qualifications

• Experience in coaching sport in schools.
• Ability to create a safe and constructive coaching environment.
• Flexibility to coach/referee during games and after-school clubs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coaching sport in senior and prep schools.
• Contribute to the school’s athletic development programme.
• Organise pre-game kit and equipment.

Skills

Coaching of sports

Team organization

Knowledge of sports rules

Job description

Job Summary

• Ipswich School
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
• Salary: 19,941 per annum
• Hours: 40 hours per week, 35 weeks per year (term time only)
• Contract: Fixed term until July 2027
• Reference: 8333

Specialists in Hockey, Netball, Rugby and Cricket required for the academic year 15 August 2026 - 15 July 2027.

Our Sports Graduates play an important role – they enrich the learning experience for pupils and help with the day-to-day running of sport in the school. It is possible that the position might extend into a second year, by mutual consent.

We aim to create an environment that instils passion in sport. We have superb sporting venues at Henley Road, Westwood and Notcutts. Ipswich School Sports Centre, Rushmere is a multi-million pound training venue offering first‑class sports and events facilities.

In this role you will:

• Assist in the coaching of sport in both the senior and prep schools
• Assist lead coaches in providing a safe and constructive sports coaching environment
• Be available to coach/referee during games, afternoons, after‑school clubs and weekends
• Contribute to the school’s athletic development programme
• Administrate and organise school sports teams
• Contribute to the administration of fitness data
• Organise pre‑game kit and equipment and post‑game laundering of team kits

You will also play a key role in our boarding houses, helping to supervise pupils in the evenings and at weekends, and generally assisting the Head of Boarding with the delivery and supervision of boarders’ activities outside of school hours. The quality of our boarding education was rated as Excellent in our ISI Inspection, with the Inspectors commenting that boarders were “self-assured, courteous and respectful of one another. They develop warm and supportive relationships with one another and the boarding staff.”

For more information

Contact Director of Sport: Ryan Strudwick, [e-mail].

Heads of Sport: Conor Annand (Hockey), [e-mail]; Jenny Hyam (Netball), [e-mail]; Nicky Boje (Cricket), [e-mail]; Matt Searle (Rugby), [e-mail].

Alternatively, contact the HR team at [e-mail].

Hours of work, pay and benefits

• Expect 40 hours each week during term time, plus pre‑season in August
• Free staff accommodation
• All meals provided Monday to Friday during term time
• Use of the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge
• Option to join the school’s pension scheme and 3x death in service cover
• Access to Smarthealth, a wellbeing app for staff offering 24/7 GP access and mental health support

How to apply

We would encourage you to download an application form and a full job description for this role from our website.

Alternatively, contact the HR team on 01473 408300 or via email: [e-mail].

Completed application forms should be returned to [e-mail] or to the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG.

Closing date

2 February 2026.

Please apply as soon as possible as we may close this vacancy early if we receive suitable applications.

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.