Graduate Assistant - Sport

We wish to appoint, for September 2025, outstanding, enthusiastic and committed university graduates whose principal duty will be to help coach and deliver the Canford School Sports programme focusing on one of the following sports: 

Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Cricket, Football, Hockey and Racket Sports 

This programme must offer all of our pupils the chance to explore the opportunities that sport offers, allow them to express themselves through their physical wellbeing activities and facilitate those who wish to excel in their chosen path. The successful candidate will also help in boarding houses, assist with the weekend activities programme, and potentially assist in an academic department appropriate to the strengths of the graduate. Applicants must have the ability to coach at a good level in one of the sports listed, along with the willingness to help in other sports. Experience and ability to help in the athletic development / strength and conditioning programme is a desirable quality.

The Graduate Assistant role is designed to allow people who might be considering a teaching career to experience life in a boarding school. Previous graduate assistants have gone on to positions in education both at Canford and other outstanding independent and state schools both at home and abroad. Equally others have subsequently moved into roles in Elite Sport and business. We are also happy to receive applications from those wishing to take a year out, but not necessarily considering teaching as a career.

This is, initially, a fixed term appointment until July 2026. Accommodation is provided, as are all meals in term-time.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website www.canford.com/Job-Vacancies.
For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: recruitment@canford.com

Please apply as soon as possible – applications will be considered as they are received

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to the Deputy Head Co-Curricular / Director of Sport & Physical Wellbeing                                                                                          

OVERALL PURPOSE

• To coach sport
• To help 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.

These positions are 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 also happy to receive applications from those wishing to take a year out, but not necessarily considering teaching as a career.

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• University graduate
• The ability to coach at a good level in at least one sport, ideally from netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or Racket Sports. 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

MAIN OBJECTIVES

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 racket sports 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.

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.

Safeguarding

• We expect all staff to share a commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people and we aim to create and maintain a safe environment for our pupils where they feel respected and supported.
• We expect all staff to share this commitment and to become familiar with our policies and procedures for child protection and security.
• You must receive enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.