Do you want to build a career in sport, education or coaching? Are you ready to gain hands-on experience in a high-performing school sports environment? This Graduate Sports Assistant role offers the chance to work across a broad sporting programme while supporting students both on and off the field.
This role is a live in position, accommodation is provided on the school grounds.
*** Location: Horsham, Sussex
*** August 2026 to July 2027
*** One Year Contract, full academic year
*** £18,000 annual salary, plus accommodation
*** Boarding school environment
*** Coaching, Netball support, pastoral duties and sports administration
This is a brilliant opportunity for a graduate or undergraduate with a strong sporting background to join a busy and well-resourced sports department for one academic year from 31 August 2026. For the right candidate, there may be the opportunity to secure a further year through a competitive process. Previous assistants have progressed into teaching, PGCE or SCITT training, and sports performance pathways.
The Role
As a Graduate Sports Assistant, you will play a key part in the delivery of sport and physical education across the school. You will coach your main sport to a high standard, with rugby, hockey, football or netball forming your primary focus, while also providing support in areas such as cricket, athletics, swimming or basketball.
You will work alongside PE teachers, sports coaches and senior staff to support practical lessons, games sessions, fixtures, training and wider physical activity programmes. The role also includes officiating, team management, sports administration, and helping to maintain high standards of conduct, discipline and punctuality among students.
This is not just a coaching role. You will also contribute to the wider life of a busy boarding environment, supporting house teams, supervising student access to sports facilities, and taking an active role in pastoral and broader extracurricular provision.
The Candidate
You will be a motivated and energetic individual with the confidence to coach at least one major team sport to a high level. You should be organised, proactive and keen to contribute to a demanding but rewarding school setting where sport plays a major role in daily life.
This role would suit someone considering a future in teaching, sports coaching, pastoral care or performance sport. You will need to enjoy working with young people, be prepared to get involved fully in school life, and bring a professional approach to both coaching and administration.
Key Responsibilities
• Plan and deliver sports sessions as part of the wider physical activity programme
• Support PE teachers during practical PE lessons across different age groups
• Coach and develop students in your specialist sport
• Assist with additional sports including cricket, athletics, swimming or basketball where required
• Officiate fixtures and support team selection and match-day management
• Help organise weekly sports schedules and match-day materials
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of a busy sports department
• Promote high standards of behaviour, discipline and punctuality
• Reinforce the school’s core values through all aspects of your work with students
• Contribute to boarding and pastoral responsibilities as part of the wider staff team
• Supervise student use of sports facilities, including some weekend duties with time off in lieu during the week
• Support weekend and extracurricular programmes as required
The Environment
You will be joining a large and ambitious sports department with experienced staff, external coaches and strong whole-school involvement in sport. The programme covers a wide range of activities, with major sports including rugby, football, netball, hockey, cricket and athletics, alongside continued growth in areas such as basketball and swimming.
The setting offers excellent sports facilities and a strong culture of participation and performance, making this an ideal role for anyone looking to develop practical experience in a professional school sports environment.
Apply
This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable school-based sports experience in a full and varied role from August 2026. It will suit candidates who want to make an impact, develop their coaching practice and play a meaningful part in the education and development of young people.
Send your CV if you are ready to take on a Graduate Sports Assistant role in a thriving boarding school environment
Salary description
£18000.00 - £18000.00 per year