Graduate Assistant - Netball

Overview

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 with a focus on Netball.

This programme offers all pupils the chance to explore the opportunities that sport provides, to express themselves through physical wellbeing activities, and to support those who wish to excel in their chosen path. The successful candidate will also support boarding houses, assist with the weekend activities programme, and may assist in an academic department aligned to their strengths. Experience and ability to support athletic development and strength & conditioning is desirable.

The Graduate Assistant role enables individuals considering a teaching career to experience life in a boarding school. Previous graduate assistants have progressed into roles in education at Canford and other outstanding independent and state schools, both in the UK and abroad, as well as into elite sport and business. Applications are also welcomed from those seeking a structured year out who may not be considering teaching as a long-term career.

This is an initial fixed-term appointment until July 2026. Accommodation is provided, as are all meals during term time.

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

Job Description

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

Overall Purpose

• Coach sport.
• Support housemasters/mistresses and tutors with the supervision of boarding houses.
• Lead elements of the weekend activities programme.
• Assist in an academic department appropriate to the strengths of the graduate, supporting lessons where possible.

Personal Qualities And Attributes Required

• University graduate.
• Ability to coach at a good level in at least one sport, ideally from netball, rowing, rugby, cricket, football, hockey or racket sports; ideally able to lead coaching sessions in at least one sport with the willingness to help in others.
• Reliable, punctual, and motivated to deliver the highest standards in education.
• Enthusiastic and proactive.
• Willingness to be fully involved in the life of the school.

Main Objectives

To Coach Sport

• Assist with the coaching of sport for each of the three terms on up to six afternoons a week.
• 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.
• Demonstrate a willingness to help in other sports.
• Ideally support Heads of Sport in specialist areas such as strength & conditioning, match analysis, etc.
• Help the Sports Operations Co-ordinator to facilitate the smooth running of the department.

To Assist In A Boarding House

• Be on duty in a boarding house for two evenings a week, alongside a tutor, to enable the tutor to spend time with their tutor group. A graduate assistant is usually assigned to two boarding houses and spends one evening (7:30–9:00 pm) a week in each.

To Assist With The Shell Weekend Programme

• Run an activity session for Shells on three Sunday afternoons each term, with flexibility over which Sundays these occur.

General

• Provide occasional cover for matrons in houses.
• Participate in a rota to supervise the school library.
• Occasionally help supervise pupils on school trips and expeditions.
• Provide occasional cover for academic lessons.
• Participate in the Canford Professional Development programme and, where appropriate, deliver training.
• Live on-site accommodation is provided, usually in shared accommodation.

Safeguarding

• Share a commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people, helping to create and maintain a safe environment where pupils feel respected and supported.
• Become familiar with and adhere to policies and procedures for child protection and security.
• Employment is subject to enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.

Equity, Diversity And Inclusion

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion across our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.