Performance Swimming Coach

Organisation:
Ashford School
Contract Type:
Casual
Qualifications:
Water Safety: RLSS National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
Coaching: Swim England Land Training Certificate or Swim England Land Based Coaching Certificate
Coaching Swimming: Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 2 Award
Coaching Swimming: Assistant Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 1 Award
Working Hours:
Zero hours/casual
Location:
Ashford
Salary:
Competitive, based on qualifications.
Closing Date:
21st October 2025 23:59

Are you passionate about swimming and dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential? Ashford School in Kent is looking to appoint a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and proactive Performance Swimming Coach to join our dynamic team.

Purpose:

To be a key member of the Ashford School Swimming performance coaching team. We are a forward-thinking and aspirational Swim England-affiliated programme, with the aim of becoming an internationally recognised centre of swimming excellence. A clear framework has been designed to support and maximise development across all squads (four across both the Prep and Senior school) and you will be responsible for prescribing and delivering sessions across the breadth of these as required.

Accountable to: Director of Swimming

Context of the Role:

Ashford School Swimming is building on the considerable progress made since re-structuring in September 2022. With a rapidly growing reputation and a significant increase in performance, we must ensure that the quantity and quality of coaching our swimmers require is in place. A well-coordinated swimmer-centric approach is at the heart of the programme, where long term potential and optimisation of individual potential is key.

Expectations:

Excellent subject knowledge.
To effectively plan, lead and assist other coaches when required.
Coach well-structured sessions within the constructs of the Ashford School Swimming framework.
To demonstrate a strong understanding of competitive swimming and the importance of long-term athlete development (LTAD).
Commitment to setting high expectations that inspire, motivate and challenge, as well as how to adapt coaching methods when responding to the strengths and needs of individuals.
Commitment to managing behaviour effectively in order to establish a safe and positive learning environment.
Strong IT skills for the purposes of planning, learning, communicating and assessing.
Understanding the importance of confidentiality and data protection.
Adhere to and understand the School’s code of conduct on Health and Safety.
Ensuring the efficient and effective operation of sessions, responsible for equipment set up and security, where appropriate.
Commitment to the School’s Strategic Priorities and ‘One School’ focus.
Commitment to your own Continuing Professional Development.
Commitment to consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct.
Ensuring all concerns of a safeguarding nature are referred to in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with the Ashford School and Swim England Safeguarding Policies.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching :

To lead and/or assist across various squads when required, working closely with the Director of Swimming to provide the best provision at all times.
Aim to deliver excellence in order to maximise individual progress, whilst adhering to the underpinning framework of Ashford School Swimming.
Attend competitions within the annual race calendar.
Pro-actively identify swimmers who may need to transition into differing squads and communicate this with the Director of Swimming.

Accountability and Leadership:

Lead and uphold the values and ethos of both Ashford School Swimming and the School at all times.
Actively promote the programme’s behavioural values and expectations amongst squad members.
Build professional relationships with the Swim Team and wider school staff. By embracing a multi-disciplinary approach, you will be ensuring that all swimmers have the best possible chance at succeeding across all facets of school life.
Attend weekly department meetings.
Take responsibility for the wellbeing of all swimmers in your charge and raise any concerns with relevant staff.

Planning and Goal Setting:

Follow cyclical training plans set by the Director of Swimming.
Lead and/or assist with goal setting sessions.
Consult with the Director of Swimming in relation to training/squad guidelines.
Identify and communicate any competitions that may be of benefit to the race calendar.
Lead and/or attend in school race nights, time trials and team events.

Person Specification:

The ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the swimming programme.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a warm and approachable manner towards staff, pupils and visitors.
Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
A team player with the ability to understand the ‘bigger picture’ when supporting the schools’ competitive swimmers.
Strong commitment to professionalism.
Motivational and passionate about swimming and developing swimmers.
Perceptive when identifying swimming potential.
Very good communication skills.
Very good organisational, administrative and time-management skills.
Strong commitment to the values and ethos of the School.
Smart appearance (uniform provided.)
Relevant coaching qualifications.
Current RLSS Pool Safety award for teachers or RLSS NPLQ or the ability to pass the qualification within 6 months of starting the role.
You will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

Standards of Performance: To be agreed in line with the School’s appraisal system.

Location:Ashford School (Great Chart and East Hill)

Hours of Work: Variable. AM sessions between 6.30 am and 8 am. PM sessions between 4pm and 6.30pm. Weekend availability advantageous

How to apply

Please click the apply button to be redirected to the School’s website and apply online.

Contact phone
01233625171