Girls’ Games and PE Coach

Girls’ Games and PE Coachwww.aldwickbury.org.ukHarpenden,  AL5 1ADCandidate InformationLocation: Harpenden, HertfordshireContract: Part-time (0.4 FTE)Start date: September 20261Welcome to AldwickburyWe are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, energetic andcommitted Girls’ Games and PE Coach with a genuine passionfor inspiring young people through sport. The successfulcandidate will be a strong team player with excellentcommunication skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality coaching while fostering pupils’ confidence, teamworkand enjoyment of physical activity.This is an exciting time to join Aldwickbury as we continue ourtransition to a fully co-educational school. As girls move throughthe school in the coming years, we are ambitious in developingan outstanding girls’ Games programme that offers the samebreadth of opportunity, high-quality coaching and competitivesport for which Aldwickbury is well known.I hope you will consider becoming part of our wonderful schooland vibrant staff team at this important and inspiring stage inour development. Please note that applications will be reviewed as they arereceived, and we reserve the right to close the recruitmentprocess early should a suitable candidate be appointed.Paul Symes Headmaster Thank you for your interest in joiningAldwickbury School. I hope this candidateinformation pack gives you a genuine sense ofthe warm, inclusive, and positive environment weoffer. If successful, you’ll be joining a dedicatedand passionate team, committed to excellenceacross all areas of school life.We are immensely proud that Aldwickbury was awarded the prestigious title of Independent Boys’ School of the Year atthe highly regarded Independent School of the Year Awards. Even more significantly, we are the first-ever prep school tohave won this category.This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team, and theirability to ignite the passion for learning across all aspects of the school. It is also a testament to the pupils’ enthusiasm forembracing opportunities and rising to challenges - qualities that help make Aldwickbury such a special community. Central to this success is our strong team ethos and the invaluable support of our parents, governors, and wider schoolcommunity. Together, we have built an inspirational environment where pupils are not only happy but also challenged,kind, and able to flourish as their authentic selves.Aldwickbury is an independent day and flexi-boarding Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys, and girls in the Pre-Prep,located in 20 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Harpenden in Hertfordshire. Operated as an Educational Trust, theSchool is administered by a Board of Governors and is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPs).At Aldwickbury School, we inspire children to develop a love for learning, empowering them to try their best, embracechallenges, be themselves, and seize opportunities that come their way. We are proud to have been voted IndependentBoys’ School of the Year 2024. In September, 2025, Aldwickbury welcomed girls to our community in the Pre-Prep,providing them with the opportunity to be part of this outstanding educational offer. Our approach focuses on nurturingthe individual potential of each child, ensuring they feel supported in a safe and stimulating environment. Aldwickbury is a non-selective school with an emphasis on personal and academic growth. We encourage pupils to takerisks, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes, and we are incredibly proud of the value we add to theireducation. Through our dedicated staff, we aim to provide an outstanding experience that prepares pupils for their nextstages in education at a wide range of excellent senior schools.Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2024Our EthosOur community is one where all staff should feel supported, where kindness connects us as ‘one team’. We work with passion todeliver an outstanding education for the pupils.  Our culture is one of integrity, respect, and high ambition, underpinned by a growth mindset. We are encouraged throughendeavour and self-reflection to develop, grow, and support each other’s wellbeing and happiness . Introduction to Aldwickbury School2At Aldwickbury, we believe that high-quality sport and physical education are fundamental to a child’s academic success,wellbeing, and long-term physical and mental health. Regular participation in sport develops confidence, resilience,teamwork, leadership and self-discipline - qualities that positively influence learning in the classroom and support theholistic development of every pupil. We are proud of our outstanding sporting provision. Our carefully planned programme ensures that all pupils, regardlessof ability or experience, can represent the school from Year 3 onwards. Children take part in traditional PE lessons andteam games, alongside opportunities in sports such as fencing, skiing and triathlon. This inclusive approach not onlybuilds confidence and a lifelong love of physical activity but also underpins our success at local, regional and nationallevel.   Our Games staff are passionate about physical education, dedicated to inspiring children and committed to developingpupils’ confidence and enthusiasm for sport. Great emphasis is placed on teamwork, character development andembedding the schools’ pastoral values through the sporting programme.Aldwickbury has a long-standing tradition of sporting excellence for boys. As the school moves towards a fully co-educational model, we are equally ambitious in delivering the same outstanding provision for girls, ensuring exceptionalcoaching, competitive opportunities, and a sporting culture that values both enjoyment and performance. By September2026, Aldwickbury will be co-educational in the Pre-Prep and Year 3.3The RoleSport at AldwickburyJob Title:Accountable to:Job Purpose:Girls Games’ and PE CoachDirector of SportWe are seeking an enthusiastic, committed, and skilled Girls’ Games and PE Coach to join ourthriving PE and Games department. The successful candidate will play a central role in deliveringhigh-quality Games lessons to pupils, coaching teams, and fostering a lifelong enjoyment ofsport for girls across the school while also supporting the established boy’s programme. Aldwickbury is committed to continuous improvement, and all staff are expected to actively participate in school activities andembrace a flexible, forward-thinking approach.Teach Girls’ Games across all year groups to both girls and boys (Nursery to Year 8, as co-education progressesthrough the school), in line with departmental schemes of work, programmes of study, and best practice Support the delivery of a broad, engaging and progressive Games curriculumCoach and/or referee school fixtures at both home and away venues Assist the Director of Sport with fixture organisation, team selection and squad managementHelp coordinate match days, ensuring pupils are prepared, punctual and equipped with the appropriate kit Encourage and promote fair play, teamwork, respect, and sporting conduct Inspire and develop pupils’ interest, confidence and enjoyment in sport at all ability levels Drive school minibuses as required (subject to appropriate licence entitlement)Attend departmental meetings and contribute to planning Participate in INSET and relevant professional development opportunitiesPlay a full and active role in the pastoral and co-curricular life of the schoolPromote positive behaviour, good manners and respect in line with the School’s behaviour policyThe role may include Saturday fixtures and occasional sports toursMain Duties and Responsibilities 4Personal QualitiesPositive, energetic and enthusiastic approachGenuine passion for girls’ sport and youth developmentStrong team player with the ability to work independentlyCommitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity and pupilwellbeingHigh levels of professionalism and reliabilityFlexible and willing to contribute fully to the wider life ofthe schoolCommitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildrenPerson SpecificationEducation, Qualifications and KnowledgeEssentialDesirableRecognised governing body qualification(s) in one or moreof the school’s major sports (e.g. Hockey, Rugby, Netball,Football and/or Cricket)Experience working in an independent or prep schoolenvironmentRelevant first aid qualificationMinibus driving qualification (D1 entitlement or willingnessto obtain)Knowledge of competitive school sport structures at localand regional levelRelevant coaching experience in a school or youth sportsettingSound knowledge of physical education and Gamesdelivery within a primary or prep school contextUnderstanding of age-appropriate coaching methods While every effort has been made to outline the key duties of this role, additional responsibilities may be assignedas needed and updated in line with the evolving needs of the school. 5Ability to plan and deliver engaging, progressive andinclusive Games lessonsAbility to coach and develop pupils of varying abilities, fromparticipation to performance levelStrong behaviour management skills within a sportingenvironmentAbility to motivate and inspire pupilsGood organisational skills, including fixture preparation andmatch-day coordinationEffective communication skills with pupils, parents andcolleaguesCompetent IT skillsExperience in team selection and squad managementExperience officiating/refereeing fixturesAbility to contribute to a broader co-curricular sportsprogrammePerson Specification (continued)EssentialDesirableSkills and AbilitiesSafeguarding and Child ProtectionAldwickbury School is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. We carefully assess the suitability of allemployees to work with children, and all appointments are subject to enhanced DBS disclosure and other statutorychecks.All staff receive regular training to ensure they are alert to child protection and safeguarding issues. The higheststandards of behaviour and professionalism are expected of everyone working within our community.Genuine Occupational RequirementDue to the current staffing structure within the PE department, this role is subject to a Genuine OccupationalRequirement (GOR) under the Equality Act 2010 and applications are therefore invited from female candidates only. This is necessary to ensure appropriate supervision of pupils in changing facilities.6Terms of AppointmentThis is a part-time role (0.4 FTE) with the following working pattern:Tuesday: 12.00pm- 5.00pmWednesday: 9.00am - 5.00pmThursday: 12.00pm- 5.00pmThe working hours will be reviewed at the end of the first academic year of employmentPermanent, from September 2026The school offers a competitive salary reflecting the significance of this position and is dependenton experienceCompetitive contributory pension schemeStaff fee remissionFree on-site parking Complimentary school meals during term timeUse of the School’s facilities at times allocated to staff, including the swimming pool and sports hallEmployee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to work schemeHours of work:Contract:Salary:Benefits:Interview and Application ProcessTo apply, please visit: Vacancies | Aldwickbury Independent schoolEarly application is advised, as applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to appointat any time in the process. If you would like to discuss the position prior to applying, please contact: careers@aldwickbury.org.ukThe closing date for applications is 18th March 2026. Interviews will be arranged with the shortlisted candidates.The school aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all pupils are happy and can be themselves. Aldwickbury expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.