Head of Netball (Teacher of Sport & Exercise or Specialist Netball Coach)

• Job title:Head of Netball (Teacher of SpEx/Specialist Netball Coach)
• Job Type:Option for permanent or two terms (dependent on the candidate’s experience)
• Salary:Competitive salary scale (dependent on experience and qualifications)
• Department:Sport and Exercise
• Reporting to:Director of Sport and Exercise
• Location:Highgate, North London
• Start:September 2026
• Closing Date:20 April 2026 at 8:00 am

This is an exciting opportunity for a well‑qualified and motivated practitioner to join our Sport and Exercise Department as the Head of Netball. We welcome applications from both experienced Teachers and outstanding Netball specialists who can demonstrate strong coaching expertise, leadership qualities, and a commitment to delivering exceptional sporting experiences for young people.

The Sport and Exercise (SpEx) Department is vibrant and forward thinking and has benefitted greatly from significant investment in both staff and facilities. Applicants should have significant experience of coaching Netball, and ideally the ability to offer a summer sport. The role will involve teaching and supporting the development of an innovative curriculum at Highgate, supporting pupils progress across all three schools.

The position will commence in September 2026. The successful candidate will be expected to fully participate in the Sports programme, including midweek and weekend fixtures, training (including pre-season training), competitions and tours.

Sport and Exercise (‘SpEx’) at Highgate has a reputation for excellence and innovation in teaching and coaching. The department consists of over 35 colleagues, offering a broad range of activities from participation through to high performance pathways. At Highgate we have a SpEx Leadership team that supports all aspects of the department and are responsible for the line management of all SpEx staff.

Pupils are taught an exercise curriculum, planned to support their knowledge and understanding of athletic development, wellbeing and sporting options. The role includes working on Saturdays (hours equivalent to 5 hours). However, hours may vary depending on the specific activities scheduled, sometimes being less or slightly more. Fixtures are organised for a wide range of sports, including a comprehensive Saturday/weekend fixture and training programme. Tours and trips are a regular feature of our offering, alongside showcase events, such as award evenings, conferences and intra-school competitions throughout the year. The department offers a range of opportunities for staff development, and we are keen to see staff grow in their roles and share their expertise with others.

The Department is based around the well-equipped Mallinson Sports Centre (MSC). It is adjacent to the playing fields, near the Junior and Pre-Preparatory Schools and within a few minutes’ walk of the Senior School. The Centre comprises a newly re-built swimming pool, large sports hall, strength & conditioning suite and mezzanine hall. In addition, there is a dance and movement studio, squash and Eton Fives courts. The MSC managers and staff provide a significant programme of community use; they also support pupils’ activities within the Centre and provide administrative assistance. The school has twenty acres of playing fields, including an all-weather pitch, which can accommodate ten netball courts, a full-size hockey pitch, or twelve tennis courts. There is also a multi-use games area which provides six cricket nets, three tennis courts, two netball courts and a hockey training facility.

Our vision for Sport and Exercise at Highgate:

• We want pupils to be active throughout their time at school and to develop a passion for sport and exercise that leads to their continued participation beyond school. This objective will be underpinned by a nurturing and safe culture that promotes fun, friendship and wellbeing.
• We want high level teams that perform competitively against our peer schools and a performance programme that supports talented individuals. Nevertheless, this will not be at the expense of an inclusive culture that supports all abilities.
• We want to promote choice and flexibility that lead to successful pathways, whilst also being mindful of the issues relating to affordability and consistency in the quality of provision.

Job Description

The Role – Head of Netball

Main Responsibilities

Curriculum Development

Pupil Development

Staff Development

Competition

Management

SpEx teachers and coaches support the delivery of a pupil-centred programme which unlocks potential by exposing individuals to experiences and opportunities which guide them towards an outcome that they are invested in. Key to this is the unique way in which Sport and Exercise interact in each part of the programme. Specialist teachers and coaches are used to deliver SpEx across all age phases of the foundation and implement a curriculum which supports, challenges and inspires every pupil. SpEx teachers and coaches are expected to support the delivery of a variety of sports across the academic year, sometimes leading on a sport that is not their specialism.

The Head of Netball will be responsible for implementing the netball programme across the whole school, acting as a pedagogical expert in coaching and developing youth netball. The development plan for netball will include supporting colleagues, improving their knowledge, and coaching. Liaising with the SpEx Management Team, the Head of Netball will review the current offering at Highgate, creating a strategy to continue to develop Highgate Netball in terms of participation, performance, and enjoyment.

 

• Lead on the review, development, delivery, and management of the Senior School curricular and extra-curricular netball programmes (Year 7 to Year 13), promoting the vision and aims of Sport and Exercise at Highgate.
• Support Pre-Prep and Junior School Heads of Sport and Exercise in curriculum development. This will be in relation to netball and invasion games.
• Maintain a knowledge of relevant curricular developments in youth sport and apply these appropriately to the evolution of the netball programme.
• Implement the netball curriculum ensuring clear pupil outcomes, progression, and parity of experience.
• Produce a curricular overview from which staff can design individual lessons and sessions.

• Ensure clear guidance for pupils and parents in netball, regarding fixtures, lessons, training, and selection. Develop and foster a culture of willingness to support each other, officials, and the school.
• Keep abreast of developments within youth netball including how other organisations are currently working and player pathways.
• Develop opportunities for small group sessions, for the improvement of high-performance players and school teams.
• Support the long-term athlete development of those involved in the netball programme and identify key athletic development areas required in netball at Highgate.

• Develop and present to colleagues a clear vision of the way netball should be played at Highgate.
• Ensure all colleagues understand the agreed aims and objectives for the development of netball and work to promote our ethos and values to pupils, parents, and fellow colleagues.
• Work with the Head of Senior School Sport to oversee netball staffing for teams, sports afternoons, fixtures, and practices to ensure the smooth operation of curricular and extra-curricular programmes.
• Oversee session plan design, supporting colleagues with recent developments in coaching and officiating.
• Review, appraise and consider the needs of colleagues, supporting with internal professional development and suggestions for external courses.
• Plan and lead regular netball staff meetings to update colleagues and receive feedback, which will, in turn, support the development of the programme.

• Liaise with the Head of Senior School Sport to develop a progressive and challenging fixture programme for our pupils, which will form a major pillar of the long-term strategy for netball. Provide appropriate and competitive opportunities for midweek and weekend fixtures for netballers at a range of ability levels, as outlined by the Director of Sport and Exercise.
• Plan for and implement effective pre-season training and coaching, to support netball performance building into the Michaelmas term.
• Manage the netball sport pathway, ensuring parity of experience and access for all pupils.
• Retain oversight of pupil opportunities, at all levels of ability for both inter and intra-school netball.
• Foster effective relationships with key organisations to ensure Highgate’s representation in competitive youth sport.
• Maintain oversight of all logistics associated with netball, working closely with the Head Groundsman, the Old Cholmeleians and staff leaders in netball at opposition schools.
• Organise Inter-House/Inter-Form Competitions and Highgate tournaments, where deemed appropriate.
• Support the Head of Senior School Sport in attending, reviewing, and implementing sports tours.

• Ensure all colleagues are keeping lesson, training, and fixture registers, including attaining important pupil information, for groups in their care.
• Co-ordinate risk assessments with the Head of Senior School Sport and ensure lessons and sessions are taught/coached in a safe environment, taking into account the individual needs of pupils.

The role will be carried out in addition to the post holder’s existing teaching/coaching position, with the appropriate timetable reductions.

Person Specification

• Criteria
• How will these be tested or verified?
• Qualifications and Experience

• Essential

  • A good honours degree and secure subject knowledge.
  • Level 2 Netball coaching qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Experience of teaching Sport and Exercise successfully, including an understanding of current teaching practices, health and safety and effective assessment.
  • Experience of working with young people, between the ages of 4 to 18.
  • Experience of managing teams and fixtures/competitions, including umpiring.
  • Experience of coaching one or more of our core sports: Netball, Hockey, Fives, Athletics or Cricket, or Strength and Conditioning.

  Desirable

  • A teaching qualification (eg. PGCE, GTP).
  • Performance level coaching qualifications.
  • Personal experience of coaching or playing Netball at a high standard.
  • Knowledge and experience of working within sporting player pathways.
  • Experience of coaching some of our other core sports: Hockey, Football, Fives, Athletics, Cricket or Swimming.
• Knowledge and Skills

• Essential

  • Demonstrable experience of applying best practice sports coaching with children.
  • An up-to-date knowledge of evolving developments in physical activity for young people.
  • The ability to blend wider SpEx departmental objectives with relevant pedagogical knowledge to design engaging and progressive lessons and sessions.

  Desirable

  • Experience working at an independent school.
  • Experience of teaching/coaching other age-groups.
• Personal Attributes

• Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • The ability to foster effective working relationships both across the department and wider School, and with external professional organisations.
  • Energetic, approachable and personable to reflect an enjoyment of working with young people.
  • The ability to persuade and influence.
  • An organised and methodical approach to tasks.
  • A willingness to contribute to the future evolution of the SpEx programme.
  • Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children.

Teaching Role and Coach Role

For the Teacher of SpEx Role

Highgate School seeks to appoint teachers who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined below, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

For the Netball Coach Role

Highgate School seeks to appoint coaches who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined below, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• Profound and continuing interest in the academic subject/sport to be taught/coached.
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils’ responses.
• Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil.
• Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate’s pastoral policies and sanctions system, working in partnership with Highgate’s designated staff i/c pastoral care.
• Ability to create effective rapport and a sound relationship with pupils, earning their respect and trust but maintaining proper professional boundaries by not deliberately courting popularity or friendship.
• Dynamism and enthusiasm to contribute broadly to the life of a busy co- educational independent day school.
• Willingness to contribute to the extensive range of activities provided for pupils and to support them in their co-curricular pursuits.
• Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work, pastoral care, sports and co-curricular activities.
• Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health and emotional development of pupils.
• Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally between pupils, staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchanges.
• Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspectives.
• The ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition where due, utilising the School’s reward system.
• Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself.

• A deep and sustained passion for Netball and sport development, with a commitment to advancing pupils’ skills, understanding, and enjoyment of the game.
• Extensive technical and tactical knowledge, and the ability to adapt coaching sessions responsively based on player needs, session dynamics, and performance feedback.
• Strong rapport with young athletes across a wide age and ability range, with the ability to tailor coaching approaches so every pupil can progress and feel supported.
• Sensitivity and professionalism when responding to athlete welfare or performance concerns, ensuring alignment with the school’s pastoral policies and working collaboratively with pastoral staff where required.
• The ability to build trust and respect with pupils, maintaining clear professional boundaries while providing a supportive, athlete‑centred environment.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to contributing broadly to the sporting life of a busy co‑educational school, championing participation and excellence across the programme.
• Willingness to contribute to the wider co‑curricular and competitive sports programme, supporting pupils in fixtures, training, and development pathways.
• Initiative and strong work ethic, capable of leading aspects of the Netball programme independently while working collaboratively within a multi‑sport department.
• Understanding the holistic development of young athletes, including their physical, social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with pupils, colleagues, and parents, and to maintain accurate records of key interactions.
• Patience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives, ensuring constructive, pupil‑centred problem solving.
• The ability to manage challenging situations calmly and constructively, using strategies such as active listening, positive reinforcement, and appropriate humour, while following the school’s reward and behaviour systems.
• A sense of perspective and the capacity to remain grounded and reflective, including the ability to laugh at oneself when appropriate.

Location | Highgate Village, adjacent to Hampstead Heath, with quaint shops and easy connections across London.

Pension |  For the Netball Coach role – AVIVA workplace pension scheme offered – 26% employer contribution, with the ability to flex up to 16% of this as additional non-pensionable salary, employees contribute a minimum of 5%. For the Teacher of SpEx role – The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Personal development | Comprehensive induction support for new staff. Focus on continued professional development for all employees.

Leisure facilities | Free access, at stipulated times, to our sports facilities, including a fitness suite and swimming pool (recently refurbished).

Lunch | A complimentary lunch including hot meals, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and dessert.

Help with sustainable travel  | Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and a Season Ticket Loan scheme for public transport.

Family-friendly policies | Highgate appreciates that employees sometimes have family commitments so we try to be as supportive as possible, for example with enhanced maternity pay (8 weeks’ full pay, then 10 weeks’ half pay) and paid dependant leave.

Highgate is a caring, open-minded community, where we promote kindness, empathy and friendship. Everyone who works and studies with us deserves to feel they are part of a welcoming environment that enables them to be themselves and to thrive as individuals.

Our community extends beyond the school, through partnerships, charity work and our commitment to equality, inclusion and sustainability. All members of our school community are encouraged to look outwards and play an active role.

Following a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in September 2024 to assess Highgate’s regulatory compliance and school standards, we are pleased to share the inspection findings, which reports compliance in all five areas and a ‘significant strength’ in our teaching expertise.

Highgate is committed to staff wellbeing, which we promote by encouraging a strong work-life balance; trying our best to support flexible working requests; providing a nutritious complimentary lunch in the dining hall; and offering access to sporting facilities including our recently renovated swimming pool.

The Staff Wellbeing Committee, with representatives across the School, meets regularly to drive forward initiatives, and a selection of staff have been trained as Mental-Health First Aiders.

We encourage an open culture throughout our school, with regular staff surveys, action committees and opportunities to feedback. We strive for continual learning and improvement, and staff training and development is paramount. There are opportunities to participate in the wider life of our school, such as taking part in trips or societies and getting involved in partnership projects.

More details about working at Highgate can be found here:

As an independent school, we want to use our position as a charity effectively: to make high-quality education accessible to as many children as possible – through our bursary programme at Highgate and through our work with local state schools. We have partnerships with over 60 state schools across 7 London boroughs, and we are the principal educational sponsor for London Academy of Excellence, Tottenham – an academically-selective state sixth form in a community where such opportunities are lacking.

Alongside this, our staff and pupils undertake charitable activities throughout the year. These range from staff giving up their time to neighbourhood schools and charitable organisations, focused fundraising campaigns, to pupils undertaking community work in the local area or further afield.

As a school, we have a central role to play in educating our pupils, staff and parents about the importance of environmental sustainability. We are taking positive action to adapt our operational performance to tackle the negative effects of climate change. We encourage all our staff to reflect upon their personal and professional practices, to support our environmental agenda and to make positive changes wherever possible.

• Closing Date:20th April 2026
• Video Interviews:w/c 20th April 2026
• In-Person Interviews:w/c 27th April 2026

Contact: Mario Noto, Director of Sport, is happy to answer any questions about this post.

Early Application: Applications will be considered ‘as and when’ received and we may close the vacancy if we appoint before the closing date.

We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make reasonable adjustments, please let us know of any disabilities (including neuro-divergence) when you submit your application.

As this role will have regular unsupervised contact with children you must, if appointed, comply with Highgate’s Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety and welfare of our pupils, these concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.  If whilst in the post, Highgate becomes aware of any safeguarding concerns to staff, pupils or the community; these will need to be followed up in line with the safeguarding policy and code of conduct which is underpinned by KCSE and other legislation. These concerns may need to be shared with other agencies.  A copy of these policies will accompany all offers of employment. Training will also be provided to all staff to support Safeguarding practice.

Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities. DBS Privacy Policies

Please note that this role is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. DBS Code of Practice

In accordance with the latest guidance from KCSIE, we shall be conducting online searches on any candidates who are shortlisted.