Resident Graduate Assistant (with Sports)

Resident Graduate Assistant (with Sports)
Girl’s boarding house

Fixed term contract to commence 1st September 2026 until July 2027

Cumnor  House  Sussex  is  one  of  the  country’s  leading  independent  Prep,  Pre-Prep  and  Nursery
schools, offering a broad and excellent education within beautiful country surroundings.

We have an exciting opportunity for a graduate who is passionate about sport, education, and
inspiring young people.  We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Residential Boarding Sports
Graduate to join our vibrant independent prep school community.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate looking to gain hands-on experience in a
dynamic school environment, combining coaching, pastoral care, and residential life.  This is a fixed-
term residential position that will combine working in the classroom and on the sports field, with
assisting with boarding and involvement in the wider life of our vibrant Prep School.

Reporting to: Head of Boarding & Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Director of Sports

Contract: One-year fixed-term

Principal Duties in Sport:

  Assist teachers in the classroom and, where appropriate, provide teaching cover in the event

of staff absence

  Support PE and Games delivery, using strong sporting and coaching experience to enhance

pupil performance

  Lead and manage teams on fixture days, ensuring pupil safeguarding is prioritised and the

overall pupil experience is positive, structured, and well supported throughout

  Aid in the maintenance and organization of sports equipment and facilities
  Contribute to the development of new sports initiatives and extracurricular activities

Principle Duties in Boarding:

  Support the boarding house staff in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere and fostering

a happy community spirit.

  Participate in the evening and overnight duty rota under the direction of the senior member
of staff on duty. Duties will include supervising prep, running evening activities, helping with
bedtimes and providing overnight staff cover in the boarding house.

  Participate in boarding weekends (twice termly) under the direction of the house staff.

Duties will include organising and actively engaging in games and activities.

  Accompany staff on excursions and activities as required.
  Supervise students during break times and assist pupils with classwork 1:1 or in small

groups.

  Work with pupils during prep (homework) sessions, supporting their needs and ensuring

they are working on task.

  Attend staff meetings as required.
  Any other duties commensurate with the role.

Safeguarding Responsibilities include:

  Be an outstanding role model for the children;
  Safeguard and promote the welfare of the children in your care;
  Provide a safe and welcoming environment where children feel secure and able to talk;
  Play a key role in the prevention of harm and take an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or

disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm;

  When concerned about the welfare of a child, act in the best interests of the child.

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected
to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

People Specification:

Category Essential Desirable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or working towards), preferably in Sports Science, Physical Education,
Coaching, or a related field
• Valid First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Safeguarding/Child Protection training (or willingness to complete)

Experience

• Experience in residential settings (e.g., summer camps, boarding schools, sports academies)
• Experience delivering structured coaching sessions or activity programmes

  High-level playing experience in cricket, with a strong practical understanding to support

effective coaching and skill development.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and engage young people from diverse backgrounds
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Personal Attributes

•  Enthusiastic, energetic, and positive attitude
• Responsible and reliable, especially in a residential setting
• Professional behaviour and strong work ethic
• Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Passion for sport and youth
development
• Resilience and ability to handle
challenging situations calmly
• Proactive mind set and
willingness to take initiative

Remuneration and Benefits:

  Salary of £24,000 per annum
  Weekly full-board accommodation during term time
  Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance.
  Free on-site parking.
  Complimentary dining and refreshments during term time.
  Free use of the indoor swimming pool at specified times.
  Occupational sick pay scheme.
  Employee Assistance Programme
  Bike To Work Scheme
  Continual professional development and training opportunities

Application process:

To apply, please complete our application form (available on our website) and submit it with a
covering letter to hr@cumnor.co.uk

We reserve the right to make an appointment at any time

The closing date is the 30th June 2026. Interviews of selected applicants will involve a PE session
and a visit to the School. Please note that applications will be considered as they arrive, and CHS
reserves the right to make before the closing date.

CHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff to share
this commitment. A successful application will be dependent upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
and other safeguarding checks and screening, including references. All staff have a key role to play in
identifying concerns early and in providing help for children, and are expected to act in accordance
with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies which are available on our website. Please
note  that  applications  will  be  considered  as  they  arrive,  and  CHS  reserves  the  right  to  make  an
appointment at any time.