Head of Sport (Prep and Pre-Prep)

A positive and encouraging teacher, who embraces and embodies our ethos and values, is sought to help us build on our strong reputation in Sport and further develop our sporting activity offer as Head of Sport (Prep and Pre-Prep).

Bedales School is a unique educational setting, situated in 120 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside with excellent sporting facilities and a ‘sport for all’ philosophy. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and students expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful.

Experience & Background

As an inspirational educational practitioner, you will have a PGCE with sports specialism, as well as a degree in Sport, PE (or a related discipline) or have a relevant professional qualification and/or industry experience. You will have the vision and ability to lead the department in a manner that ensures that sport is exciting, engaging and relevant to the curriculum and community. At Bedales School, Sport is a highly valued and respected outlet for many students. You will oversee the planning, development and implementation of schemes of work, enabling students to attain their optimum potential. Candidates should be abreast of recent pedagogies that promote innovative, enjoyable and successful engagement with the subject. You should be passionate about Sport and Physical Education and have experience of sharing this through your teaching, organisation of fixtures and delivery of an outstanding sports activity programme. Working closely with the Director of Sport at our Senior School, your collegiate approach will inspire colleagues to work collaboratively across the whole school.

Teachers at Bedales Prep and Pre-prep are not only outstanding teachers but also have a commitment to strong pastoral care and student development.

You should be keen to play a full and inclusive role in the wider life of our busy Prep boarding community and be able to contribute to the development of our innovative school both pastorally and through co-curricular activities, as well as our annual camps week.

Timetable

You will be timetabled to teach 28 lessons a week, inclusive of fixtures. Learning takes place throughout the day and encompasses a form tutor role, co-curricular activities, and support and extension sessions as well as subject lessons. Most core curriculum commitments for students are scheduled from 08:20 to 17:30 hrs on Monday to Friday, and until 12:35 hrs on Saturday. Please note that sporting fixtures do occasionally fall outside these times. Staff who work on Saturdays receive a half day in lieu in the week. Teachers also deliver activities once a week until 19:00hrs.

This post is Regulated Activity.

Benefits

• APTIS pension

• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan

• Salary Extras Benefits Platform

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Free lunches provided during term time

• Free on-site parking

• Personal Accident Cover

• Life Assurance

• Fee Remission for eligible staff

• On-site nursery (subject to availability)

• Gymnasium & swimming pool

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK, on an on-going basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this post please read the Job Description which includes full details regarding the post. CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form. Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.

Closing date: 9.00am on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

Application screening: w/c Monday 13 April 2026.

Interview date: Monday 20 April 2026.

Please note we may close the vacancy early in light of a large response. Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Safeguarding Statement:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children;

• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection;

• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to;

• Playing a key role in prevention of harm and 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 pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil.

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 Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.