The Post
We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate to spend a year in this stimulating and exciting school. The ideal candidate will be energetic, have a passion for working with children, and be able to work effectively as a team member with the ability to show initiative when required. The ideal candidate will hold coaching qualifications and have the ability to coach sport throughout the year. A sense of humour is a distinct advantage.
We expect our graduate to take a full and active part in all aspects of School life and so the post holder will be someone who is completely flexible, have a can do attitude, prepared to be role models for our young people and adopt high standards of personal conduct in order to maintain the respect of parents, pupils and colleagues. The graduate will be considered as a member of the academic staff. There is a requirement to live on site during term time.
This is a fixed term post starting in September 2025 and ending in July 2026. This post paid circa £18,000pa comes with single accommodation which consists of an individual study bedroom at the School with bathroom, kitchen and washing facilities shared with other staff. During term time, School meals are available, at no charge, as provided for boarders and other residential staff. Staff may use the excellent sports facilities in the evening and during the day, if not being used. The School runs on a three-term basis.
Sport is played six days a week, including Saturdays (AM and PM).
There are approximately 16 weeks when the School is not in session, two weeks at Christmas, three weeks at Easter and about eight weeks in the summer, with Half Term breaks in between. There is a requirement for all weeks during term time, plus a maximum of ten days during the School holidays. There is also in-service training at the start of each term and attendance is compulsory at all relevant sessions.
Outside the classroom and sports fields there is a great deal of scope for involvement in the School’s varied programme of extra-curricular activities and the graduate will be expected to assist in School activities on a weekly basis, supervise the Sports Hall with some evenings on a rota basis and potentially have responsibility for some evening boarding duties.
The graduate will be given an opportunity to provide support within the classroom, on the sports field and work closely alongside the academic staff in the teaching and learning of a varied age group of children. The graduate will be required to take an active role in the pastoral care of our pupils which is based on a house system, with vertical tutor groups.
Our graduate will work closely with the Senior Deputy Headmaster and the Director of Sport who take responsibility for allocating the duties throughout the year. These duties include:
Contributing to, and setting, high expectations in the Games and PE Departments or any other Department, that inspires, motivates and challenges pupils;
Supporting activities in the classroom and throughout the School including overseeing Boarders’ use of the Sports Facilities in the evening;
Contributing to the planning and evaluation of teaching and learning within the classroom;
Assisting in the preparation and maintenance of the classroom as a learning environment;
Working with the Sports Facilities Administrator to facilitate the use of sports lettings;
Coaching across the major Sports of Rugby, Hockey and Cricket with a specialism in Rugby advantageous.
Closing date: Friday 14th March 2025
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and a declaration of medical fitness. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
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. A copy of the School’s Child Protection policy may be found on the School’s website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview.
Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.
Please note: we reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date