About the School - Downsend School
Founded in 1898, Downsend has a rich history of delivering a truly holistic education and has always thrived on pushing the boundaries in every area of school life. There is an energy and a sense of purpose when you join Downsend, this is a school that works at a fast pace, has high expectations and is not afraid to do things differently. This leads to a sense of camaraderie and a shared purpose among staff that makes Downsend such a unique place to be. Located across four sites in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead, and with a pupil roll of 815 students from the ages of 6 months to 16 years, Downsend proudly plays an important part in the local community. With further change on the horizon, with a launch of a Sixth Form in September 2025, Downsend has an exciting future ahead.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Netball to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the role
You will lead the delivery of Netball throughout the school. You are responsible to the Director of Sport and will work closely with other members of the department.
You will carry out teaching duties in accordance with the schools schemes of work and staff the netball season creating a strategic termly plan of when and where you expect staff to be. You will work with the G & T Coordinator to provide pupils with opportunities in and out of the classroom for extension and enrichment, and for scholarship preparation.
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Who we are looking for:
To be considered for the role you will have a good honours degree in Physical Education or Sports Science and you will be an outstanding and qualified PE & Games Teacher with a love of their subject. We are looking for someone with the ability to teach PE & Games to Years 2-11, with a particular expertise in netball, and is a keen and self-motivated practitioner, who wishes to be a committed team member in a successful department.
Benefits at Cognita
• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Teacher’s Pension
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 9th February.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.