An exciting and rare opportunity has become available at Hereford Cathedral School as we look to appoint a new Head of Hockey following a successful 10-year tenure from the current post holder. The Head of Hockey is an influential role within the school’s sport and co-curricular provision. The post-holder will be responsible for the strategic leadership, delivery and continued development of hockey across the school, from Foundation Stage (Year 1) through to the 1st XI (Year 13). The successful candidate will build on an already outstanding programme, ensuring competitive excellence, high participation, and a strong culture of achievement, enjoyment and sportsmanship.

Description

Hereford Cathedral School’s hockey programme is well-established, ambitious and highly successful at local, regional and national level.

Recent achievements include:

National Finals 2023 – U16 Girls Tier 3

National Finals 2025 – U18 Girls Tier 3

U11 Girls West Regional Finalists (2022)

Unbeaten Season for the 1st XI (2024)

County Champions at U11, U13, U14, U16 & U18 level for each of the last 10 years

Five players progressing to National League Hockey (National League North) in the last five years

Cathedral City Cup Champions since inception, with the showcase “Friday Night Lights” fixtures attracting crowds in excess of 300 spectators

The incoming Head of Hockey will be expected to sustain and further enhance this tradition of success, leadership and innovation, alongside the coaching team.

The hockey programme is broad, inclusive and well-supported, delivering regular training and competitive fixtures across all age groups. Saturday Fixtures: U12 A & B and U13 A & B teams playing half-pitch, 7-a-side hockey U14, U15, 2nd XI (often midweek), and 1st XI A total of eight teams competing on Saturdays – the Head of Hockey will oversee the development of all teams in the club. Junior School Hockey: Weekly fixtures and after-school training sessions for U11s and U9s Training Programme: Weekly games sessions during the Autumn Term A dedicated after-school training evening ahead of Saturday fixtures Competitive Fixture List: Regular competition against high-quality opposition both regionally and nationally Competitions & Pathways: Entry into county and regional competitions, with B teams often entered where appropriate due to the strength of the programme Comprehensive pre-season training for all teams in August A three-day pre-season residential tournament for the 1st XI at Midlands competitions

Strategic Leadership Provide clear vision and leadership for hockey across all key stages Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for hockey within the school Ensure progression, continuity and high standards throughout the programme Coaching & Performance Lead and deliver high-quality coaching sessions across all ages Coach or oversee the coaching of senior performance teams, including the 1st XI Identify and develop talent, supporting progression to county, regional and national pathways Programme Management Organise fixtures, tours, tournaments and residential trips Manage staffing, communication and scheduling for all hockey activities Oversee equipment, facilities and health & safety requirements Liaise with catering for the best match day experience Staff & Development Support, mentor and develop other hockey coaches and members of staff Promote best practice in coaching methodology and player welfare Lead CPD for the other coaches in the department Culture & Community Foster a positive sporting culture built on commitment, enjoyment and respect Promote hockey within the wider school community Lead showcase events such as Friday Night Lights fixtures Create strong connections with Hereford Hockey Club and further the pathway between club and school