Development Lead Coach - Hockey
- Organisation: Downside School
- Location: Somerset
- Tenure: Full-time
- Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Development Lead Coach - Hockey at Downside School.
Are you a qualified (UKCC Level 2 or 3) Hockey Coach with an active enthusiasm for all matters pertaining to Hockey in an educational environment? Do you want to work in a collaborative coaching environment? Would you enjoy working within a supportive team which celebrates a culture of reflective practice to support the development of all players and coaching staff?
As Hockey Development Lead and Coach at Downside School you will take considerable responsibility for the development of coaching and organisation within the hockey programme. You will play a pivotal role in implementing the provision of hockey in the school and make a significant contribution to the day-to-day administration of the sport. The post holder will also contribute to the coaching of sports other than hockey where necessary.
Hockey is a major sport for pupils at Downside School and is played by girls and boys. Whether it is nurturing our team players, building links with local clubs and schools or creating a passion and interest in the game with those joining the school, hockey forms an important part of the sporting landscape. The Hockey Development Lead and Coach is an exciting post, working closely with the Director of Sport to ensure the successful delivery of an extensive programme of hockey coaching for all age groups across the school. We currently produce competitive hockey players at all age levels, with a view to creating the best possible platform for players to develop and excel.
The post holder would provide specialist coaching to support pupils fulfil their potential at Development, Academy or Performance Centre level, and a willingness to coach within these external settings would be encouraged.
You will need to be confident in delivering high-quality sessions at a variety of levels, abilities, and age groups, with a particular focus on 11 - 18-year-olds. The Hockey Development Lead and Coach will also have the opportunity to work with talented individuals/scholars who are part of the schools Athlete Development Programme and provide specialist coaching and mentoring to support pupils fulfil their potential. We aim to consistently reinforce the core values of Downside School Sport, which are firmly founded in the Benedictine tradition Discipline, Humility and Stewardship.
We are looking to appoint an outstanding hockey specialist who will successfully maintain and encourage a climate of development in the sport, and who can encourage the attitudes and behaviours we wish to see in performers & coaching staff at our School.
Hours: Full time hours Monday to Saturday, with Independent School Holiday breaks (academic year is equivalent to 34 weeks).
The post holder will be required to work flexibly to ensure proper performance of duties. You may also be required to attend pre-season training, trips or tours outside of term time. We do not expect you to take any annual leave mid-term.
To apply, please complete the online application form available here: https://cvminder.com/2603f0wj
About Downside School
Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co-curricular activities. With facilities like a 400-seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff-pupil relationships.
By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.
Application Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.
Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Development Lead Coach - Hockey at Downside School.
Description
Are you a qualified (UKCC Level 2 or 3) Hockey Coach with an active enthusiasm for all matters pertaining to Hockey in an educational environment? Do you want to work in a collaborative coaching environment? Would you enjoy working within a supportive team which celebrates a culture of reflective practice to support the development of all players and coaching staff?
As Hockey Development Lead and Coach at Downside School you will take considerable responsibility for the development of coaching and organisation within the hockey programme. You will play a pivotal role in implementing the provision of hockey in the school and make a significant contribution to the day-to-day administration of the sport. The post holder will also contribute to the coaching of sports other than hockey where necessary.
Hockey is a major sport for pupils at Downside School and is played by girls and boys. Whether it is nurturing our team players, building links with local clubs and schools or creating a passion and interest in the game with those joining the school, hockey forms an important part of the sporting landscape. The Hockey Development Lead and Coach is an exciting post, working closely with the Director of Sport to ensure the successful delivery of an extensive programme of hockey coaching for all age groups across the school. We currently produce competitive hockey players at all age levels, with a view to creating the best possible platform for players to develop and excel.
The post holder would provide specialist coaching to support pupils fulfil their potential at Development, Academy or Performance Centre level, and a willingness to coach within these external settings would be encouraged.
You will need to be confident in delivering high-quality sessions at a variety of levels, abilities, and age groups, with a particular focus on 11 - 18-year-olds. The Hockey Development Lead and Coach will also have the opportunity to work with talented individuals/scholars who are part of the schools Athlete Development Programme and provide specialist coaching and mentoring to support pupils fulfil their potential. We aim to consistently reinforce the core values of Downside School Sport, which are firmly founded in the Benedictine tradition Discipline, Humility and Stewardship.
We are looking to appoint an outstanding hockey specialist who will successfully maintain and encourage a climate of development in the sport, and who can encourage the attitudes and behaviours we wish to see in performers & coaching staff at our School.
Hours: Full time hours Monday to Saturday, with Independent School Holiday breaks (academic year is equivalent to 34 weeks).
The post holder will be required to work flexibly to ensure proper performance of duties. You may also be required to attend pre-season training, trips or tours outside of term time. We do not expect you to take any annual leave mid-term.
To apply, please complete the online application form available here: https://cvminder.com/2603f0wj
About Downside School
Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co-curricular activities. With facilities like a 400-seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff-pupil relationships.
By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.
Application Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.
Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700
