About the Role

Are you looking to take the next step in your coaching journey within a high‑energy, performance‑driven boarding school environment?

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our dynamic Sports Department at Hurstpierpoint College. This opportunity is particularly well suited to graduates, Sports Science students undertaking a secured Year‑in‑Industry placement, or individuals with established coaching and competitive playing experience who are ready to immerse themselves in the life of a busy and successful school.

Coaching Philosophy

At Hurst, our coaching philosophy is rooted in the College’s core values of Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, and our guiding behaviours: Work Hard, Do Good, and Engage. We believe in developing the whole athlete, not only technical skill and tactical understanding, but also character, confidence, and a lifelong love of sport. Our coaches are expected to:

• Model respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and the game itself.
• Build resilience by encouraging pupils to embrace challenge, learn from setbacks, and persevere.
• Promote responsibility by empowering pupils to take ownership of their development and contribute positively to their teams.

Working at Hurst

Hurst is one of Britain's leading independent schools, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for both pupils and staff. With almost 1,300 pupils across our Senior and Prep Schools, we combine academic ambition with a strong sense of community and a rich co-curricular programme. Hurst is a place of genuine momentum.

From the classroom to the sports field, and the theatre to the boarding house, life here is rich, varied, and relentlessly rewarding. Ours is a community that sets its sights on excellence - not as a destination, but as a daily habit. The people who thrive here are those who bring the same ambition, resilience, and commitment that we ask of our pupils. You’ll enjoy working in a stunning rural setting while remaining well-connected. We're just 20 minutes from the city and beaches of Brighton & Hove, and London is under an hour away by train.

This isn't just a job. It's a commitment to something bigger. For the right person, there is nowhere more exciting to be.

The Role

This is a live‑in role offering the opportunity to be fully embedded within the Sports Department. Working alongside experienced staff, you will support both the delivery of coaching and the operational running of a highly active department.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the planning and delivery of high‑quality coaching sessions, particularly within Rugby, Cricket and Hockey, across both Prep and Senior School
• Assisting with team training, fixtures, and competitive match-play
• Supporting pupils of all abilities, from recreational participation through to performance pathways
• Contributing to the College’s extensive extracurricular and co‑curricular sports programme
• Supporting the administrative and organisational demands of a busy sports department

This role offers significant exposure to competitive school sport, making it an excellent development opportunity for those considering a future career in coaching, teaching, sport performance, or sports education.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Have the ability to communicate confidently and coach young people of all abilities
• Have a strong background in coaching one of our major sports, with Rugby, Cricket or Hockey particularly welcomed
• Have experience playing one of these sports at a competitive level
• Be organised, proactive and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment
• Be keen to engage fully in the wider life of a boarding school community

In Return, We Offer:

• A paid, fixed‑term position from September 2026 to July 2027
• Free meals during term time in the staff dining room
• Free on-site parking
• Free access to College facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, library, and staff fitness classes
• Membership of the College’s contributory pension scheme with APTIS
• A wide-ranging health and wellbeing offering, including an Employee Assistance Programme, The Mind Clinic and free flu jabs

Hurstpierpoint College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening for the post, including an online presence and adverse media review, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.