HEAD OF NETBALL
The opportunity Bradfield College is seeking an inspirational Head of Netball to build on the strong participation and performance foundations that already exist within the game at the College. They will work closely with the Director of Sport to create an ambitious short and long-term development plan to ensure girls between the ages of 13 and 18 have the best possible opportunity to progress within the sport. Bradfield has an excellent sporting reputation whereby all pupils are valued and as such, Netball must promote an ethos of inclusive participation, as well as provision for the most committed to succeed at the highest level. The Head of Netball will take the lead in creating an environment whereby high standards are expected of the pupils. They will also ensure that staff involved in the programme are given the necessary support to enable them to deliver high quality coaching. This is a full time role with the ability to teach an academic subject (any subject specialisation considered). Staff at Bradfield contribute to the outstanding pastoral care that the College offers to its pupils and are heavily involved in the extensive co-curriculum. The College Founded in 1850 by Thomas Stevens, and set in a village amidst unspoilt Berkshire countryside, Bradfield College enjoys a well-established reputation for being one of the country s leading co-educational, independent schools through its provision of academic excellence and a well-rounded education. The College is characterised by a relaxed unpretentiousness and has a strong family atmosphere. These are central to the enjoyment of school that we believe is the foundation of successful education. The people who work here are deeply committed to the progress and wellbeing of the children in their care. A talented and diverse team of specialists and all-rounders, the staff bring expertise and dedication to their role and have an easy rapport with the young. Pupil numbers are currently 780, with capacity rising to 800 (with a 60:40, boy/girl ratio) following completion of an expansion programme which began with the introduction of full coeducation at Bradfield in 2004 (girls were first admitted to the sixth form in 1989). Approximately 90% of the pupils are boarders; many spend Saturday nights at home following matches but there is a full weekend programme and approximately 25% of the boarders stay in. A majority of the pupils are relatively local, coming from within a 30-mile radius. cont...
There are also a good number of British and international pupils (approximately 10% and more than 30 nationalities) who are based in London and overseas. Bradfield s curriculum facilitates interdisciplinary thinking and also promotes excellence through specialisation. Inspirational teaching and high expectations go hand in hand in creating a culture of learning and ambition. As well as an extensive (i)gcse programme, the College offers both the IB Diploma Programme and A Levels in the Sixth Form. Results are strong with 60% of (i) GCSEs awarded A*/A grades, 73% A*-B grades at A level and an IB Diploma average of 35 points over the last two years. Bradfield s outstanding pastoral care is rooted in its house system, beginning in Faulkner s, a Year 9 boarding house specially designed to help all girls and boys make a happy and successful transition to senior school before moving into one of 11 senior houses. As they make their way through the school, our pupils learn about themselves and about others and take increasing responsibility for their own lives, their choices and their wellbeing. Simultaneously, we help them to become more aware of the views, needs and rights of people of all ages. Bradfield offers a remarkable range of co-curricular activity. Participation across this range is fundamental to a Bradfield education and means taking part in sport, music, drama, creative arts and the whole array of activities available. Our pupils throw themselves into co-curricular activity with enthusiasm and learn about themselves whilst honing skills and developing interests which will remain with them throughout adult life. Bradfield seeks to develop attributes that will enable pupils to thrive personally and professionally and to offer an education for life. This means a great deal more than securing strong grades and making a convincing application to higher education. It also entails the ability to embrace change, openness to a globalised world and the readiness to adapt and innovate. Each of these is nurtured in our diverse community and through our rich curriculum. We encourage pupils to understand the world around them and their place within it. In the same way, Bradfield itself continually looks forwards and outwards, embracing new opportunities whilst remaining true to its values.
Netball at Bradfield Bradfield has a strong reputation for Netball with the College fielding 19 teams during the Lent Term. It forms one of the Tier 1 activities for girls, alongside Hockey and Tennis. All girls play netball in their first year at the College and a high level of participation remains into the more senior years. During the Michaelmas Term, a number of teams train weekly in preparation for the County rounds of the National Netball Competition and to ensure they are well-prepared for the full fixture card in the Lent Term. During the Lent Term, Netball is played on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon as part of the whole school games programme, and a significant number of teams have an additional training session on a Friday afternoon. A full fixture card operates on Saturday afternoons against a number of strong netball schools and traditionally our results have been impressive across all age groups. PARTICIPATION - The number of girls playing the game is high and this is reflected by our ability to field five teams in Year 9 (Faulkner s) and Year 10 (Shell), four in Year 11 (5th Form) and five Senior sides in the Sixth Form. All pupils in Faulkner s play the game and the majority then continue participating in later years. We have strong links with a large number of Prep and Primary Schools and host both an annual Prep School Tournament and a Primary School tournament. In addition to this, we offer coaching support to a number of local schools on a regular basis. PERFORMANCE - We currently have two particularly strong netball playing year groups in the Shell and 5th Form, with a number of these teams returning impressive results last year. There is the potential to push the girls on within these groups to significant success, both collectively and individually within performance pathways. The scholarship programme is developing at a pace and there is the opportunity to support top netball players through its educational and strength and conditioning programmes. STAFFING - Teams are mainly coached by teaching staff who have a range of experiences within the game. We do, however, also employ a number of visiting specialist coaches who support these staff with their expertise. The quality of coaching within the netball programme is good and the girls respond well to the guidance given. We employ a Head of Strength and Conditioning who is available to support girls within the netball programme. FACILITIES - Bradfield s sporting facilities are excellent and netball is no exception. We have a superb sports centre with two indoor courts, as well as seven further outdoor courts. There is a well-equipped gym, strength and conditioning Suite and a 25m swimming pool to support players with their conditioning and recovery.
The role We are looking for an inspirational person to be our full time Head of Netball. This is a position in the College and which will bring the role in line with positions we have in other Tier 1 physical activities within the College. It is therefore an exciting time to take leadership of our Netball programme. The Head of Netball will report to the Director of Sport and work closely with them to provide leadership and development of all areas of Netball within the College. This will include its ethos, strategy and the day-to-day provision of the netball programme. The successful candidate will teach a full timetable (any subject specialisation will be considered), act as a tutor, and make a full contribution to the co-curricular programme. Day-to-day responsibilities Plan and implement the weekly netball training programme, to include the provision of staff and facilities and to take into account pupils commitments within other areas of College life; Organise a suitable fixture card for approximately 19 teams during the Lent Term and the associated transport, catering and provision of umpires; Enter and prepare U14, U16 and U18 teams for the County round of the National Schools Netball Competition and for the U15 and U18s in the ISNC competition; Organise and run the Bradfield College Primary Schools Tournament (Michaelmas Term), the Prep Schools Tournament (Lent Term) and the Senior Invitational Tournament (Lent Term); Create an engaging environment for all girls to gain a positive experience of the game, ensuring all pupils feel their efforts are valued through carefully thought out provision of coaching and facility resources; Promote and set high standards for the girls in terms of fair play, good sportsmanship and application to training; Work collaboratively with the Head of Strength and Conditioning to develop the girls strength and fitness levels; Create provision for the most talented players within the College to access additional coaching outside of normal training sessions on a one-to-one basis and in small groups. cont...
Encourage and co-ordinate the involvement of our most talented netballers in external clubs and performance pathways; Enhance Bradfield s regional and national reputation for Netball. This will include maintaining and developing further links with surrounding Primary and Prep Schools and with the local State Secondary School, Theale Green, with whom we have a very close working relationship; Identify both short and long-term improvements that need to be made for the sport to continue to develop and improve at Bradfield. Implement effective plans to do this, ensuring their impact is measured and reviewed throughout the process; Develop links with external organisations to help develop the quality of coaching within the College; Work with the Director of Sport and Admissions Department to identify girls with significant potential within the game for scholarship assessment (Year 9 and Sixth Form entry points); Carefully plan and manage the specific Netball budget, ensuring it is used effectively to improve the coaching provision, facilities and equipment available to the girls; Work within the whole school tour plan to organise suitable tours and pre-season training; Ensure positive promotion of the sport via school literature, the website and social media outlets; Ensure the health and safety policy for netball is continually updated and that staff adhere to it through safe practise; Support the coaching of other sports within the games programme at times when netball commitments allow; Undertake any other key tasks that the Head may reasonably assign. Leadership and Management Take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of all teaching staff and external coaches involved in the sport; Oversee the coaching of Netball to ensure delivery is of the highest quality and appropriate to the requirements of each team; Develop CPD and INSET opportunities for staff involved in the Netball programme; cont...
Take the lead role when recruiting suitably qualified coaches to work within the Netball programme; Work with the HR Department to ensure all relevant policies and regulations are complied with during this recruitment process; Liaise positively with the Head of Grounds and the Sports Centre Manager to ensure all facilities are maintained to a high standard and prepared effectively for training sessions and fixtures. Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS Relevant netball coaching qualifications (Expected) Honours degree in academic discipline (Expected) Teaching qualification (QTS) or equivalent (Desirable) First Aid qualification (Expected) Full Driving Licence with legal ability to drive a school minibus (Expected) KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Experience of teaching/coaching pupils within a school environment (Expected) Experience of managing staff within a school environment (Expected) A record of implementing change to raise the profile and standard of an aspect of school life (Desirable) A record of success within school/club Netball (Expected) SKILLS Be able to demonstrate a significant love of the game through previous involvement in playing and/ or coaching experience (Expected) The confidence and resilience to consistently demand the highest standards from pupils in terms of application, behaviour and appearance (Expected) The ability to develop strong working relationships with all members of the College community (Expected) High level of dedication and commitment to Netball and the College as a whole (Expected) Excellent organisation and communication skills (Expected) A willingness to seek feedback, evaluate information and where necessary adapt when faced with challenges. (Expected)
Terms of appointment All full-time teachers automatically become members of the Teachers Pension Scheme, unless they specifically request to opt out. They are also eligible to join the College s healthcare scheme. Further details are available upon request. Membership of the Bradfield College Sports Centre and subsidised membership of the Bradfield College Golf Club are available. All full-time teachers are eligible to apply for an assisted place at the College for their child/children in accordance with the College Fee Discount Policy. Further details are available on request. The process Letters of application, along with a completed application form, a Curriculum Vitae and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Headmaster, Dr Christopher Stevens, Bradfield College, Bradfield, Berkshire RG7 6AU by the advertised closing date. Applications can also be made by email to hr@bradfieldcollege.org.uk. Short-listed candidates will be invited to Bradfield for interview and a tour of the College will be offered. Bradfield College reserves the right not to appoint to this post should a suitable candidate not be identified.
Safeguarding Bradfield College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post-holder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom he/she is responsible, or with whom he/she comes into contact, and ensuring compliance with our child protection policy statement. Disclosure and Barring Service, references and right to work in the UK As Bradfield College is registered to ask exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, successful applicants will be subject to the required and satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearances before the appointment is confirmed. This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Bradfield College and documentary evidence of qualifications. A copy of the reference request form is included at the end of this document for information purposes. Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, Bradfield College has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (This is carried out at the interview stage; if applicants fail to produce the required genuine documents prior to commencement of work for the College, or if it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn). Health and Safety All staff are required to refer to their individual responsibilities as defined in the Health & Safety Manual and ensure they are competent to implement them and agree to abide by them. Staff health, safety and welfare at work are protected by law. The College has a duty to protect staff and to keep them informed about health and safety. Staff have a responsibility to look after themselves and others. If there is a problem, employees are expected to discuss it with their line-manager or with the College s Health and Safety Manager.