Sherborne Schools Group: Director of Hockey

Principal Role

The Director of Hockey will provide strategic leadership and programme oversight for hockey across the Sherborne Schools Group, including Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Prep. 

Hockey is identified as a pathway sport within the Group, and the Director will be responsible for shaping a coherent, ambitious and sustainable hockey programme that supports participation, development and performance for both boys and girls. 

Operating across multiple schools, the postholder will establish the strategic framework, player pathway and coaching standards for hockey within the Group while working closely with each school’s Director of Sport to ensure high-quality delivery locally. 

The Director of Hockey will lead the development of a joined-up hockey pathway from Prep to Senior School, enabling pupils of all abilities to thrive, while supporting talented players to progress into county, regional, national and university pathways. 

The role combines strategic programme leadership, coaching excellence, staff development, and external partnership building, ensuring that Sherborne Schools Group becomes recognised as a leading centre for school hockey.

The postholder will be expected to work across Sherborne Schools Group sites and collaborate with staff and pupils across the Prep and Senior Schools

Reporting to:
The post holder will be line managed by Sherborne Girls Director of Sport and is responsible to the Directors of Sport within the Group.

Hours of Work:
Usually 40 hours per week during term time.  Likely to be longer days during particular sporting seasons.  This is a full-time role which includes term-time commitments, pre-season preparation, fixtures, tours and occasional holiday programmes.

Core Responsibilities and Duties

1. Group Strategic Leadership 

• Provide strategic leadership for hockey across Sherborne Schools Group.
• Develop and implement a Group Hockey Strategy and Development Plan, covering participation, performance pathways, coaching standards and long-term programme growth.
• Design and maintain a clear player pathway linking Sherborne Prep with the senior schools, ensuring continuity in coaching philosophy, player development and competition opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Directors of Sport across the Group to align hockey provision with wider sporting priorities.
• Support the development of hockey as a pathway sport potentially delivered across two terms for both boys and girls, ensuring programmes are structured to maximise participation and performance.
• Establish shared standards for coaching, player development and programme delivery across all schools.
• Regularly review programme performance and provide strategic recommendations for improvement.  

2. Programme Development and Performance Pathways 

• Develop a comprehensive hockey programme for both indoor and outdoor, that supports players of all abilities, from recreational participation through to high-performance athletes.
• Design a progressive coaching framework and scheme of work to be used across the Group.
• Identify and support talented players through individual development plans, mentoring and targeted performance opportunities.
• Coordinate pre-season programmes and performance training opportunities across the schools.
• Work with Heads of Athletic Development and Strength & Conditioning staff to ensure appropriate physical preparation for hockey players.
• Support entry into appropriate competitions, tournaments and national school events.
• Encourage and facilitate pupil progression to club, county, regional and national programmes, and support transition to university-level hockey where appropriate.

 3. Coaching and Coaching Quality

• Lead and support a team of hockey coaches across the Group, including staff, specialist coaches and graduate assistants.
• Provide mentoring, support and CPD opportunities to ensure high coaching standards across all schools.
• Coach selected teams or performance groups where appropriate, maintaining direct engagement with pupils and programme delivery.
• Support other school coaches through shared training resources, coaching clinics and collaborative planning.
• Promote the effective use of technology and performance analysis tools to support player development.
• Remain fully informed about developments within the sport through engagement with England Hockey and other professional networks.

 4. Cross-School Coordination and Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with Directors of Sport within each school to ensure alignment of programme delivery.
• Coordinate major hockey events, tours, camps and performance initiatives across the Group.
• Support fixture planning to ensure an appropriate balance of participation and competitive opportunities.
• Transport pupils in a team or group of players as required either via coaches or as a mini bus/car driver.
• Facilitate collaboration between Sherborne Prep and the senior schools to ensure strong transition between phases.
• Encourage shared initiatives across the schools, including coaching workshops, festivals and talent development sessions.

 5. Recruitment, Outreach and Partnerships 

• Work with Admissions and marketing teams to support the recruitment of talented hockey players.
• Lead or support the assessment and selection process for sports scholarships where hockey is a key discipline.
• Develop strong relationships with local clubs, county associations, governing bodies and performance programmes.
• Build links with universities and other performance environments to support pupils pursuing hockey beyond school.
• Promote Sherborne hockey within the wider community and strengthen relationships with feeder schools and clubs.

 6. Marketing, Profile and Events 

• Support the promotion of hockey within Sherborne Schools Group.
• Provide match reports, news stories and performance updates to the marketing team.
• Assist with the development of hockey camps, holiday programmes and outreach activities that support participation and generate commercial opportunities where appropriate.
• Promote a culture that celebrates both participation and performance within the sport.

7. Administration and Operational Oversight 

• Work with school sports administrators to ensure effective organisation of hockey programmes.
• Support fixture coordination, staffing allocation, facility usage and equipment planning.
• Oversee the effective use and maintenance of hockey facilities and equipment across the Group where appropriate.
• Take responsibility for annual budgeting and resource planning for hockey development, working collaboratively to ensure consistency and value across the schools.
• Attend relevant departmental, operational and strategic meetings as required.
• Oversee the tracking and analysis of participation numbers, performance metrics and outcomes, with regular reporting to the Director of Sport, including monitoring and reporting on HPP pupils across the schools.

8. Safeguarding, Welfare and School Responsibilities 

• Ensure that all hockey activity is delivered in accordance with the Group’s safeguarding, health and safety and risk management policies.
• Promote a positive sporting culture that prioritises pupil welfare, inclusion and enjoyment.
• Contribute to the wider life of the schools, including co-curricular activities, staff meetings and professional development.
• Tutor a group of pupils if experience and opportunity exists
• Support the values and ethos of the Sherborne Schools Group.

 Other responsibilities 

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required by the relevant Director of Sport (or equivalent), including the provision of support across the Sherborne Schools Group where necessary.
• Contribute to the wider life of the Group, including events, initiatives, or projects that enhance collaboration between schools.
• Be flexible in place of work, and undertake duties at other Group schools or sites where required, in order to meet operational or strategic needs.
• Promote and uphold the values and ethos of Sherborne Schools Group in all professional activities, ensuring consistency across the community.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential 

• EH Level 3, EH Advanced Coach Programme graduate, FIH Level 3 qualification or equivalent coaching qualification.
• Significant experience coaching hockey within a school, club or performance environment.

Desirable

• A degree in Sport, Physical Education or a related field.
• Experience leading hockey across multiple age groups or institutions.
• Experience in talent development or performance pathways.
• Experience working in independent school sport.
• Experience using video analysis and performance technology.

Skills and Abilities 

• Proven ability to lead and develop a sports programme and manage coaching staff.
• Strong understanding of player development pathways within school and club hockey.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to inspire young athletes and promote participation across a wide range of abilities.
• Understanding of national school competitions and university hockey pathways.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and occasional holiday periods. 
   
  Other Requirements
• Full Driving Licence
• Willingness to undertake mini bus training and obtain PCV Licence

Salary:
£39,000 - £45,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.  Salary paid monthly in arrears direct into nominated bank account.