The Role of the Assistant Academy Director
In this vital leadership position, you will work hand-in-hand with the Academy Director to oversee the strategic growth, daily operations, and technical delivery of our football academy within a mainstream school setting. You will bridge the gap between high-performance athletic training and academic success, managing coaching staff, coordinating competitive fixtures, and ensuring our players thrive both on the pitch and in the classroom.
About The Kemnal Academies Trust
The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), one of the largest and most established multi-academy trusts in the country. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, colleagues benefit from access to a wide network of professional support, collaboration, and development opportunities across a family of schools committed to excellence in education. The Trust is dedicated to investing in its people, providing high-quality training, career progression opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork and innovation. Joining The Kemnal Academies Trust means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values inclusion, ambition, and continuous improvement, where staff are empowered to make a real difference to the lives of young people.
About Thomas Bennett Community College
Thomas Bennett Community College is a welcoming and ambitious 11–18 secondary school at the heart of the Crawley community, serving families across the town and the wider West Sussex area. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, the school combines a strong community ethos with the advantages of a wider network of collaboration and support. With more than 1,200 students, including a thriving sixth form, it provides an inclusive and supportive environment where young people are encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school is committed to delivering a high-quality education through a broad and engaging curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, supported by modern facilities and dedicated colleagues.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Assistant Academy Director
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Oversee the daily scheduling, pitch allocations, and logistical coordination of all training sessions and matches.
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Support the Director in designing the academy's technical syllabus and lead high-quality coaching sessions across various age groups.
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Work closely with school teaching staff to monitor player attendance, behavior, and academic performance, implementing interventions when necessary.
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Manage league registrations, referee bookings, match-day transport, and external facility hire.
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Assist in managing, mentoring, and evaluating the academy’s coaching and support staff to maintain high training standards.
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Ensure all academy activities comply strictly with school safeguarding, health and safety, and player welfare policies.
What We’re Looking For
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A deep understanding of the "student-athlete" concept and a commitment to balancing football excellence with academic success.
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Experience supervising coaching staff, managing team logistics, and driving operational standards.
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Excellent scheduling, budgeting, and logistical planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced school environment.
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Ability to build strong, professional relationships with school leadership, academic teachers, parents, and external professional clubs.
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Comprehensive knowledge of child protection, player welfare, and safety protocols within an educational or sporting setting (valid DBS required).
As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, our colleagues enjoy:
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Access to a wide range of resources, training, and best practice across the Trust
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Supportive, forward-thinking leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
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Generous Pension Scheme: Significant employer contributions to support your long-term financial wellbeing
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Wellbeing Support: Access to a wellbeing app and an expert-led Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme
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Family Friendly Leave: Policies designed to support work-life balance and caring responsibilities
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Tailored CPD: Ongoing professional development to support your teaching practice and career progression
To find out more, visit our website here or contact the school office on 01293 526255 or
Our Commitment
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible working
We recognise the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. We promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At Kemnal, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview
Be Who You Are at Kemnal - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
