Summer Fields School are seeking to appoint an experienced Tennis Coach to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate sessions to our pupils from the Pre-prep to Year 8. The successful candidate will have a minimum of LTA Level 3 Coach and be confident in their knowledge of tennis. The position is for approximately 20 hours a week, term-time only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Summer Fields is one of the premier boys’ prep and pre-prep schools in the country, situated in 70 acres of superb grounds in North Oxford. The school has an excellent reputation for sporting and academic achievement and is extremely well resourced.
Tennis is highly popular at Summer Fields, with 95 boys participating in weekly tennis lessons which is an excellent level of engagement. The school has achieved recent success at the IAPS National Tennis Finals with the U11 team winning a bronze medal in the top competition (with LTA rankings), and the U13s won gold in the second-tier competition. Additionally, the school has enjoyed sustained success on the local prep school circuit, remaining unbeaten for the past three years.
Purpose of the Job:
To inspire, engage and develop boys in tennis across all abilities, fostering a lifelong enjoyment of the sport while supporting high standards of performance for those with competitive aspirations. The coach will deliver high-quality, age-appropriate sessions that prioritise participation, skill development and enthusiasm, alongside nurturing talented players within the school’s performance pathway.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, engaging and inclusive tennis coaching throughout the year for boys aged 4–13.
- Plan and deliver progressive, age-appropriate sessions that balance fun, participation and skill development.
- Support the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of all pupils, from beginners to performance players.
- Identify and nurture talented players, supporting those involved in LTA competitions and pathways.
- Create a positive and safe learning environment that promotes confidence, resilience and a love of tennis.
- Manage groups effectively, adapting coaching to suit a range of ages, stages and abilities.
- Work collaboratively with PE and games staff to contribute to the wider sports programme.
- Assist with the organisation and delivery of fixtures, competitions, festivals and internal events as required.
- Maintain accurate registers and records of attendance and pupil progress.
- Ensure equipment is well maintained, organised and used appropriately.
General Requirements
- Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment.
- Act in accordance with the school’s Staff Code of Conduct and all relevant policies and procedures.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, including punctuality, attendance, presentation and conduct.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance coaching practice.
- Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of the school.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in line with health and safety requirements.
Qualifications
- A minimum of LTA Level 3 Coach
Skills
- Strong background in tennis, with experience of playing and/or coaching at a competitive level.
- Understanding of player development pathways with experience supporting both recreational and performance players.
- Ability to engage and inspire boys (ages 4–13), adapting delivery to suit a wide range of ages and abilities.
- Experience of working collaboratively within a school environment and contributing to a successful wider sports programme.
- Ability to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable coaching environment that promotes a lifelong love of tennis.
- Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills, including effective use of digital tools.
- Excellent session planning and time management skills, with the ability to deliver structured and progressive lessons.
- Clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of playing tennis to a good club, county or higher level (or equivalent coaching experience).
- Experience of coaching children, ideally within a school or junior performance setting.
- Knowledge of the LTA youth framework and age-appropriate competition structures.
- Understanding of long-term player development, including balancing enjoyment, participation and performance.
- Knowledge of fundamental movement skills and age-appropriate strength and conditioning principles.
- Experience of working with, or supporting, players involved in county, regional or national pathways (desirable).
Personal Qualities and Attitudes
- A genuine passion for developing young people through tennis, with a child-centred approach.
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, demonstrating warmth and approachability.
- Enthusiasm, energy and creativity in delivering engaging and enjoyable sessions.
- Ability to motivate and manage groups of varying ages and abilities, from beginners to high-performing players.
- High levels of personal and professional integrity, with respect for confidentiality and safeguarding.
- Clear and effective communicator, able to adapt style for different audiences.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexible, proactive and willing to contribute to the wider life of the school.
- Commitment to high standards of pupil behaviour, effort and personal development.
- Reflective practitioner, committed to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.
Application Procedure
To satisfy the requirements for safer recruitment, we need to ask you for your full employment record. Details of any gaps between jobs or between finishing education and employment must be provided.
Please apply by providing the following: -
· A fully completed application form, available on www.summerfields.com/recruitment
· A cover letter explaining your previous experience relevant to the position.
· If you have a CV you wish to send, please do so, however a completed application form with full details of your employment history must still be provided. Applications by CV alone will not be accepted.
If you would like further details, please call the HR Manager on 01865 459238. Application forms should be emailed to [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early. We therefore recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The school is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Summer Fields does not discriminate on the grounds of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, age, and disability. Applications are welcome from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have a minimum qualification of LTA Level 3 Coach?
- Do you have experience of coaching children aged 4 - 13?
- Do you have knowledge of the LTA youth framework?
Work Location: In person
