Dumpton is a thriving, coeducational Prep School built on a simple but powerful belief: that every child has remarkable potential within them. Our role is to create an environment in which each individual has the very best opportunity to flourish. Our values — Be Kind and Aim High — are not slogans on a wall; they guide our decisions, shape our culture and define our expectations of one another.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and inspiring Sports Coach with a hockey specialism to join our thriving Sports Department.
The successful candidate will be passionate about developing children of all abilities through sport and will play a key role in delivering high-quality coaching across hockey and a range of major sports. They will lead engaging training sessions, support fixtures and tournaments, and help promote a positive sporting culture built on teamwork, resilience and enjoyment.
We are looking for someone with strong hockey coaching experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire young people both on and off the field. Experience working with Prep-age children is essential.
This is an exciting opportunity to support pupil development within a positive sporting environment with excellent facilities.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Sports Coach with Hockey Specialism
REPORTS TO: Director of Sport and Assistant Director of Sport
BACKGROUND
Dumpton School is a Prep School in the heart of Dorset near the thriving market town of Wimborne, which offers an outstanding education to children aged 2 to 13 years old. The school has undergone a prolonged period of stability and success, and boasts superb, modern facilities, a strong roll of over 340 pupils, and a forward thinking and ambitious approach to education, recognised by ISI as having a “significant strength” in our most recent inspection.
The school’s strength is built upon a brilliant staff team who work hard to create a superb environment for children to flourish and fulfil their potential, focusing on academic success, as well as character education.
Two core values – Be Kind and Aim High – lie at the cornerstone of Dumpton’s ethos and culture, and also sit at the heart of Dumpton’s vision ‘a nurturing and aspirational environment where every child fulfils their academic and personal potential’.
PURPOSE:
To effectively deliver sports coaching and individual sporting development experiences across the range of abilities and ages within the school. To lead and develop our Hockey programme within our sports framework.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To be an inspirational, enthusiastic and nurturing sports coach, helping children of all ages and abilities enjoy sport.
- To provide appropriate games coaching and instruction for Prep age pupils within the school across a number of our major sports across the year (e.g. Hockey, Football, Netball, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Athletics and Swimming)
- To lead on specific hockey training sessions, planning practices to ensure engaging sessions for pupils of all abilities, and supporting staff development where appropriate.
- To produce session plans for all levels and age groups of players, ensuring a clear curriculum for football at Dumpton that progresses pupils skills and technical and tactical development.
- Be available to coach and referee fixtures and tournaments throughout the year.
- Select teams for matches and write match reports following fixtures.
- Have responsibility for the use and upkeep of Hockey sports equipment.
- Attend staff meetings and seek continual professional development in all matters affecting work.
- To actively promote the Be Kind and Aim High values and vision of the school.
- Be aware of and support equal opportunities for all pupils.
- Establish constructive relationships and communication with parents
- To provide an emergency capability and administer first aid as and when required.
- Assist with the organisation, preparation and supervision of fixtures, tournaments and sporting events.
- Promote positive sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience and pupil wellbeing through participation.
- Any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Head for general and specific professional duties.
- To attend staff meetings, INSET training and training courses as required.
- To work in accordance with Dumpton School policies.
- To understand Safeguarding Children and report any concerns or observations to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the employee will be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Headmaster and Director of Sport.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Sports Coach with Hockey Specialism Date: May 2026
Department: Sport
- Relevant Hockey Coaching Qualifications
- Refereeing/Umpiring qualification or willingness to work towards one.
- Relevant Hockey Coaching Experience
- Knowledge and understanding of safe Hockey practice and player welfare.
- Experience teaching and coaching young children sport.
- Experience coaching across a range of age groups and abilities.
- Ability to organise and deliver engaging coaching sessions across a range of abilities and age groups.
- An ability to coach a variety of sports
- Ability to act on own initiative.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
Personal Qualities required
- Enthusiasm and a positive approach to pupil development.
Dumpton School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Dumpton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.
