Are you a recent graduate with a passion for sport, athletic development and working with young people?

Bedford School is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Graduate Teaching Assistant with a particular interest in Athletic Development to join our vibrant and ambitious sports programme from September 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring coach, teacher or performance practitioner to gain valuable experience within one of the country’s leading independent schools, working across both Prep and Upper School sport.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting and delivering athletic development provision across a range of sports and age groups. You will work closely with PE staff, coaches and medical colleagues to help pupils develop movement competency, physical literacy, speed, strength and resilience within a positive and supportive environment.

Alongside strength and conditioning provision, the role will involve coaching within the wider Games programme, supporting fixtures and co-curricular sport, and contributing fully to the pastoral and boarding life of the school.

This is a busy, varied and rewarding role within a thriving six-day boarding school community, and would suit an energetic graduate who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to immerse themselves in school life.

The role will include:

· Supporting and delivering strength and conditioning sessions across a range of school sports

· Assisting with long-term athletic development programmes for pupils aged 8 to 18

· Supporting movement competency, speed, agility and injury prevention work

· Coaching within one or more major sports across the Prep and Upper School

· Assisting with PE lessons, Games afternoons, training sessions and fixtures

· Supporting pupils’ wider development and wellbeing

· Contributing to the co-curricular and boarding life of the school, including evening boarding duties

· Supporting sports events, tours and competitions, including weekend commitments

We are looking for someone who:

· Holds a degree in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Physical Education or a related field

· Has experience coaching or supporting young athletes

· Has a strong interest in youth athletic development and school sport

· Communicates confidently and works well within a team

· Is organised, proactive and enthusiastic

· Will contribute positively to the wider life of a boarding school community

UKSCA/ASCC accreditation, coaching qualifications and First Aid qualifications would be advantageous, although not essential.

What we offer:

· On-site shared accommodation

· Meals during term time

· A supportive and ambitious sports department

· Opportunities for professional development and mentoring

· Valuable experience within a leading independent school environment

Salary and Contract

· Actual salary: £18,991.36 (term time plus one week), based on a full-time equivalent salary of £24,627.20

· Fixed-term contract from 1 September 2026 to 4 July 2027

Safeguarding

The Harpur Trust and Bedford School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Online searches may also be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Monday 22 June 2026.

For further information, please contact HR@harpurtrust.org.uk or telephone 01234 369500.