Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This national recognition reflects our long-term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting and proud moment to be joining our community.

At Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, we believe sport has the power to shape character, instil lifelong habits, and bring out the very best in young people. Set within a stunning 100-acre campus and supported by exceptional facilities, including our state-of-the-art Medburn Sports Centre, we are proud to offer one of the finest school-based sporting environments in the country.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, qualified, and inspiring Prep Swimming Coach & Sports Assistant to join our vibrant and highly experienced Sports Department. Working primarily with our Prep and Pre-Prep pupils, you will play a key role in developing fundamental swimming skills, building confidence in the water, and fostering a lifelong love of swimming among our youngest learners.

You will join a large and collaborative team led by our Director of Sport and Head of Aquatics, alongside a Head of Prep PE, eight full-time PE teachers, athletic development specialists, a sports administrator, and professional coaching partners from elite organisations including Tottenham Hotspur, Saracens, Middlesex CCC and Watford Water Polo.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and inspire the delivery of an exceptional swimming programme across the Prep and Pre-Prep Schools, creating a dynamic and engaging environment where every child can flourish. The successful candidate will also contribute to the wider sports provision, promoting excellence, participation and enjoyment across the curriculum. 

This role is a one year fixed term role. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver high-quality swimming lessons within the Prep and Pre-Prep Schools.
• Follow and contribute to the ongoing development of the departmental swimming scheme of work.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver engaging swimming lessons for individuals and groups, ensuring appropriate progression and maximum benefit for all pupils.
• Respond to accidents and emergencies in accordance with the Medburn Sports Centre Pool Safety Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plan.
• Take responsibility for the health and safety of participants, carrying out dynamic risk assessments and reporting any facility or equipment concerns promptly.
• Support and oversee co-curricular swimming activities, including fixtures, galas and swimming events for Prep and Pre-Prep pupils, while assisting with Senior School events as required.
• Supervise pupils during changing times and when escorting younger age groups to and from swimming sessions.
• Attend whole-school INSET and safeguarding training sessions.
• Produce two termly aquatics newsletters for parents.
• Contribute positively to the wider sports programme across the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools.

Experience & Qualities

We Are Looking For:

• Swim England (SEQ) Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification (or equivalent).
• Excellent technical knowledge of swimming techniques, stroke development and age-appropriate coaching methods.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures, risk assessment and poolside safety.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to deliver structured and progressive lessons.
• A positive, flexible and collaborative approach to working within a large sports department.
• A passion for inspiring young people and promoting participation, confidence and achievement through sport.

What We Offer

Habs Elstree Schools are among the leading independent schools in the country and recognise and reward excellence. We offer attractive  benefits, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to educational opportunity and community engagement.

Some of our benefits include:

• Private Pension Scheme through Aegon with generous employer contributions.
• Additional life insurance cover.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential support and advice.
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Free lunch and refreshments.
• Free onsite parking and access to travel on the Schools' extensive coach network.
• Free access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including the gym, swimming pool and fitness classes.
• Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, including yoga, mindfulness sessions and health checks.
• Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice.
• Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice and wellbeing resources.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy and interview suitable candidates before the closing date if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Haberdashers' Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.