We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Physical Education. You will work closely with the Director of Sport and Deputy Director of Sport (Co-Curricular) in continuing to develop and implement the School’s Sport and PE strategy. You will be directly responsible for the academic and core curriculum of the PE programme at Forest School. This is an opportunity to work at both the operational and strategic level, working closely with the Director of Sport to fulfil the school’s academic and sporting aims.

The successful candidate will have experience teaching both GCSE & A-Level PE to a high level, with clear evidence of pupil attainment. Ideally, they will have experience of moderating both non-examined and examined assessment. They will be responsible for delivering high-quality teaching, planning engaging lessons to enable all pupils to make the best possible progress. We are in the process of reviewing our academic PE and core PE programmes to promote best possible outcomes and clear pathways for all; we encourage the successful candidate to filter into this consultation process with their own ideas. We currently follow the OCR exam board for both GCSE and A-Level PE.

You will also have responsibility for the staffing and organisation of the core PE programme. PE is taught as part of the core curriculum from Year 7 to Year 9, where the pupils follow a movement competency approach that includes areas such as Fundamentals, Health Related Fitness, Swimming and Parkour. You will also work closely with the Head of Sport (Prep) and Head of PE (Snaresbrook) and oversight of their PE curriculums.

The PE department has outstanding school sporting facilities, including a four-badminton court sports hall, a separate gymnasium for gymnastics and dance, a 25-metre swimming pool, a two-lane indoor cricket suite, and a fitness suite which includes cardiovascular and resistance machines and a separate strength and conditioning suite. Outdoors, we have a small 3G ball court and private park space based within Epping Forest which includes a hockey astro, three cricket squares and 5 full size football pitches, plus training pitches.

The successful candidate will be an ambassador for the values of Forest School sport, and a role model for both staff and pupils. They will contribute to all aspects of sport and physical activity at Forest School and establish a sector-leading culture of high performance and participation.

In addition, they will be eager to contribute to the routine and extra-curricular life of the school, as well as that of the department by running after school clubs and practices as well as lead fixtures on Saturdays.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:

• Generous CPD budget
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees
• Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early applications are encouraged. Forest School reserves the right to make appointments at any stage.

Please note that if you have previously applied for this position and were not successful, your application will only be reconsidered if there have been significant changes to your qualifications, or skills that align more closely with the person specification.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken on all successful candidates in accordance with School policy. The safeguarding responsibilities of the post can be found in this job description and person specification.

NB The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.