HEAD OF ATHLETICS Job

Somerset College, a prominent independent, co-educational school nestled in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is actively seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join their team as an Independent Sports Contractor for the role of Head of Athletics. This exciting opportunity, detailed further on the original vacancy posting, involves a contract period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. The successful candidate will be a hard-working, performance-driven professional responsible for curriculum design, athlete development, and inspiring both students and staff. Applications are invited until Friday, 28 November 2025, for those ready to make a significant impact on the college’s athletics programme.

Detailed vacancy summary

• School Name: Somerset College
• Position: Head of Athletics (Independent Sports Contractor)
• Contract Period: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026
• Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org
• Closing Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Designing and continuously updating the whole school athletics curriculum and programme.
  • Recruiting, training, mentoring, and evaluating coaching staff.
  • Providing hands-on leadership in coaching and match-day management.
  • Implementing individualised athlete development plans, covering skills, fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
  • Working with medical staff on injury monitoring and rehabilitation.
  • Supporting a balanced approach to academic, cultural, and sporting commitments.
  • Leading transparent team selection processes.
  • Engaging with parents and guardians on athlete progress.
  • Collecting, analysing, and reporting performance data to the Director of Sport.
  • Inspiring students and staff to achieve their full potential.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Proven experience in athletics coaching and programme management, ideally within a school or academy.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
  • A valid Police Clearance (not older than 3 months) and compliance with child protection policies.
  • Familiarity with injury prevention protocols, recovery practices, and return-to-play procedures.
  • A recognised coaching qualification, such as ASA Coaching Level 1 or above, is advantageous.

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About the head of athletics role

Somerset College, established in 1997, is a thriving independent school that caters for students from Grade 000 up to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels. They are looking for a dedicated and energetic individual to take on the Head of Athletics role as an Independent Sports Contractor. This position is central to the development and success of the college’s athletics programme across all age groups.

The role demands a visionary leader who can not only design and refine a comprehensive athletics curriculum, integrating technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and psychological resilience, but also foster a robust coaching team. This involves recruiting, mentoring, and continuously developing coaches to align with the school’s high standards. You will be instrumental in the holistic development of athletes, focusing on their skill advancement, physical well-being, nutrition, and mental resilience, while ensuring their academic and cultural commitments are also met.

Candidates must possess significant experience in athletics coaching and programme management, ideally within an educational setting. Beyond the technical skills, strong leadership, excellent communication, and impeccable organisational abilities are paramount. Compliance with child protection policies, evidenced by a recent police clearance, is a non-negotiable requirement. While a recognised coaching qualification like ASA Coaching Level 1 or higher is beneficial, the ability to inspire and drive performance is key. If you are passionate about sports and shaping young talent, this could be an ideal fit. If you’re looking for more teaching jobs, you can explore other opportunities as well.

How to apply for this exciting opportunity

If you meet the requirements and are eager to take on this challenging yet rewarding position, please follow these application steps:

• Click HERE to access the online application form.
• Ensure all required information is provided accurately.
• Please note that Somerset College adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By submitting your application, you acknowledge and accept that your personal information will be used for the recruitment, selection, and reporting process, with all reasonable measures in place to ensure its confidentiality.
• The closing date for applications is Friday, 28 November 2025. Ensure your submission is made well in advance of this deadline.

Questions and advice for potential candidates

Here are some questions you might have, along with advice to help you prepare a strong application:

• What kind of experience is Somerset College looking for?
  They are seeking proven experience in athletics coaching and programme management, specifically within a school or academy environment. Highlight your practical experience in developing and managing sports programmes for various age groups.
• How important are leadership and communication skills?
  These are crucial. The role requires you to lead and mentor a team of coaches and effectively communicate with athletes, parents, and school management. Provide examples of your leadership and communication successes in previous roles.
• Do I need a specific coaching qualification?
  While an ASA Coaching Level 1 or higher is advantageous, it’s not strictly mandatory if you have extensive, relevant experience. Focus on demonstrating your deep knowledge of athletics and coaching methodologies.
• What should I highlight about my approach to athlete development?
  Emphasise your ability to design individualised plans that cover not just technical skills but also physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental well-being. Show you understand a holistic approach.
• How can I demonstrate my ability to inspire?
  Think about times you’ve motivated students or colleagues to achieve their best. Provide concrete examples in your application or interview that showcase your ability to foster enthusiasm and drive for excellence.
• What about child protection and safety?
  This is non-negotiable. Ensure you have a valid Police Clearance (not older than 3 months) and are fully compliant with child protection policies. Be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding protocols.
• How important is data analysis in this role?
  It’s listed as a responsibility, so it’s important. Be prepared to discuss how you have used performance data to inform coaching strategies, track athlete progress, and report on programme effectiveness.
• What does being an “Independent Sports Contractor” mean for the contract period?
  It implies a fixed-term contract with specific deliverables, rather than a permanent employment. Be clear about your availability for the specified period from January to December 2026.
• Should I research Somerset College before applying?
  Absolutely. Understanding the school’s ethos, values, and existing sports programmes will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest. Visit their website at http://www.somersetcollege.org.
• How can I show my understanding of injury prevention and athlete welfare?
  Discuss your familiarity with protocols for injury prevention, recovery practices, and safe return-to-play procedures. Highlight any experience working collaboratively with medical staff.
• What kind of application documents should I prepare?
  While the online form is the primary method, prepare a compelling CV and a cover letter that directly addresses each of the responsibilities and minimum requirements listed in the vacancy. Tailor it specifically to this Head of Athletics role.