Woodridge College seeks Head of Hockey to inspire excellence; apply by 16 October 2025 for a January 2026 start

Woodridge College and Preparatory School, a distinguished co-educational, Christian-based institution nestled on a vast eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay, is actively seeking a dynamic Head of Hockey to join their dedicated team. This pivotal teaching jobs role, commencing in January 2026, requires a passionate leader to drive the school’s comprehensive hockey programme, inspire pupils across both the College and Preparatory levels, and contribute significantly to the institution’s distinctive sporting culture. Applications are warmly invited from experienced coaches and leaders until 16 October 2025, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of hockey at this exceptional school.

Vacancy key details

• Role: Head of Hockey
• Institution: Woodridge College and Preparatory School
• Type: ISASA registered, co-educational, Christian-based school
• Location: Situated on a 365-acre, multi-adventure eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• Commencement Date: January 2026
• Closing Date for Applications: 16 October 2025
• Application Submission: Via the school’s dedicated online portal.
• Original Vacancy Source: For more details on this specific role, you can also view the listing on ISASA’s vacancies page.

About the Head of Hockey vacancy

Woodridge College and Preparatory School is actively searching for an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Hockey to lead its vibrant hockey programme. This is an exciting and significant opportunity for an individual dedicated to inspiring excellence, both on and off the field, and to profoundly influence the future of hockey at the school. The successful candidate will be instrumental in nurturing confident, skilled players who embody respect and resilience, aligning perfectly with the school’s mission to empower all individuals to realise their full potential within a unique, natural environment.

The role demands a candidate with strong relevant hockey coaching credentials and proven experience coaching at both school and provincial levels. Critical skills include robust leadership ability, excellent interpersonal and communication skills (interacting with pupils, staff, parents, and external stakeholders), and exceptional administrative and organisational capabilities with a keen eye for detail. The Head of Hockey must be adept at motivating and connecting with pupils of varying skill levels and is expected to be a positive ambassador for hockey at all levels.

Key duties and responsibilities span the strategic development of a strong, sustainable hockey programme across both the College and Preparatory School, efficient planning and logistics for fixtures and tours, and comprehensive administrative duties including practice schedules and fixture confirmations. The role also involves assisting with event management, liaising with the marketing department, managing pupil registrations, and actively participating in the summer sports programme. The Head of Hockey will be responsible for player management, providing clear pathways for potential, developing an accountable coaching team, and ensuring professional match-day operations. Furthermore, the role requires strong stakeholder and community engagement, responsible financial and resource management, and active support for the Preparatory School’s hockey development, which includes physical education responsibilities. A commitment to contribute to the school’s extracurricular and outdoor education programmes and to entrenching the distinctive Woodridge sporting culture is also essential. Applicants must possess intermediate computer literacy, promote and embrace diversity and inclusion, commit to the school’s values and ethos, hold a valid driver’s licence with a PDP, be prepared for work after hours, weekends, and holidays, and have current first aid certification and relevant clearance certificates.

How to apply for this position

• Prepare your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) with all relevant qualifications and experience.
• Ensure your CV includes contact details for two professional references.
• Submit your application directly through the school’s online portal by visiting Woodridge College and Preparatory School Head of Hockey Application.
• Please note that the closing date for applications is 16 October 2025.
• Woodridge College & Preparatory School reserves the right not to fill this position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from the school within three weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Potential candidate questions and advice for preferred applicants

• Q: What qualifications are essential for this role?
  A: You’ll need relevant hockey coaching credentials and a proven track record of coaching at both school and provincial levels. First aid certification and relevant clearance certificates are also mandatory.
• Q: Will I be expected to work outside of regular school hours?
  A: Yes, the role specifically requires commitment to working after hours, on weekends, and during holidays due to match schedules, tours, and events.
• Q: Is a driver’s licence really necessary?
  A: Absolutely. A driver’s licence with a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is essential as travel will be a key part of your responsibilities, especially for fixtures and tours.
• Q: How important are administrative skills for a Head of Hockey?
  A: Highly important. The role involves significant administrative duties, including planning practice schedules, confirming fixtures, managing registrations, and budgeting. Exceptional organisational skills with attention to detail are crucial.
• Q: What is the school’s approach to diversity and inclusion?
  A: The school explicitly seeks candidates who can promote and embrace diversity and inclusion, aligning with its mission to provide an environment where all belong.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my leadership ability?
  A: Highlight instances where you have led teams, managed coaches, or initiated successful programmes. Show your ability to take initiative in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Q: What kind of contribution is expected beyond hockey?
  A: A strong commitment to contributing to the School’s broader extracurricular and outdoor education programmes is expected, helping to entrench the unique Woodridge sporting culture.
• Q: How can I show my alignment with the school’s ethos?
  A: In your application and interview, articulate how your coaching philosophy and personal values resonate with Woodridge’s mission of empowering individuals in a natural, Christian-based environment.
• Q: What should I focus on when preparing my CV?
  A: Emphasise your coaching achievements, leadership experience, administrative capabilities, and any involvement in developing youth sports programmes. Clearly list your qualifications and relevant certifications.
• Q: What if I haven’t coached at a provincial level, but have extensive school experience?
  A: While provincial experience is preferred, strong, proven experience coaching at school level, coupled with a clear vision for strategic development and a passion for the sport, could still make you a strong candidate. Focus on quantifiable successes and impact on player development.
• Q: Is there an opportunity for career growth in this teaching jobs role?
  A: While not explicitly stated, leading a comprehensive programme at an ISASA school like Woodridge offers significant professional development and a platform to build a strong reputation in school sports management.

Institution details

• Name: Woodridge College and Preparatory School
• Website: www.woodridge.co.za
• Address: Situated on a 365-acre eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

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