Role Introduction

Eton College is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Water Polo Coach with a passion for the sport.  The appointed coach will be responsible for planning, organising and delivering the Water Polo programme to pupils at Eton College. The coach will be responsible for designing and implementing training programmes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. The coach must also be able to motivate and inspire players to reach their full potential.

The sports programme at Eton College aims to cater for all pupils using Participation, Performance and Enjoyment as three principles by which to measure success. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the school’s sport programme; providing coaching, supervision and guidance.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Work with the Master in Charge of Water Polo and Director of School Sport to schedule appropriate training slots;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for the various Water Polo teams, including physical conditioning, skill development, and team strategy.
• Foster good sportsmanship in all team players by resolving disputes and addressing any bad behaviour in a timely manner;
• Evaluate the progress of each player, and provide feedback to improve their performance;
• Make effective use of facilities available at Eton;
• Attend Match days as required;
• Practice established health and safety procedures at all times in line with the schools safeguarding policies and risk assessment for Water Polo;
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Experience in planning and organising training sessions;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• A passion for water polo and coaching with a desire to help students develop their skills and achieve their goals;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• The ability to work with a variety of age groups;
• A commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players;
• Willingness to work flexible hours;
• An understanding and commitment to the highest levels of pupil welfare;
• An understanding and commitment to the aims and ethos of sport at Eton;

Working Hours:

• This is a fixed term, casual position working during the 2025 Michaelmas and 2026 Lent Half (8 September 2025 to 20 March 2026). This will be discussed on a termly basis and reviewed annually.
• Because of the casual status of this role the College is under no obligation to provide you with work or a minimum number of set hours each week.  As a member of casual staff, requirements for your services will depend on a varying level of demand. You will only be paid for the hours you have actually worked as a casual employee. However, the likely working pattern is approximately 2 hours per week as follows:
• Tuesdays 5.00pm – 6.00pm;
• Thursdays 5.00pm – 6:00pm;
• Some other sessions, such as Match days, can be discussed at interview.
• The hourly rate for the role is £40.15 per hour plus £4.85 holiday pay per hour. The amount of pay of holiday reflects your entitlement of 5.6 weeks’ holiday per year and is equivalent to 12.07% percent of hours worked.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College