The Independent Schools Council
The Independent Schools Council
Overview
Director of Sport
Full-time Senior Leadership Role
Start Date: September 2026
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Sport to lead our thriving and dynamic Sports Departments. This is an exciting opportunity, career defining role for a top-class practitioner, leader and manager to shape an ambitious sporting culture across the schools making up the Foundation.
Loughborough Schools Foundation proudly works with Loughborough University Sport and Loughborough University National Tennis Academy (LUNTA) as part of a bespoke programme designed to provide junior elite tennis players expert coaching, science, medicine, and education. The LUNTA students receive an excellent education, boarding and pastoral provision at Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School.
Our partnership expands beyond the LUNTA programme, with student athletes across our senior schools benefitting from specialist coaching and use of world-class facilities at Loughborough University – the world’s leading sports university.
The successful candidate will inspire pupils of all abilities, develop high-performing teams, and promote wellbeing, participation, and excellence. You will lead a talented staff team, oversee the curricular and co-curricular programme, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of sport within the schools.
Responsibilities
We are looking for someone who:
- Is an experienced and motivating leader with a track record of raising standards and participation.
- Brings expertise in coaching and developing sport at performance and participation levels.
- Can think strategically and manage people, facilities, and resources effectively.
- Is committed to promoting health, wellbeing, teamwork, and enjoyment through sport.
- Thrives in a busy, fast-paced and high-achieving independent school environment.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Experience in leadership with a track record of raising standards and participation.
- Expertise in coaching and developing sport at performance and participation levels.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to manage people, facilities, and resources effectively.
- Commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, teamwork, and enjoyment through sport.
- Ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced independent school environment.
Benefits
- Excellent facilities and a rich sporting tradition.
- A supportive, forward-thinking staff team.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership impact.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
About the Organisation
Loughborough Schools Foundation is a vibrant and diverse community, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you have the skills and ambition to succeed in this role, we would love to hear from you.
Application Process
For further information about the role, please view the job description and personal specification.
Candidates should apply via the website and should complete the online application.
In addition, please submit a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) addressed to Mr Staley – CEO and send to: .
For an informal discussion about the role with the CEO, please contact the PA to the Central Services Executive team; Kathleen Payter – who will arrange this over Teams.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Noon on Tuesday 24 February 2026
First round interviews are expected to take place week commencing 9 March 2026
Second round interviews are expected to take place week commencing 16 March 2026