Lead Swimming Coach

Plymouth College in Devon is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed Lead Swim Coach to support the elite swimming programme at Plymouth College. Applicants must have established experience and proven results developing swimmers towards a British and/or English Age Group National Championships or a national equivalent.

Plymouth College is a leading co-educational school which has operated at the forefront of independent education since its inception in 1877. With its excellent programmes for the academic and personal development of pupils, fantastic wellbeing and pastoral care and world-leading performance sports and co-curricular activities, the College produces well-rounded, confident and resilient young people who stand out from the crowd.

The successful applicant will be a first-class coach to our Plymouth College swimmers: enthusiastic, passionate, self-motivated, driven, caring and an excellent communicator. The successful applicant will be open to learning, and will display abilities and understanding around supporting the development of athletes of all ages and abilities: performance, development, age group, junior and para swimmers.

Candidates may also choose to undertake optional boarding duties, assisting with the supervision and pastoral care of boarders on a duty rota. These duties are not part of the core 39‐hour coach contract but offer valuable additional experience within a busy boarding and day school environment.

Residential Option: On‐site accommodation is available only for staff who opt into the boarding element of the role. To reside on site, the post holder must undertake a set number of boarding duty hours, which are separate from and additional to the 39‐hour Lead Swim Coach contract.

This is a permanent, full‑time position, working 39 hours per week for 52 weeks per year. The role is remunerated in line with the Plymouth College Support Staff Pay Scale Band 5A. The timing of the hours each week will be flexible and as directed by the school. The post will commence at the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, 1st September 2026.

The closing date for applications is as above. Plymouth College reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. The College may interview and appoint before the advertised closing date, and early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

Plymouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Role Summary

The Lead Swim Coach will be a key member of the Plymouth College Aquatics team and will be required to assist, support and, where appropriately qualified and experienced, lead the delivery of coaching sessions for a wide range of swimmers, from Year 7 competitive swimmers through to high‑performance international athletes.

Overview

Working closely with the Director of Swimming, Deputy Director of Swimming, Plymouth College Aquatics (PCA) Committee, Swim Administrator and Director of Sport, the Lead Swim Coach will contribute to the planning, execution, and delivery of training programmes, competitions, training camps, and day-to-day squad activities. The post holder will also support the wider administration and operational delivery of the PCA programme, ensuring athletes are supported both in and out of the pool.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching and Athlete Development:

• Assist and lead (where appropriate) coaching across the Plymouth College Aquatics programme.
• Support the development of swimmers from age 7 upwards, including performance, development, age‑group, junior and para‑swimmers.
• Contribute to session planning, athlete monitoring and performance progression.

Administration and Operations:

• Assist with officiating and administration of swimming as required and in line with individual strengths.
• Process meet entries using relevant club software (e.g. Hytek).
• Assist with off‑site excursions as required. Attend relevant staff meetings as required.

Pastoral and Duty of Care:

• Promote the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare at all times.
• Support the pastoral needs of swimmers, ensuring a safe, positive and inclusive environment.

Optional Boarding Duties

Candidates have the opportunity to enhance their role by joining the boarding team, contributing to the supervision and pastoral care of our boarders as part of a supportive duty rota. These additional duties sit outside the core 39‑hour coaching contract, but they offer a rewarding chance to build deeper relationships with pupils and gain valuable experience within a thriving boarding and day school community.

Residential Option

For those who choose to take on boarding responsibilities, high‑quality on‑site accommodation is available. Living on campus provides a vibrant, immersive experience at the heart of school life. To reside on site, the post holder will complete an agreed number of boarding duty hours, which are separate from the 39‑hour Lead Swim Coach contract. This option is ideal for candidates seeking to broaden their pastoral skill set while enjoying the convenience and community of residential school living.

Safeguarding of Students and Duty of Care

All staff, regardless of role, level of seniority and location, have a responsibility to ensure the highest levels of safeguarding and to promote the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff must be able to identify children who are at risk of harm and understand the characteristics of abuse or neglect. If you suspect or confirm harm, then it’s essential you know what actions to take.

Annual safeguarding training is provided to all staff at the College, and it is the staff member’s responsibility to be aware of the most up-to-date guidance documented in the Keeping Children Safe in Education document (Department for Education).

Confidentiality

You are required to maintain confidentiality of information concerning the College, its dealings or affairs, and the pupils' affairs, including any information concerning academic, pastoral or financial matters whilst working at the College.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are intended to provide a general overview and may be subject to change; they do not constitute a comprehensive list.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must hold a minimum Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate, UKCC Coach Level 2 qualification - or an international equivalent.
• NRASTC (National Rescue Award for Swim Teachers and Coaches) - must hold this qualification prior to starting in September.
• Commitment to develop as a reflective practitioner and evidence of recent involvement in relevant professional development.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Proven track record of ensuring progression in swimming and key skills from age 7 and above, in line with Swim England requirements.
• Experience of leading and producing British National‑level athletes (or equivalent standard).
• Excellent communication skills, including maintaining relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils.

Personal Qualities and Abilities:

• Be empathetic, sympathetic, calm, caring, and patient.
• Have a positive approach and a can-do attitude.
• Be reliable and well-organised, able to manage a busy schedule effectively.
• Work independently with minimal direction
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Project a cooperative, courteous and helpful attitude to all.
• Be an inspirational role model.
• Manage a varied work pattern, including early and late shifts, with professionalism and flexibility

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications and Experience:

• Swimming Lifeguard and Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Full, clean driving licence with a minimum of two years’ confident driving experience.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Competitive swimming experience to a high level is desirable.
• Experience with Hytek software.

The qualities and experience outlined in the person specification will be assessed by the following methods:

• Sight of original qualifications.
• Plymouth College application form.
• Interview.
• References from current employer and other chosen professionals.

Plymouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Appointment Terms

All appointments are subject to:

• The receipt of two satisfactory references (if these have not already been received).
• A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and, if appropriate, a check of the Barred List maintained by the DBS.
• Any other relevant pre‑employment checks required under current Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

• This is permanent, full time position.
• 39 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
• The role is remunerated in line with the Plymouth College Support Staff Pay Scale Band 5A, at £15.02 per hour (£30,460.56 per annum).
• On successful appointment, there is a probationary period of three months.

Optional Boarding Duties and Residential Accommodation:

Candidates may choose to undertake additional boarding duties on a rota basis, which will include early morning, evening and weekend duties. These duties are not part of the core contract. On site accommodation is available only to those who opt into the boarding element of the role and is provided on a ‘licence to occupy ’ basis; fuel and light expenses are charged as required by HMRC.

Safeguarding and Training Requirements

In line with Swim England guidance and Plymouth College’s commitment to safeguarding and instructional excellence, the following requirements are essential for this role:

• Safeguarding Certification: You must hold a valid Swim England Safeguarding Certificate dated within the last two years. Plymouth College will reimburse the cost of obtaining this certification.
• Certification: You must hold a valid Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate (or equivalent).
• Training Commitment: You are expected to complete all mandatory HR training, as required, to support ongoing professional development and ensure compliance with College and school standards. In addition, staff are encouraged to engage in informal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities within the Swim Department to maintain best practice, develop skills, and support high-quality provision.

Please see the full Job Description on our website (please click the apply button to be redirected to the Recruitment Pack]

How to apply

Click the apply button to be redirected to the Recruitment Pack on the Plymouth College website. From there, please follow the details on how to apply.

A copy of the application form is attached below for your convenience.

Contact phone

01752505100

• Plymouth College Lead Swim Coach Application Form