Lead Swimming Coach

Overview

Plymouth College in Devon is seeking a Lead Swim Coach to support the elite swimming programme. Applicants should 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 with a strong track record in independent education since 1877. The successful applicant will be a first-class coach who is enthusiastic, passionate, self-motivated, driven, caring and an excellent communicator. The role supports swimmers of all ages and abilities: performance, development, age group, junior and para swimmers. Optional boarding duties may be undertaken to assist with supervision and pastoral care of boarders on a duty rota. On-site residential accommodation is available for staff who opt into boarding duties.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 39 hours per week for 52 weeks per year, with a salary aligned to the Plymouth College Support Staff Pay Scale Band 5A. The role commences on 1 September 2026. The closing date for applications will be advised, and Plymouth College reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

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 assist, support and, where appropriately qualified and experienced, lead the delivery of coaching sessions for swimmers ranging from Year 7 to high-performance international athletes. Working with the Director of Swimming, Deputy Director of Swimming, Plymouth College Aquatics Committee, Swim Administrator and Director of Sport, the Lead Swim Coach will contribute to 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; process meet entries using relevant club software (e.g. HyTek); assist with off-site excursions; attend relevant staff meetings.
• Pastoral and Duty of Care: promote safeguarding and pupil welfare; support pastoral needs of swimmers in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.
• Optional Boarding Duties: candidates may join the boarding team to support supervision and pastoral care of boarders (these duties sit outside the core 39-hour contract).

Residential Option

On-site accommodation is available for those who opt into boarding responsibilities. Living on campus requires a set number of boarding duty hours, separate from the 39-hour contract.

Safeguarding and Duty of Care

All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Annual safeguarding training is provided; staff must follow Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality of information concerning the College and pupils.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications and Experience: Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate (or UKCC Level 2) or international equivalent; NRASTC; commitment to professional development.
• Skills and Knowledge: Proven progression in swimming for age 7+, experience leading British national-level athletes, excellent communication with colleagues, parents and pupils.
• Personal Qualities: empathetic, calm, reliable, well-organised, able to work independently and flexibly; inspirational.

Desirable Criteria

• Swimming Lifeguard and Paediatric First Aid; full driving licence; high-level competitive swimming experience; HyTek software experience.

Appointment Terms

• References: two satisfactory references; DBS and any other required pre-employment checks.
• Terms: permanent, full-time; 39 hours per week, 52 weeks per year; salary Band 5A (£30,460.56 per annum); three-month probation.
• Optional Boarding Duties and Residential Accommodation: additional duties available; on-site accommodation provided on a licence basis; utilities charged as required by HMRC.

Training and How to Apply

Safeguarding and training requirements include Swim England safeguarding certification (valid within the last two years) and a Swim England Coaching Certificate. Required HR training and ongoing CPD are encouraged. See the Recruitment Pack on the Plymouth College website for application details. A copy of the application form is attached for convenience.

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