Director of Sport

North East Ambition; North East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the North East is seeking a dedicated individual to lead and shape sport across the school starting September 2026. This role involves inspiring pupils and staff, developing sports programmes, and promoting health and wellbeing. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sport, strong leadership skills, and experience in an educational setting. The position offers a supportive environment focused on community and professional development.

Benefits

High-quality professional development opportunities

Supportive community

Access to state-of-the-art facilities in 2026

Qualifications

• Demonstrable skill and experience in sport and exercise.
• Ability to inspire within a faith-driven community.
• Commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school’s sport programme.
• Motivate pupils and staff in sport and physical education.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate sport into the curriculum.

Skills

Passion for sport and exercise

Strong leadership and communication skills

Experience in developing sports programmes

Job description

Location: St Leonard’s Catholic School, North End, Durham, DH14NG

Grade: MPS/UPS (£32,916 - £51,048 per annum) plus TLR1c £14,866

Hours: Full Time, Permanent

School Overview

St Leonard’s Catholic School is a thriving, oversubscribed secondary school with a vibrant sixth form, located in the historic cathedral city of Durham. We are proud to have been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted (October 2024), with inspectors praising our culture of care and achievement where every pupil is known and loved. They highlighted our expertly designed curriculum, exceptional teaching, and strong personal development programme that builds character and resilience. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and value the high‑quality education they receive.

Our Catholic Schools Inspection (2025) commended St Leonard’s as a community where faith and learning flourish together, describing our mission as “lived and visible in every aspect of school life.” Inspectors noted the strength of our pastoral care and the inclusive, supportive environment that makes our school a joy to be part of.

We are entering an exciting new chapter as part of the national School Re‑Building Programme, with a stunning new building opening in Spring 2026. This will combine cutting‑edge facilities with the charm of a restored Victorian house at the heart of our site.

As one of the highest‑achieving schools in the North East—with almost 50% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and excellent A Level outcomes (Overall Grade B)—we have a strong track record for Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications.

We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the largest Catholic education trust in the North East, offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and career progression across 48 schools.

Why work with us?

• Outstanding behaviour and a calm, respectful learning environment.
• A supportive, faith‑driven community where staff are valued and developed.
• High‑quality professional development opportunities through the school and Trust.
• A school culture that prioritises wellbeing, collaboration, and excellence.
• Exciting future with state‑of‑the‑art facilities opening in 2026.

Position Summary

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an inspirational and dedicated individual to lead and shape sport across our school from September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage the school’s sport programme.
• Inspire and motivate pupils, staff and the wider school community in sport and physical education.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to integrate sport into the curriculum and pastoral activities.
• Adopt innovative approaches to promote health, wellbeing and character development through sport.

Qualifications and Experience

• Passion for sport and exercise, with demonstrable skill and experience in the area.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, able to inspire within a faith‑driven community.
• Experience in developing, delivering and evaluating sport programmes in an educational setting is desirable.
• Commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people.

How to Apply

To complete an online application form, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Closing date: 12 January 2026

Interview date: To Be Confirmed

Equality and Safeguarding

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.