Head of Athletic Development and Assistant Head of Rugby

Job Introduction

Head of Athletic Development & Assistant Head of Rugby 

Full-Time | Term-Time | Stowe School, Buckinghamshire 

Stowe School is seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking and passionate individual to take on the role of Head of Athletic Development & Assistant Head of Rugby. 

This is a dual leadership role that combines the strategic oversight of athletic development across the school with hands-on coaching and programme development within one of our flagship sports—rugby. 

As Head of Athletic Development, you will lead the design and delivery of an innovative, progressive programme that supports all pupils—from high-performance athletes to those developing foundational physical literacy. Working closely with the Director of Sport, you'll ensure that Stowe pupils are physically prepared, injury-resilient, and inspired to lead active lives. 

As Assistant Head of Rugby, you'll play a pivotal part in our rugby programme—supporting coaching structures, mentoring young players, and contributing to Stowe’s tradition of excellence on the field. You’ll coach across age groups and assist in shaping the future of the game at Stowe, on both a competitive and developmental level. 

We are looking for a dynamic professional who: 

• Has a strong background in sports science, strength & conditioning, and/or athletic development.
• Is an inspiring rugby coach with experience at school, club, or academy level.
• Demonstrates exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Thrives in a collaborative, high-performing department committed to pupil development and wellbeing.
• Values the holistic development of young people through sport.

Key Responsibilities  

• Design and lead a whole-school athletic development strategy, including S&C, movement skills, injury prevention, and recovery protocols.
• Oversee the use and development of athletic performance facilities and equipment.
• Coach rugby to a high level, leading teams, mentoring pupils, and supporting matchday operations.
• Collaborate with sports coaches and PE staff to integrate athletic principles into all school sports.
• Lead the Stowe Performance Programme to support Stoics who aspire to take performance to the highest level.

Stowe School

Stowe School occupies Stowe House and approximately 200 acres of the Stowe estate and is located in Stowe’s world-famous landscape gardens set in 880 acres. Stowe School is an independent co-educational boarding School with approximately 900 pupils. There are around 500 full and part-time staff with 60 staff and their families living on site. The Stowe Group of schools (Stowe, Ashfold, Swanbourne House and Winchester House) are situated on four separate sites in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire and educate children from 3-18 years. 

Our Schools are not only outstanding places to learn, they are great places to work too.  We are committed to fostering team engagement, attracting, mentoring, developing and retaining our best teachers and support colleagues.

 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to The Stowe Group’s vision. We pride ourselves on our commitment as an organisation to welcome diversity, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where anyone with talent can thrive. To ensure we continue to best serve a diverse community, our ambition is to attract and retain a workforce that is representative of the diversity of our pupil body.

The Stowe Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and an online background check with our third party provider.