Job Title:Tennis Coach
Reporting to: Director of Sport
Purpose of the Job:
To inspire, engage and develop boys in tennis across all abilities, fostering a lifelong enjoyment of the sport while supporting high standards of performance for those with competitive aspirations. The coach will deliver high-quality, age-appropriate sessions that prioritise participation, skill development and enthusiasm, alongside nurturing talented players within the school’s performance pathway.

Key Responsibilities
•Deliver high-quality, engaging and inclusive tennis coaching throughout the year for boys aged 4–13.
•Plan and deliver progressive, age-appropriate sessions that balance fun, participation and skill development.
•Support the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of all pupils, from beginners to performance players.
•Identify and nurture talented players, supporting those involved in LTA competitions and pathways.
•Create a positive and safe learning environment that promotes confidence, resilience and a love of tennis.
•Manage groups effectively, adapting coaching to suit a range of ages, stages and abilities.
•Work collaboratively with PE and games staff to contribute to the wider sports programme.
•Assist with the organisation and delivery of fixtures, competitions, festivals and internal events as required.
•Maintain accurate registers and records of attendance and pupil progress.
•Ensure equipment is well maintained, organised and used appropriately.

General Requirements
•Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment.
•Act in accordance with the school’s Staff Code of Conduct and all relevant policies and procedures.
•Maintain high standards of professionalism, including punctuality, attendance, presentation and conduct.
•Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance coaching practice.
•Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of the school.
•Ensure all activities are conducted in line with health and safety requirements.

Summer Fields is one of the premier boys’ prep and pre-prep schools in the country, situated in 70 acres of superb grounds in North Oxford. We offer excellent teaching, traditional values and exceptional pastoral care. We continue to build on a strong academic legacy with an individual focus on strengthening each boy’s confidence and abilities.

We have a reputation for both sporting endeavour and excellence, with an extremely good record of boys gaining senior school sports scholarships and awards. Whilst we seek to facilitate outstanding individual performance and team success amongst our pupils, we promote physical health as an integral part of each boy’s well-being. Our overarching aim is to nurture a love of sport amongst all boys that will last them a lifetime. Our school motto is "Mens sana in corpore sano", A healthy mind in a healthy body.

Qualifications
•A minimum of LTA Level 3 Coach

Skills
•Strong background in tennis, with experience of playing and/or coaching at a competitive level.
•Understanding of player development pathways with experience supporting both recreational and performance players.
•Ability to engage and inspire boys (ages 4–13), adapting delivery to suit a wide range of ages and abilities.
•Experience of working collaboratively within a school environment and contributing to a successful wider sports programme.
•Ability to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable coaching environment that promotes a lifelong love of tennis.
•Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills, including effective use of digital tools.
•Excellent session planning and time management skills, with the ability to deliver structured and progressive lessons.
•Clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Experience and Knowledge
•Experience of playing tennis to a good club, county or higher level (or equivalent coaching experience).
•Experience of coaching children, ideally within a school or junior performance setting.
•Knowledge of the LTA youth framework and age-appropriate competition structures.
•Understanding of long-term player development, including balancing enjoyment, participation and performance.
•Knowledge of fundamental movement skills and age-appropriate strength and conditioning principles.
•Experience of working with, or supporting, players involved in county, regional or national pathways (desirable).

Personal Qualities and Attitudes
•A genuine passion for developing young people through tennis, with a child-centred approach.
•Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, demonstrating warmth and approachability.
•Enthusiasm, energy and creativity in delivering engaging and enjoyable sessions.
•Ability to motivate and manage groups of varying ages and abilities, from beginners to high-performing players.
•High levels of personal and professional integrity, with respect for confidentiality and safeguarding.
•Clear and effective communicator, able to adapt style for different audiences.
•Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•Flexible, proactive and willing to contribute to the wider life of the school.
•Commitment to high standards of pupil behaviour, effort and personal development.
•Reflective practitioner, committed to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.