Head and Teacher of physical education and games

Overview

Exeter School is one of the leading co-educational day schools in the Southwest, educating over 1,000 pupils aged 3-18. We are looking to appoint a Head of Rugby & Teacher of physical education and games to join our school, a school of great character, from September 2026. The role will lead an established rugby programme throughout the junior and senior school (Years 3-13) and is suited to someone with teaching experience and preferably prior experience as head of rugby in a school.

Applicants should hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and be confident teaching physical education and games across the full age range (Years 3-13). Experience delivering a broad range of curriculum sports to a high standard is essential, with significant experience coaching and teaching rugby up to 1st XV (U18) level. The successful applicant will also lead teams in the school’s other core sports of hockey, cricket, and netball and will contribute to lunchtime, after school and weekend co-curricular commitments.

• Design, development and delivery of the rugby programme across Exeter School to maximise pupil potential, including shaping player pathways and staff development, and ensuring smooth administration of the sport.
• Lead the rugby programme while supporting and coordinating coaching teams; manage fixture lists and maintain strong relationships across the school community.
• Promote an inclusive culture and belonging within sport and rugby for all pupils and staff, aligning rugby with whole-school aims and virtues.
• Teach physical education and games across the junior (Years 3-6) and senior (Years 7-13) school as part of the PE department.
• Contribute to the wider co-curricular sports programme, including lunchtime, after school and weekend activities, and support other core sports (hockey, cricket, netball) as required.

The PE department consists of nine full-time and two part-time teachers, supported by academic staff coaching games and external coaches. All members teach across the junior and senior school. Exeter School offers extensive timetabled PE and Games lessons, with additional clubs and sessions at lunchtime and after school. The school fields teams in hockey, netball, cricket for girls; rugby, hockey, cricket for boys;

and runs competitive squads in athletics, cross country, football, swimming, and squash. Fixtures run weekends and weekdays against leading schools in the southwest and in regional/national competitions.

Facilities include 25 acres of playing fields, a floodlit astro development, swimming pool, sports hall, newly refurbished gym, studio and aerobic room. Rugby is the core boys’ sport in autumn term, with teams from U8 to U18 and multiple squads to accommodate players of all abilities.

Note:

This section maintains original wording where present in the source description.

The fixture list is extensive and includes matches against Blundell's, King's College Taunton, Bryanston, Bristol Grammar School, West Buckland, Plymouth College and QEH Bristol. Exeter School competes in county and national cups at U14, U15 and U18 and enters major 7s tournaments each spring. The school has a proud record of player development with many pupils progressing to county, regional, academy and BUCS pathways;

some former pupils have progressed to professional rugby and other top-level teams.

The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including employer pension contribution, free school lunch during term time, free on-site parking, discretionary staff discount on school fees, and access to the indoor swimming pool and fitness suite.

The closing date for applications is Monday 23 February at noon, with interviews anticipated on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are 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 and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references addressed to the school and to satisfactory DBS clearance. This post falls into the category of Regulated Activity.