Sports Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job Description

Sports Teaching Assistant | SEMH | Primary & KS3 | Orpington

Are you a sports enthusiast who wants to use your passion to make a difference to young people's lives?

A specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school in Orpington is looking for an energetic, outgoing and resilient Sports Teaching Assistant to support pupils across KS1–KS3, from primary age through to Year 9.

This role is ideal for someone with a sporting background who enjoys motivating children, building relationships and helping young people develop confidence, teamwork and positive behaviour.

You could be a football coach, sports graduate, aspiring PE teacher or someone who simply loves sport and has a natural ability to engage young people. Previous SEMH experience isn't essential — we're looking for the right personality, a positive attitude and the resilience to work in a specialist school.

The Role – Sport, Behaviour & Student Support

• Support PE lessons and sporting activities, encouraging pupils to participate and try new things.
• Use sport to develop teamwork, communication, confidence and self-discipline.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who may struggle with behaviour, emotional regulation or engagement.
• Motivate students who lack confidence or are reluctant to take part.
• Support positive behaviour through encouragement, clear boundaries and consistency.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and provide support throughout the school day.
• Help pupils develop resilience, independence and positive social skills.
• Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to maintain a safe, structured and supportive environment.

Who We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from:

• Football coaches and sports coaches from any sporting background.
• Sports and exercise science graduates.
• Aspiring PE teachers and individuals considering a career in education.
• Fitness instructors, activity leaders and community coaches.
• Confident, outgoing individuals who enjoy working with children and young people.

You'll need to be:

• Energetic and enthusiastic – someone who brings positivity into the school day.
• Passionate about sport – confident encouraging participation and teamwork.
• Resilient and confident – able to remain calm when behaviour becomes challenging.
• Relationship-driven – able to build trust while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Reliable and punctual – a consistent and positive role model for pupils.

A teaching qualification and previous SEMH experience are not essential. A genuine interest in sport, willingness to learn and ability to engage young people are what matter.

Why Apply? This is an opportunity to combine your passion for sport with a rewarding role supporting pupils who may have struggled in mainstream education.

You'll gain valuable experience in a specialist school, develop your behaviour-management and mentoring skills, and help young people discover the benefits of physical activity, teamwork and achievement.

It's an excellent starting point for aspiring PE teachers, sports graduates and coaches looking to move into education.

Interested? If you're outgoing, passionate about sport and want to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Sports coaches, football enthusiasts and aspiring PE teachers — bring your energy to the classroom.

Apply today or contact Ribbons & Reeves to find out more.

Know someone who would be a great fit? We offer referral bonuses for successful recommendations.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Orpington

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

23-10-2026

Profession type

Teaching / Instructors / Guides

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English