Graduate Sports Assistant Induction Training

An online programme for independent schools

Graduate Sports Assistants have become an essential part of the sports delivery workforce and pastoral teams of independent schools. There are more working in the sector than at any previous time. However, many of these young people arrive at schools with no experience of working with children, or of coaching sport in a formal environment. This online course, delivered by experienced industry experts, seeks to provide a robust induction to the practicalities of the role, including the soft skills necessary to be successful.

This course is designed to prepare newly appointed graduates for the various demands of their role, and also for the more complex challenges of working in independent school sport and dealing with parents, pupils and staff. This will include preparation for coaching games in a choice of winter sports.

This is entirely an pre-recorded event, delivered through two sessions (see details below), plus two additional technical sports coaching sessions (choose two from Rugby, Hockey, Netball or Football).

Programme

Session One

Working in a School Environment

Guy Ayling, Principal, Mount Kelly

This session provides clear guidance on best practice for Graduate Assistants on the practicalities of working in a school environment, and the management of essential relationships.

Working in Independent Schools: expectations, challenges and professional standards
Dealing with different types of pupils
Managing Relationships with Colleagues, Pupils and Parents
Behaviour management in school sport
Practical Safeguarding and Compliance in School Sport
Succeeding as a Graduate Assistant (Jen Malings, Director of Sport)

Session Two

Coaching Sport in Schools

with Neil Rollings, former Director of Sport

Managing the sports coaching environment: Ensuring Order, Safety, Inclusivity and Progress
Sports Coaching: Session starters, Skill development, Small-sided games
Managing School Sports Teams
Match day expectations
Making a Positive Contribution to School Sport (Mark Nasey, Director of Sport)

Session Three

Additional technical sports coaching sessions

Select 2 from Beginners Guide to Coaching:

Rugby
Hockey
Netball
Football

Booking form

Please fill out the form below. Please note that no payment is taken at time of booking, an invoice will be raised and sent to the email address you supply. Access to the recorded sessions will be sent via email to each of the Graduate email addresses supplied.

Name *

Job Title

School *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2 (optional)

Town or City *

Postcode *

Telephone *

Email (for correspondance) *

Email (for invoicing – if different)

Number of Graduate Assistants Attending *

Graduate Assistant 1 Details

Name *

Email *

We ask for this to send the video link directly to your graduate.

Practical Session Choice A *

Practical Session Choice B *

Was this Graduate recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months? *

Yes

Graduate Assistant 2 Details

Name *

Email *

We ask for this to send the video link directly to your graduate.

Practical Session Choice A *

Practical Session Choice B *

Was this Graduate recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months? *

Yes

Graduate Assistant 3 Details

Name *

Email *

We ask for this to send the video link directly to your graduate.

Practical Session Choice A *

Practical Session Choice B *

Was this Graduate recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months? *

Yes

Graduate Assistant 4 Details

Name *

Email *

We ask for this to send the video link directly to your graduate.

Practical Session Choice A *

Practical Session Choice B *

Was this Graduate recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months? *

Yes

Graduate Assistant 5 Details

Name *

Email *

We ask for this to send the video link directly to your graduate.

Practical Session Choice A *

Practical Session Choice B *

Was this Graduate recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months? *

Yes

Course Leaders

Neil Rollings

Neil Rollings was Director of Sport in four independent schools, over a 21-year career. He now works with schools in UK and overseas, developing sports programmes and appointing Directors of Sport. He is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, was Chairman of the Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools, and is Course Director of the University of Buckingham MA programme in Leading School Sport.

View details

Prices

1 Graduate £129

2–5 Graduates £199

This course is FREE for graduate assistants recruited by ICE Education in the past 12 months

All prices exclude VAT

Don’t forget schools can now reclaim the VAT on all our courses

Updated 24 June 2026

Categories Seminar Programme