Graduate Sports Assistant Induction Training

An online programme for independent schools

There are more Graduate Sports Assistants working in independent schools than at any previous time. Many schools have become dependent upon this workforce to deliver their sports programmes. However, many of these young people arrive at schools with no experience of working in schools, or of coaching sport. 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 a pre-recorded event, delivered through two pre-recorded sessions (see dates below), plus two additional technical sports coaching sessions (choose two from Rugby, Hockey, Netball or Football).

This course is FREE for graduate assistants appointed by ICE Education

There are two windows of opportunity for graduates to view the training content: 16-30 June 2025 & 25 August - 8 September 2025. All necessary links will be emailed directly, prior to these dates.

All session recordings will be available to watch as many times as required before the recordings expire.

Programme

Session One

with Richard Biggs, former Headmaster, King’s College

Being a successful Graduate Assistant
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

Session Two

with Neil Rollings, former Director of Sport

Sports Coaching (Theory): Ensuring Order, Safety, Inclusivity and Progress
Sports Coaching: Session starters, Skill development, Small-sided games
Managing School Sports Teams
Match day expectations

Session Three

Pick 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 in the first part of the form.

Upon placing your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with the details you have entered here. Please check carefully and if there are any errors, please let us know.

You will receive further instructions by email on how to access the online content once it has been released (16-30 June 2025 & 25 August - 8 September 2025).

Your name *

Job Title *

School *

Address *

Line 2

Town/City *

Postcode *

Email *

We will use this email address to send joining instructions for the course. It is advisable that you use a personal email to ensure that you receive any relevant information with regard to your booking.

Telephone *

Booking options

Number of Graduate Assistants attending *

Graduate Assistant 1

Name *

Graduate Email

Please supply the email address of the graduate (if known), so we can send them joining instructions.

Session Three Choice 1 *

Select the first session you'd like to book for this Graduate.

Session Three Choice 2 *

Select the second session you'd like to book for this Graduate.

Appointed by ICE

Was this Graduate appointed by ICE Education?

Graduate Assistant 2

Name *

Graduate Email

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Session Three Choice 1 *

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Session Three Choice 2 *

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Appointed by ICE

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Graduate Assistant 3

Name *

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Session Three Choice 2 *

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Appointed by ICE

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Graduate Assistant 4

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Session Three Choice 1 *

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Session Three Choice 2 *

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Appointed by ICE

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Graduate Assistant 5

Name *

Graduate Email

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Session Three Choice 1 *

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Session Three Choice 2 *

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Appointed by ICE

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Course Leaders

Richard Biggs

Richard was Headmaster of King’s College, Taunton for 15 years, having previously been Deputy Head at Lancing. He is a graduate of Oxford and Cape Town Universities, and a firm believer in the value of team games and sports in schools. He coached Hockey and tennis teams throughout his career in schools, including as a head.

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Neil Rollings

Neil was Director of Sport in four independent schools, over a 21-year career, and an Independent Schools Inspector. He is leader of the RFU Schools' Project, contributor to the Government Task Force on the Future of PE and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood. He was Chairman of the Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools for 15 years, and is Course Director of the University of Buckingham MA programme in Leading School Sport.

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Prices

ONE PLACE £129

TWO TO FIVE PLACES £199

This course is FREE for graduate assistants appointed by ICE Education

All prices exclude VAT

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

Price includes three sessions, including choice of two sports coaching webinars.

Updated 21 May 2025

Categories Seminar Programme