Head of Tennis

Organisation: Mill Hill School
Salary: Competitive
Location: Mill Hill, North London
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 14 October 2025
Interview date: 17 October 2025
Job Description: The successful applicant will establish a market-leading tennis programme to support the School’s vision of gaining national recognition and competing at the highest levels. In this way, it will mirror the success we have achieved in other sports in recent years. Although you will be based at our Y9-13 senior school Mill Hill, you will have the chance to influence the future direction of tennis across the wider Mill Hill Education Group, including developing strategic partnerships with external organisations to enhance provision and pathways.

Purpose of the Job

• To shape and lead tennis for boys and girls aged 13–18 across Mill Hill School, articulating a clear philosophy and vision for strategic development and delivery
• To work more widely within the Mill Hill group, most specifically with our feeder prep Belmont and our international school MHI
• The Head of Tennis will report to the Mill Hill Director of Sport and work collaboratively across the Sports Department as required

Main Duties and Responsibilities Programme Leadership & Development

• To be responsible for the organisation and administration of tennis, including fixtures, tours, staffing, kit, equipment, communication, transport, catering, medical requirements, risk assessments, and SOCS administration
• To develop and deliver a performance pathway aligned with LTA frameworks with clear individual development planning (IDPs), supporting aspirational players to access county, regional and national opportunities
• To introduce and lead a Mill Hill Tennis Academy structured around scheduled training blocks and integrated technical, tactical, physical and psychological development involving Mill Hill School, Belmont, Mill Hill Education Group Schools and external pupils, offering greater access for the Mill Hill community
• To coordinate year-round periodised training opportunities, including morning, lunchtime and after-school sessions throughout the academic year
• To design and implement a consistent coaching philosophy and consistent technical, tactical and match-play framework for tennis across all Mill Hill Schools

Management & Staffing

• To recruit, retain and line-manage tennis coaching staff, ensuring high-quality CPD and a culture of sharing best practice
• To develop strong links with local clubs, the LTA and other governing bodies, with a view to establishing a formal external tennis partnership that enhances opportunities for pupils

Fixtures, Competitions & Events

• To organise and lead tennis tours, host annual pupil, parent and staff competitions, and establish an annual Tennis Dinner
• To prepare and support pupils to compete in LTA Schools and national events at both Junior and Senior levels, including the ISTA Championships at Eton
• To facilitate annual participation in specialist tennis academies abroad (e.g., La Manga, Val do Lobo, Cyprus), enriching player development and reinforcing the School’s international outreach
• To coordinate the Inter-House tennis programme and promote broader pupil participation

Wider School Contribution

• To contribute to the games programme by leading or co-coaching a core sport team each term, including Saturday fixtures
• To work with the Head of Athletic Development and the multi-disciplinary Performance Team (S&C, sports therapist, nutritionist, psychologist) to enhance performance and reduce injury risk
• To lead recruitment by identifying talented 11+, 13+ and 16+ pupils, including international pupils, ensuring Mill Hill School becomes a destination for ambitious young tennis players
• To design and deliver a clear ‘Fit for Life’ strand within tennis that introduces and supports beginners, ensuring accessible entry points while also acting as an ambassador for Mill Hill Sport and aligning provision with our ‘Fit for Life’ and ‘Fit for Performance’ strands
• To attend key events, including Open Mornings, Foundation Day, and sports showcases
• To work with Mill Hill School Enterprises to plan, deliver and grow high-quality holiday tennis camps that engage both current pupils and the wider community, ensuring alignment with the School’s strategic and commercial objectives
• To carry out any other duties as reasonably required by the Head & Director of Sport

Leadership, Profile & Alumni

• To be an active member of the Heads of Sport team, contributing to strategic sports planning across Mill Hill
• To host showcase events and invitationals at Mill Hill, raising the profile of both the School and its tennis programme in the broader tennis community
• To support Old Millhillian engagement and development initiatives through tennis events, strengthening the prestige and legacy of Mill Hill Tennis

Person Specification
Experience and Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning and leadership of a tennis programme
• Proven track record of coaching performance- level tennis or leading a high-performance tennis environment
• Experience of coaching and inspiring players across a range of ages and abilities, including flexibility to contribute to other school sports programmes when required
• LTA Level 3 qualification (preferred) or Level 2 with significant experience and a willingness to achieve Level 3 within 12–18 months, with a view to gaining higher accreditation thereafter
• The School is committed to supporting professional development, including CPD opportunities and progression to higher LTA coaching qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including effective use of scheduling and data systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire pupils, colleagues, and parents
• Understanding of long-term athlete development principles, including integration with S&C and sports science support
• Awareness of safeguarding, health and safety, and best practice in duty of care

Personal Attributes
• A visible leader with energy, ambition, and integrity
• Ability to take initiative, show flexibility, and work collaboratively within a large team
• Commitment to the values of Mill Hill Sport and to promoting inclusion, wellbeing and pupil voice
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and during tours or camps
How to apply: https://ce0683li.webitrent.com/ce0683li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID=4683462r8Z&LANG=USA&VACANCY_ID=4597644qg8