Begin with students and curriculum needs
If the role mainly delivers PE lessons to whole classes, define the need around curriculum planning, classroom management, assessment and participation across different abilities. PE teaching may involve a range of sports and movement contexts. A competitive background in one sport does not, by itself, explain how someone will teach a mixed-ability class.
Describe specialist coaching separately
For football or another specialist programme, specify the age groups, current playing level, weekly training schedule and match responsibilities. Ask candidates to explain how a session contributes to longer-term development, and how they respond to differences in ability, disappointing results and family expectations.
- Clarify whether the person will select players, organise fixtures, lead trips or coordinate assistant coaches.
Assess both parts of a combined role
One person can teach PE and coach a team, but the brief should describe each responsibility and its expected time commitment. Use two interview scenarios: planning a whole-class PE lesson and planning a specialist team session. In each, explore the learning objective, task adaptations, feedback and participation. Do not assume evidence for one setting automatically demonstrates readiness for the other.
Include management and working patterns
A position that also oversees the curriculum, facilities, budget or coaching team includes programme management. Explain its decision-making authority, reporting line and available support. Matches may require evenings or weekends, so describe the actual arrangement instead of relying on a broad “sports teacher” title.
- When briefing TFI Talent, estimate the share of the role devoted to curriculum teaching, specialist coaching and programme management.