Debate Performance Coach

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Debate Performance Coach on a permanent part-time contract to start in October 2026. 

Main Purpose of the Role: This role represents an exciting opportunity to further develop and enhance our Debate Society. With more than 100 pupils registered at the beginning of the 2025 26 academic year, the Debate Society is one of the College’s largest pupil activities.

Debate Performance Coach General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Preparing for and delivering a 90-minute workshop session between 4.00pm-5.30pm on Thursdays, in Brighton. Sessions should include both skill-based and content-based material and should be interactive with drills and exercises.

• Working with small groups of pupils throughout Thursday afternoon to develop their skills. These private lessons should be aimed at continuing the development of our most talented pupils.

• Creating and distributing resources (such as PowerPoints and case files) for reference by pupils.

• Assisting the Head of Debate in selection of teams for competitions.

• Assisting the Head of Debate in the organisation of the Brighton College Schools’ Competition, the largest competition of its type south of London.

• Where appropriate, accompanying pupils to attend debate competitions across the UK, and providing feedback.

• Where necessary, organising and overseeing other debating events, such as internal tournaments, rounds we are hosting, or spars with other schools.

• Any other reasonable management request.

Person Specifications: 

The successful candidate will have experience in the following areas:

Essential:

• Have a strong British Parliamentary speaking CV, ideally with successful experience at major international competitions (e.g. EUDC, Australs, WUDC/WSDC), or equivalent high-level achievement.

• Create an engaged and supportive atmosphere in the classroom.

• Take initiative, be well organised, and work independently.

• Be passionate about helping young people develop as debaters, including appropriate support outside of sessions.

Desirable:

• Have prior experience coaching at school or university level.

• Be available during term-time weekends to accompany teams to competitions where needed.

• Have a high-level judging CV, and an understanding of how to develop pupils’ judging.

• Have experience of convening competitions.

Hours of Work:

Thursdays, for a maximum of five hours between the hours of 12.00pm - 6.00pm, during term-time (33 weeks).

Debate Performance Coach Benefits:

• Contributory pension scheme with matching contributions from the employer up to 9%, which all eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into within three months of commencement of employment.

• Life Cover is provided whilst working at Brighton College after successfully passing probation period.

• Complimentary lunch is provided.

• Free tickets to the College’s music, dance and drama performances.

• Job specific learning and development programme available to all employees.