James Whybrow

Experienced and dedicated primary educator with a strong background in Physical Education and coaching, committed to fostering active, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. Skilled in designing creative, differentiated lesson plans that inspire curiosity, promote wellbeing, and support holistic student development. Demonstrates excellent classroom management, strong subject knowledge, and a nurturing, empathetic approach that builds positive relationships with pupils and families. Experienced in organising school events, leading extracurricular sports activities, and promoting teamwork and resilience. Committed to effective assessment practices and constructive feedback to support pupil progress and achievement.

• Lorna, Buchanan, Head teacher, head.3420@holy-trinity.oxon.sch.uk, 01608 643487, Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School Chipping Norton, Head teacher, 24 London Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5AX
• Sam, Arthurs, Pathway Manager, sarthurs@oxoncb.com, 07531 831429, Oxfordshire Cricket Board, Pathway Manager, Akeman Street, Chesterton, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 1TH

• 2014 - 2014: England and Wales Cricket Board, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8 8QZ, Level 2 Cricket Coach.
• 2011 - 2011: FA - PO Box 1966, London, SW1P 9EQ, Level 1 Football Coach.
• 2025 - 2025: NFL Foundation UK 8 th Floor 30 Panton Street London SW1Y 4AJ, Level 1 Introduction to School Flag Football.

• Title (Mr): Surname: Whybrow First name: James
• Please list all other former surnames:
• Current Address: Flat 3 Wychwood House Charlbury
• Postcode: OX7 3QR Email address: james11.whybrow@hotmail.com
• Mobile no: 07769299651 Tel no (landline): 07769299651
• National Insurance number: SC 11 90 18 C
• Do you have the Right to Work in the UK? Yes
• Have you lived or worked abroad in the last 10 years? No

• Please tell us why you have applied for this position:
• I am applying for the role of Director of Sport at Headington Rye Oxford Prep School because it presents an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a high-quality, inclusive and forward-thinking sports programme at a key point in the School’s development following its recent merger. I am particularly attracted by the School’s clear commitment to participation, wellbeing and competitive excellence, alongside the close partnership with the Senior School, which strongly reflects my own experience and philosophy of school sport. I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils enjoy sport and physical activity, recognise its wider benefits, and are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork, while also providing clear pathways for those who wish to pursue sport at a higher level. This role aligns closely with my strengths in strategic leadership, teaching, coaching and partnership working.
• Please provide examples of how you meet the job specification:
• I have extensive experience leading sport and physical activity within a primary school setting, combining strategic planning with high-quality delivery. As Head of PE, I have been responsible for developing and implementing a clear vision for PE and Games, writing and reviewing subject development plans, and maintaining high standards of teaching and learning across the department. I have worked closely with senior leaders to support whole-school priorities and to ensure that sport plays a central role in pupil wellbeing and personal development.
• Alongside my leadership of sport, I am an experienced class teacher who has taught across the full primary curriculum, including English and Mathematics, particularly within Year 6. This has given me a strong understanding of how sport and physical activity support academic learning, focus and behaviour, and has enabled me to work effectively with colleagues to ensure sport complements, rather than competes with, core curriculum priorities.
• I have successfully led and inspired teams of staff, including teachers, coaches, visiting specialists and volunteers, through clear communication, regular departmental meetings and a strong focus on professional development. I am highly experienced in organising and managing a broad co-curricular sports programme, including fixtures, house competitions, inter-school events and sports days across Key Stages 1 and 2, with oversight of EYFS provision. I place particular emphasis on balancing inclusive participation with competitive performance, ensuring that all pupils have access to high-quality sport while providing appropriate stretch and progression opportunities for those with particular talent.
• As a teacher and coach, I consistently model best practice, adapting my teaching to meet the needs of pupils of differing abilities and backgrounds. I have coached pupils across a wide age range and across multiple sports, managing teams throughout the academic year. A notable recent achievement was leading my Year 5 cricket team to the county finals in 2024, where we won the competition and achieved recognition as the leading primary school in the area.
• In addition, I work as a Pathway Cricket Coach for Oxfordshire, coaching boys and girls aged 10–16 within a structured performance environment. This role involves talent identification, long-term athlete development, planning and delivering high-quality training sessions, and supporting players as they progress through county pathways. This experience has strengthened my understanding of elite development alongside inclusive provision and has enhanced my ability to align prep school sport with wider performance pathways.
• I also have significant experience of partnership working, having acted as link teacher with a local secondary school to support curriculum continuity, pupil transition and shared sporting opportunities. This has involved close collaboration with secondary colleagues to align expectations, share best practice and ensure smooth progression for pupils moving to the next stage of their education, an approach that would translate directly to working closely with the Senior School Director of Sport at Headington Rye.
• Please provide examples of how you meet the person specification:
• I hold a Upper Second class honours degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, providing a strong academic and practical foundation for the teaching and leadership aspects of this role. I also hold a PGCE (5–11) with Qualified Teacher Status, equipping me with a secure understanding of effective pedagogy, assessment and pastoral care across the full primary curriculum, including English, Mathematic and PE.
• My qualifications, combined with my experience as a class teacher, Head of PE and county pathway coach, demonstrate my ability to lead, inspire and motivate both pupils and colleagues. I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively with parents and stakeholders, promote sporting success professionally, and uphold the high standards expected within an outstanding independent school environment.
• Please provide details of your personal qualities and experience relevant to this position:
• I am an enthusiastic, reflective and highly organised practitioner with a strong commitment to the value of sport and physical activity in supporting pupils’ academic success, wellbeing and personal development. I bring a positive and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to motivate pupils, staff and parents to engage fully in school sport, while maintaining high standards and clear expectations. I am approachable, professional and calm under pressure, enabling me to build strong relationships across the whole school community.
• My experience as a class teacher across the full primary curriculum, including English and Mathematics, has given me a deep understanding of the wider educational context in which sport sits. This allows me to work effectively with senior leaders and colleagues to ensure that sport complements core academic priorities and contributes positively to pupils’ focus, behaviour and confidence. I have extensive experience of leading PE and Games provision, managing staff, organising fixtures and competitions, and developing inclusive programmes that encourage maximum participation alongside competitive excellence.
• As a coach, I am passionate about high-quality teaching and long-term pupil development. My work as a Pathway Cricket Coach for Oxfordshire, coaching boys and girls aged 10–16, has strengthened my understanding of talent identification, progression pathways and elite performance environments, while reinforcing the importance of age-appropriate, pupil-centred coaching. I am equally committed to providing positive sporting experiences for all pupils, regardless of ability, and to celebrating effort, improvement and achievement at every level.
• In addition to my teaching background, I bring valuable professional experience from outside education, having previously worked as in sales and as a stadium and a property manager. These roles developed my skills in organisation, strategic planning, budgeting, stakeholder communication and problem-solving, all of which are directly transferable to leading a busy sports department. This experience has strengthened my ability to manage competing priorities, communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders, and approach leadership with a professional, focused mindset.
• I am an effective communicator, experienced in leading meetings, liaising with parents, working collaboratively with external partners and representing the school professionally at fixtures and events. My experience as a partnership link teacher with a local secondary school has developed my ability to build productive relationships and ensure continuity and progression for pupils moving to the next stage of their education. I am highly organised, forward-thinking and adaptable, with the confidence and vision to lead a successful sports department and contribute positively to the ongoing development of Headington Rye Oxford Prep School.

• Driving licence: Do you hold a full clean, current UK driving licence? Yes
• Any other relevant information in support of your application:

• Position applied for: Director of Sport
• How would you describe your Ethnicity? Ethnic Origin is not about nationality, place of birth, or citizenship. It is about the group to which you perceive you belong. Please tick the appropriate box
• White: British
• Is your age between 30 - 44
• What is your sex? Male
• Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth? Yes
• How would you describe your sexual orientation? Heterosexual
• What is your religion or belief? Christian
• Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes
• If yes, please give brief details of your condition: Dyslexia

• Play cricket for a local team

ECB level 2 Cricket coach

FA Level 1 Football Coach

Team teach training Level 1