VACANCY INFORMATION PACKHEAD OF ROWING  FULL TIME INTRODUCTIONReading Blue Coat School is a leading independent day school for students from ages 11 to 18. As at September 2025, the Schoolhas circa 800 students and is now into our second year of co-educational intake into Y ear 7 with the intention of being a fullyco-educational independent day school from September 2027 onwards. The School will continue to be co-educational between theages of 16 and 18.The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company, and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital.The School was established near St Mary’s Minster Church in Reading and was originally known by its historic name of Aldworth’sHospital. In 1947, Reading Blue Coat School moved to the magnificent estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire village of Sonning,where it remains today.The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and concern within the community andenabling all students to develop their full potential. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which eachstudent can realise his or her full intellectual, physical, and creative potential. Students are encouraged to be self-reliant and adaptable,and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding of the needsof others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and co-curricular activities that combine to meet these objectives.The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic. Reflecting the character of ourco-educational sixth form, nearly half of our academic staff are female.FACILITIESReading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of Sonning. It is also three miles fromTwyford, which is located on Crossrail, with fast train service across London. Set in 46 acres of land for students to enjoy, thefacilities are very well maintained, and the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructure of buildings. Planning permission has been obtained for a new Performing Arts Centre.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 2ACADEMIC LIFEThe academic curriculum at Reading Blue Coat is based on the principle that all students should experience a broad and balancedrange of basic subjects and skills. From Year 9 onwards, this range is gradually modified, by elements of choice, enabling both theinterests and aptitudes of individual students to be reflected. Most lessons are taught initially in classes of mixed ability, althoughsetting occurs in Mathematics in Year 7, in Languages in Year 8, and Science in Year 9. Geology is also a thriving subject. In Year 11,all students take qualifications in English, Maths and Science (all IGCSE) and a Modern Foreign Language. They also take three GCSEsfrom a broad range of eleven subjects. All students take a GCSE in Religious Studies (full course) in Year 10.In the Sixth Form students can choose from a range of 24 subjects, including subjects most will not have studied before, such asEconomics, Politics and Psychology. Enrichment opportunities in the Sixth Form include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),and a weekly schedule of visiting speakers. Reading Blue Coat always seeks to stretch and challenge students and the School’sLearning Support Department ensures that students with specific learning needs are supported effectively. The School’s LearningResearch Group ensures a sustained focus on developing teachers and pedagogical enrichment.2025 academic results were impressive; the results were Blue Coat’s best ever results with 84% achieving A*- B at A level, and atGCSE 82% gaining Grades 9 to 7.The majority of Year 13 leavers proceed to degree courses at universities of which approximately 78% go to the Russell GroupPlus universities. Each year over 75% of our students attain places at their first choice university, whilst others are successful insecuring future learning opportunities in their chosen career.PASTORALPastoral care, focused on the individual, is at the heart of the School. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral structure is based around thetutorial system, within the framework of the House system. In September 2021, we increased our houses from four to six:Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood and West. All students are part of a tutor group that is overseen by a member of staff who is responsible for their well-being and for personallyoverseeing the development of their character and intellectual curiosity. At the heart of the School are the values of aspiration,courage, compassion, integrity and service and all activities seek to re-enforce these. The House system enables students to takepart in activities that foster the development of these ideals through a variety of opportunities that include dance, drama, music,public speaking and sport.DRAMA, MUSIC & THE ARTSReading Blue Coat has a reputation for drama and musical performances of the highest quality, with an extensive programme ofperformances throughout the year. Students’ endeavours in the arts are highly successful and widely acclaimed, includinginternationally. Music is at the heart of the School, all students are auditioned for the choir and many learn a musical instrument. TheSchool Musical or Play is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar and there are further opportunities to perform on stagethroughout the academic year. The breadth and depth of musical and dramatic talent at the School is evident in the wide range ofplays, concerts, and exhibitions that take place throughout the year.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 3SPORTThe School has a strong reputation for the high quality of its sporting teams. Sport plays a key role in developing every student’spotential whist embodying the principles of Respect, Belief, Commitment and Sportsmanship (team RBCS). Sports are coached to avery high level while providing for, and encouraging those, for whom participation rather than excellence is important.The core sports are athletics, cricket, football, netball, hockey, rowing, and rugby. The School competes with great success at local,regional, and even national level. We have recent national competition winners in rowing and cross country running, and cricketers,netballers and rugby players who have been selected to international age group teams and gone on to play professionally. Othersports on offer include cross country, golf, tennis, swimming, and touch rugby.ACTIVITIESThe activities programme is designed to enable students to develop practical and social skills such as communication, leadership,and teamwork. Reading Blue Coat offers a number of exciting options from which students can choose for their weekly activitiessession, including Adventure Education, Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme,Model United Nations and Enterprise Champions.COMMUNITYReading Blue Coat students are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world and to show consideration for all thosewith whom they come into contact. These principles are based on the ideas handed down by Richard Aldworth who founded theSchool in 1646.In recent years the School has greatly enhanced its links with the wider community under what is now called the AldworthPartnership. One example is the Primary Schools Placement programme which gives students the opportunity to assist with tuitionin English, Maths and Modern Foreign Languages in local primary schools. We also have our own community garden which producesfresh produce for a local foodbank charity and our students have recently begun a project to convert a horse trailer into acommunity café. Internationally the School has a strong relationship with the charity Brass for Africa and our students support their work amongstdisadvantaged children and young people in Uganda through music. As the Aldworth Partnership continues to grow, the long-termaim is that all Blue Coat students have the opportunity to be involved in transformative service projects in the local and widercommunity at some point in their school career.READING BLUE COATFurther information is available on the School’s website at www.rbcs.org.ukBACKGROUNDPage 4BOAT CLUBReading Blue Coat is situated on the river Thames between Sonning and Caversham, close to the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake,a training centre for GB Rowing. We enjoy a four kilometre long, quiet stretch of river on which to train. Our spacious Boat Houseis located within the School grounds on the Thames and houses our state of the art rowing equipment.The Boat Club has grown significantly over the last decade, with participation levels constantly increasing under the previousHead of Rowing, Jonathan Jackson who is supported by a team of enthusiastic and accomplished coaches. Our athletes are keen tolearn and fun to work with. Continuing interest amongst our student population has created this need to appoint an additional coachto support the program.Along with a number of local Head of the River races and Regattas, Blue Coat also targets the “big three” races, Schools Head of theRiver, National Schools Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta. With thriving numbers and increasing performance levels, Blue Coat BoatClub is competitive on the National Stage and in the 2021-22 season, won the “First Eights” category at Schools Head of the Riverfor the first time in the school’s history and are now established as a Championship Eight school.There have been increasing numbers of successful pupils into Great Britain trials where our trialists’ have been competitive in thistop tier, and have gone on to world champions, scholars and Leander.Pupils can take rowing as an option in Games from Year 9 (aged 13 – 14). Each year group has its own games afternoon.Rowing training regularly takes place after school and on Saturday’s. The activities of the Club are supported by the Friends of Boating, an enthusiastic and determined group of parents, who generouslyaugment the budget made available to rowing by the school. Over the summer the school also hosts Summer Rowing Courses.THE DEPARTMENTFor an informal telephone conversation about the role, contact Jonathan Jackson, Head of Rowing,or Gerwyn Wilson, Director of Sport & PE, on 0118 933 5887 or email jej@rbcs.org.uk or gaw@rbcs.org.uk Page 5MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: Is responsible for the strategic as well as day to day running of the Boat Club. This includes writing and implementing a trainingprogram for the senior squad and supervising adaptation of this for younger year groups. Also responsible for coaching a squad on the water and during land training sessions. Much of this training takes place out ofschool hours, including Saturday mornings. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:ManagementLine manage all rowing staff, including visiting coaches and volunteers.Enlist teachers to assist with coaching of pupils.Coordinate the registration of pupils at games, training sessions and regattas through SOCS.Liaise closely with the Director of Sport and academic staff on pupil progression and availability for rowing activities.Allocate equipment to each squad and manage the capital and revenue budgets of the Boat Club.Communicate through SOCS and School Post to parents the relevant logistics for events and training, as well as supervising thedaily management of all athletes. Attend all events and enter crews for racing. Coordinate transport of the athletes and equipment to and from events and ensure that coaches and athletes know andunderstand the safety rules and navigation rules for the event. Organise and lead training camps held in January and the Easter holidays.Organise and manage summer rowing camps to be delivered.Liaise with the chairman of “Rowing Parents Association” on fund raising events and attend all Rowing Parents Associationmeetings and fund-raising events.CoachingCoaching on games afternoons as well as after school and on Saturdays.Coach at regattas and head races.Mentor less experienced coaches as and when new staff join the coaching team.LINE MANAGERDirector of Sport & PEDEPARTMENTSport & PE RESPONSIBLE FORFull-time and Part-time Rowing Coach; specialist visiting coaches;casual coaches; volunteers.CONTRACT STATUSPermanent contract to commence in January 2026 or as soon aspossible thereafter. The role is all-year round, combining term-timecoaching with a rowing programme and events during the School holidays.SALARYSalary will be in the range of £45,000 to £50,000 per annum depending onexperience and qualifications. Annual salary is paid by bank transfer on the25th of the month, or next working day thereafter, in 12 equal paymentsthroughout the year.ROLE DESCRIPTIONHEAD OF ROWINGPage 6TrailerManage the loading and unloading of trailers, both at school and at regattas.Drive the trailer to and from regatta’s, events and training camps.AdministrationCarry out Boat Club administration, assisted by Boat Club staff. This will include British Rowing registration, planning andarranging transport of rowers, rowing kit procurement, regatta entries, preparation of risk assessments and catering liaison.Aiding the planning for events, regattas and training camps. Maintain Old Blue rowing connections and Aldworthian Boat Club.Use iFinance (school finance management system) as required.SafetyWill act as the Boat Club’s safety officer and must ensure that the British Rowing Water Safety Code is adhered to at all timesand communicate with coaches about relevant safety issues. Will be responsible for safety and all that involves within the boat house, general health and safety, risk assessments for all typesof training and racing, the British Rowing annual online water safety audit and capsize drills and swim tests. Oversee the regular maintenance of all safety equipment and equipment used by the athletes.Complete and maintain Risk Assessments of Boat Club facilities.Complete and maintain the yearly British Rowing Safety Audit.Boathouse Management DutiesTo have a sound understanding of the principles of rigging and be able to rig boats and blades accurately.Fitting, maintenance and upkeep of the telemetry equipment. Ensure the boats and ancillary equipment are maintained in a water-worthy condition, in accordance with the British Rowingwater safety code.  Carry out minor repairs to boats, including repairs to fittings and the patching of small areas of damage. Paint blades and complete minor repairs where necessary. Ensure the boathouse is kept clean, tidy and safe. Equipment is to be stored in the correct manner and in an orderly fashion.Ensure that there are sufficient supplies of spare parts for the current fleet and they are kept in an organised manner. Ensure that the launches are maintained in a good condition with a sufficient stock of fuel. Maintain safety equipment on the launches and arrange servicing and repairs when required. Ensure that the boat club trailer is kept in good order, completing minor repairs and taking it to the garage when necessary. Maintain COSHH information for all relevant articles in the Boat House. Report incidents on the British Rowing website using the incident logbook. Complete and maintain the yearly British Rowing Safety Audit. Additional DutiesTo act professionally and with good conduct at all times.To undertake such other duties, as detailed by your line manager, that may from time to be required to ensure the smoothrunning of the school.The post holder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the school.Please note that this Job Description is not exhaustive and the employee may be expected to undertake additional dutiesif required.ROLE DESCRIPTIONPage 7HEAD OF ROWINGHEAD OF ROWING The person specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively.It is expected that the successful applicant will have and can demonstrate:PERSON SPECIFICATIONKnowledge, skills, experience and qualificationsEssentialDesirableAbility to translate their ideas into practical reality.xDemonstrate superior organisational and leadership qualities.xAbility to lead a team of coaches and promote rowing throughout the school.xAbility to prioritise tasks and set realistic targets, goals and objectives within definable constraints.xManage their time and that of others effectively.xAbility to work as part of, and contribute to, a high-performance school coaching team.xAbility to work irregular and long hours and have the capacity to travel to camps andcompetitions for extended periods.xDynamic and enthusiastic character.xHave experience of coaching or rowing in high performance crews and be in a position toincrease the standard of rowing at RBCS with the aim of competing in Championship eightsand giving the best athletes the opportunity to go for GB selection.xAbility to work with rowers of all abilities and promote the sport to beginners effectively.xSound understanding of the principles of rigging and be able to rig boats and blades accuratelyas directed by coaches.xExcellent communication skills.xAbility to communicate well with parents, pupils and staff.xTrustworthy and reliable.xPrepared to work in all weathers.xPage 8HEAD OF ROWINGKnowledge, skills, experience and qualificationsEssentialDesirableSelf-motivated.xGood attention to detail.xAbility to work autonomously and on own initiative.xHold a full, valid driving licence and able to tow a trailer.xUKCC Rowing Level 2 or 3 qualification.xPrevious experience of working in a school.xLicenced to drive a minibus.xPERSON SPECIFICATIONPage 9HEAD OF ROWINGAPPLICATION PROCESSPage 10Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Wednesday 1 October 2025Interviews will take place during w/c 6 October 2025Applications should be submitted using the School’s Employment Application Form, which can be downloaded from ourwebsite “Vacancies” page www.rbcs.org.uk/vacancies/This should be submitted with your letter of application, by email to: recruitment@rbcs.org.uk Contact for questions about the application process should be addressed to Mrs Inga Gregory, Director of HR, Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4 6SU.Email: recruitment@rbcs.org.uk HEAD OF ROWINGPLACE OF WORKReading Blue Coat School,  Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.MEALSLunch and refreshments are providedfree by the School.SPORTS FACILITIES Free membership of the SchoolSports Centre with access to fullyequipped gym and swimming pool.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE Confidential independent support serviceavailable to staff when you most need it.WORKING HOURSA total of 45 hours per week. Start andfinish times are usually (during termtime - except when early morningcoaching sessions or preparatory tasksare required), Monday to Friday, from09:30 to 18:00 with half an hour forlunch (unpaid), and Saturday from 07:30to 12:30. During School holidays thereis more flexibility on when the hoursare worked. Additional hours will berequired for the delivery of co-curricular activities; school events; openevenings; parents’ evenings; etc.PARKINGFree Car parking is available on site.LEAVE ENTITLEMENT30 days paid annual leave of which 3 daysmust be reserved for the annual Christmasclosedown period, plus 8 public holidays.Holiday year runs from 1 September to31 August annually. Holidays must be takenduring school holidays as published in theSchool calendar.CYCLE SCHEMETax-free Cycle to Work Scheme isoffered by salary sacrifice.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTStrong commitment to  support professional development  with a dedicated people  development budget.PENSIONMembership of the RBCS GroupPersonal Pension Scheme (employeecontribution of 5% of salary andemployer contribution is 8% of salary).Life Assurance at 2x gross salary.CAR SCHEMELeased cars scheme offered  by salary sacrifice affording  large savings.THE BLUE COAT BENEFIT HUBThrough the Blue Coat Benefit Hub youcan access discounts, rewards, andperks on thousands of the brands thatyou love to shop with including travel;motoring; electronics; clothing;education; entertainment; restaurants;health and wellness; beauty and spa;insurance; sports and outdoors.BENEFITSReduction in RBCS school fees for employees’ children school fees offered after 6 months service.50% reduction for all full time staff,pro-rated for part time staff.Fees (from 1 January 2025) are £7,980 per term.Full details and terms and conditions of employment will be issued when an offer of employment is made.Page 11MEET THE STAFFGETTING HEREAll staff, both teaching and support, form part of a qualified and experiencedteam, which functions at its best in being mutually supportive in a common goal:to provide the best possible education for all Blue Coat pupils.Relationships between staff and pupils at Blue Coat are often remarked upon byvisitors and parents for being warm, relaxed and mutually respectful. Click on the link to find out more about some of our staff. Can you see yourselfas part of the Blue Coat team?www.rbcs.org.uk/the-school/meet-the-staff/BY CARWe are located in the village of Sonning-on-Thames, just off the A4,between Reading and Twyford.We are about 15 minutes’ drive from Junction 10 of the M4motorway. From there, take the Reading / Bracknell turnoff atJunction 10 on to the A329M to Reading. At the roundabout by theflyover take the third exit (A4) towards Maidenhead. Follow thedual carriageway over the next roundabout and up the hill. Overthe railway bridge, turn left into Sonning Lane. The School is about½ mile on the left.BY BUSThe School and village of Sonning is served by local bus services 128and 129 (operated by Courtney) from Reading to Wokingham.Also by service 850 (operated by Arriva Bus) from HighWycombe, Marlow, Henley, Twyford to Reading. Alight atthe junction of Sonning Lane and Bath Road, from where it isa short walk.BY TRAINOur nearest rail links are at Reading central station (mainlineto London, Wales and the West), which is about 5 milesfrom the School (about 15 minutes by taxi). We are also served by local stations at Twyford, which isabout 3 miles away (about 10 minutes by taxi), and at Earley,which is about 4 miles away (about 15 minutes by taxi).For information, call Reception: 0118 944 1005Page 12ONE READING BLUE COATour communityHolme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire RG4 6SUTel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk