Head of Rugby

Head of Rugby

SEPTEMBER 2026

 Welcome from the Headmaster

Dear Candidate,

Barnard Castle School is seeking an outstanding and visionary Head
of Rugby to lead one of the School’s most proud and nationally

respected traditions. For over 130 years, Barney has remained at the

forefront of girls’ and boys’ education as a thriving day and boarding

community, combining strong academic achievement with a deep

commitment to developing life skills and nurturing character. Rugby

sits at the heart of our co-curricular identity and pastoral culture,

and this role offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction,

delivery, and long-term impact of the sport across the School.

The successful candidate will build on the exceptional foundations

established by Lee Dickson, who moves into a full-time professional

role with Newcastle Red Bulls and will continue to support the

programme as a Rugby Consultant, ensuring continuity and

strengthening professional insight and player pathway connections.

We welcome applications from all experience levels. Barney is an

exciting and hugely rewarding place to be, and I look forward to

receiving your application.

With best wishes,

David Cresswell
Headmaster

The History of Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle School has a rich and enduring history, deeply rooted

in a tradition of learning and community. The school traces its origins

back to the nearby Hospital of St John, an educational and religious

community established by John de Balliol in 1229. John de Balliol also

founded Balliol College, Oxford, and his passion for education and

opportunity remains central to our philosophy today.

 In 1883, with a generous gift from Benjamin Flounders, a Victorian

philanthropist, and the proceeds of St John’s Hospital, the present

main school building was constructed. Since then, the school has

grown and evolved, blending its historical foundations with a forward-

thinking approach to education.

 In 2024, David Cresswell was appointed as Barney’s 11th Headmaster,

continuing the school’s tradition of combining timeless values with

future-focused ambition. Today, Barnard Castle School remains

a place where the lessons of the past inspire the innovations of

tomorrow, as we prepare our pupils to shape a changing world with

courage, kindness, and integrity.

Barnard Castle School: Shaping Tomorrow, One Step at a Time

 “Parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus”
When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things.

 At Barnard Castle School – or ‘Barney’ as it is affectionately known

– we believe that small steps lead to big strides. Our vision is to

inspire a generation of young people with the courage and kindness

to dare greatly and shape a changing world. We want them to shape

the future while proudly standing on the shoulders of those who

came before them.

Community
Honouring the past, strengthening our school and town, and building

global connections that last a lifetime.

Character
Forged in challenge, strengthened by kindness, and

rooted in integrity.

continued

Ambition
Daring to achieve, with the courage to innovate and the

curiosity to explore.

These principles guide everything we do, from our academic

programmes to our vibrant co-curricular offering. Our down-to-earth

and inclusive community provides a safe environment for pupils to

embrace challenges, pursue passions, and develop a sense of purpose

that will stay with them long after they leave Barney.

We are a school that blends tradition with forward-thinking ambition.

Our origins trace back to the Hospital of St John, founded in 1229

by John de Balliol, who also established Balliol College, Oxford.

That same love of learning and commitment to opportunity

remains central to our philosophy today. As we look ahead to the

2030s, we continue to invest in modern facilities and innovative

teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and

the wider world.

Barney is a place where connections are made and memories are

formed. It is not unusual to see Year 11 pupils sharing lunch and

conversation with younger peers or Sixth Formers mentoring new

starters. Our pupils develop confidence, resilience, and humility

as they grow – always encouraged to support and celebrate each

other’s successes.

Staff at Barney play a crucial role in this journey. We seek teachers

who share our purpose and are proactive in immersing themselves in

the life of the school. Through our extensive ‘Mind, Body, and Soul’

programme, which runs from 4pm to 5pm, staff have the opportunity
to lead activities they are passionate about, fostering authentic

relationships beyond the classroom.

We are also committed to helping teachers be the best versions

of themselves. Our comprehensive Continuing Professional

Development (CPD) programme offers opportunities to hone their

craft, supported by regular teach meets, peer collaboration, and

continued

other innovative initiatives. We want teachers who are ambitious

about their own development and passionate about lifelong learning,

recognising that their growth directly benefits our pupils.

Our location, on the edge of the historic market town of Barnard

Castle – recently recognised as one of the safest in England – offers

a unique combination of heritage, community spirit, and access to

outstanding natural beauty. We also benefit from partnerships with

world-class universities in Durham, Newcastle, and York, enhancing

our pupils’ educational experience and broadening their horizons.

At Barney, we believe that ambition, character, and community

are not abstract ideals but lived experiences. Together, we take

small steps every day – steps that build towards remarkable

achievements and a future as bright as the generations of Barnardians

who came before.

Our Values: Community, Character, Ambition.
Our core values guide every aspect of school life: from teaching and

co-curricular involvement to leadership, pastoral care and the way

we operate as a well-run organisation.

Our aim
Our aim is to inspire ambition and build character within a

down-to-earth, inclusive community where hard work and

good humour thrive.

Our Key Features

A Seamless Educational Journey
We are proud to offer a supportive environment where students

can complete their entire educational journey. At every stage,

we nurture their growth, ensuring smooth transitions and a deep

understanding of each student’s unique needs, all within a close-knit,

inclusive community that helps them flourish and prepares them for

life beyond Barney.

Fully Co-educational Boarding and Day School
We fully embrace co-education, ensuring equal opportunities for

all students, regardless of gender. Our strong boarding community

enriches the school, enhancing cultural literacy through our

international students. The extended school day and week provide

ample time to deliver a broad and varied educational experience.

Resilient Characters & Brave Minds
We have always offered an education that goes beyond exams, which

is more crucial now than ever in a rapidly changing world shaped

by globalism, AI, and evolving careers. Our students need strong

character, adaptable soft skills, and a values-driven foundation

to thrive in this uncertain future. With resilience and a supportive
community, they are empowered to dare greatly and achieve beyond

what they thought was possible.

A Broad Entry
Life is about engaging with people of diverse abilities and talents,

celebrating personal growth rather than just top grades. As long

as we can support individuals in accessing our education and they

demonstrate the core character traits we value, we are committed to

supporting them on their journey.

Traditional Yet Innovative
Barney’s rich history and cherished traditions have shaped

generations of strong, humble individuals. While we honour these

beloved ‘Barneyisms,’ we remain focused on staying relevant and

forward-thinking as we move further into the 21st century.

Rugby at Barnard Castle School

Rugby is the principal boys’ game of the Autumn term at Barnard

Castle.  Over 400 players are regularly involved in an extensive rugby

programme of coaching and matches throughout the school, and

there is a desire and potential to further develop Girls’ rugby to

increase participation.

The Rugby programme is both inclusive and ambitious, supporting

players of all abilities while providing a pathway for those aiming to

compete at the highest levels. With a proud tradition of producing

international players and a strong record in national competitions,

Barnard Castle offers a rugby environment where pupils are inspired

to play, proud to represent, and eager to be involved.

There is a long history of success, at both team and individual levels.

The School has produced 38 U19 international players, and multiple

full internationals, including legends such as  Rob Andrew, Rory and

Tony Underwood and Mathew Tait. Recent leaver Guy Pepper is in

the current England team.  The 1st XV has reached the final of the

National U18 Cup three times in five seasons.

Sevens is an important sport in the Spring Term, with teams

competing regionally and nationally in most age groups.  Barnard
Castle are current North of England Sevens champions.

Resources for Rugby are outstanding.  High quality grass pitches are

supplemented by top class conditioning  facilities and an extensive

network of performance support.

Head of Rugby Role

The Head of Rugby will provide inspirational leadership and strategic

oversight of all Rugby activity at Barnard Castle School.  This will

extend from the Prep School through to the 1st XV, ensuring that the

game is a vehicle for character development, community belonging,

and ambition.  Working with the Director of Sport and the Senior

Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for

maintaining a strong culture of commitment and aspiration, reflecting

sound values and high standards.  The aim is to produce confident,

resilient and humble young adults through Rugby.

The appointed person will devise and oversee a comprehensive

programme of high quality coaching, which will impact on all players.

This will include supporting and developing a large and diverse team

of coaches, and working with players and teams across both the prep

and senior school.  The Head of Rugby will also be the principal coach

of the 1st XV and 1st VII, building a year-round high performance

infrastructure which will include player-profiling, periodisation,

conditioning, analysis.  Technical and tactical coaching will build on

this foundation.

The role also involves responsibility for the efficient operation of
the logistics of the sport throughout the School.  This will include

arranging a comprehensive programme of fixtures and competitions

throughout the age ranges, as well as supporting arrangements for

transport, catering and equipment.  Arranging playing and training

schedules, allocating coaches, appointing referees and ensuring

compliance with Health and Safety requirements are all important

parts of the smooth running of the game in the School.

The Head of Rugby will be an outward-facing ambassador for the

School’s reputation.  S/he will model the School’s values, and be fully

involved in outreach activity.  This will include maintaining strong

relationships with feeder schools and clubs, supporting the game in

the region and collaborating with player pathways.

The highest standard of communications – internal and external -

will be essential.

Person Specification

The School seeks to appoint an experienced, respected professional,

capable of providing a strong strategic leadership of the next stage

of Rugby development at the School.   They will have a strong

background in the game, including high level experience of coaching

the age group game and managing young, ambitious athletes.

Previous involvement in a multi-team programme, and awareness of

the school game, will be an advantage, as will proven ability to lead a

team of coaches.

The successful candidate will be a principled individual, who will

display a high level of professionalism, integrity and attention to

detail.   They will have a strong reputation in the Rugby community,

and be an exemplar of high standards in the game and beyond.

The Head of Rugby will be a forward-thinking, innovative and

experienced coach.  This will include a proven record of developing

both individuals and teams and demonstrating a technical and

tactical capability to build sustained success.

High level organisational ability will be essential.  Computer

literacy will be required to manage the systems which support the

administration of school sport.  Excellent communication and inter-
personal skills will be important, to enable confident and effective

management of a wide range of relationships. This will include

colleagues, parents, players and  other regional Rugby stakeholders.

Experience of player pathways and national programmes will be

an advantage.   Awareness of safeguarding and player welfare

issues is vital.

Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the School is essential.

This could involve contributing to the pastoral system, the coaching

of other sports and attending various School events.  The appointed

person will be expected to be generous with discretionary effort, and

fully invested in the community.

Terms and Conditions

Hours
This is a full time position, reflecting standard working hours in

the school, which includes Saturdays, occasional Sundays and a

requirement to be involved in any school Rugby activity in the

usual holidays, eg pre-season camps and tours.  There may be the

opportunity to be involved in commercial sports activity in the

holidays, which would attract additional payment.  The role is an

evolving one, which may develop over time to reflect the abilities of

the post-holder and the requirements of the School

Emoluments
A competitive salary will be offered, reflecting industry norms and

the successful candidate’s experience.  Details will be discussed

at interview.  Operational Staff are automatically enrolled in The

Pensions Trust Flexible Retirement Plan scheme unless they choose to

opt out.  More information is available on request.

Other Benefits
Other benefits include fee remission for children in the School,

use of our gym, sports facilities and swimming pool, free meals

during term time, free parking and access to various social activities
throughout the year.

Recruitment Process

Please note that the School is working with ICE Education on this

appointment.  Any specific questions which are not covered in this

pack may be emailed to Director of Recruitment, Dan Scargill:

dan@ice-education.co.uk

Applicants should submit a letter to the Headmaster, outlining their

suitability for the position.  This should be accompanied by the

Barnard Castle School application form. Only applications containing

the requested information will be considered.  The timetable for

appointment is outlined below, though the School reserves the right

to make an appointment at any stage of the process.

Applications should be sent to
Mr D J Cresswell

Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle

County Durham

DL12 8UN

Telephone: 01833 696098

Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk

Information about Interviews
Closing date - Monday 30 March

Longlist Interviews - Tuesday 31 March - 9am - 12pm

Shortlist Interviews - Thursday 23 April / Friday 24 April

Applicants should read carefully the application procedure – guidance for applicants,

Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the Disclosure policy and the Safer

Recruitment policy.

Barnard Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post

is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo

child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and

Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service.

Barnard Castle School is an equal opportunities employer.

Barnard Castle School
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8UN

Telephone: 01833 696098
Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk