VACANCY INFORMATION PACK

SPORTS COACHES
Part-time, term-time

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the
right to interview, appoint and close adverts early due to the volume of
applications we receive.

We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid
disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit
your application form.

Applications should be submitted by School employment Application Form, which can be
downloaded from our website “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,
Head of HR, Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4
6SU. Email recruitment@rbcs.org.uk

The Headmaster & School are in membership of HMC, SHMIS and AGBIS. Registered Charity No 1087839. Registered in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee No 4243510 Registered Office as above.

 Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Reading Blue Coat community. I am delighted that you
are considering this opportunity, and I hope that this pack gives you a sense of what makes our
School such a special place to work.

Reading Blue Coat is a school with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking outlook. Our values –
aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity and service – are at the heart of everything we do.
They shape not only the enriching education we provide for our students but also the culture we
create for our staff: one of ambition, kindness and shared purpose.

We are a vibrant and welcoming school, where talented colleagues work together to inspire a
love of learning, nurture individual potential and equip talented young people to thrive in a rapidly
changing world. Whether inside or outside the classroom, every role at Blue Coat plays a vital
part in our mission to excel.

If you share our commitment to working hard, caring deeply and making a meaningful difference,
I encourage you to explore this opportunity further. I would be delighted to meet you soon.

Pete Thomas
Headmaster

 INTRODUCTION

Reading Blue Coat is a leading independent co-educational day school for students from ages 11
to 18. As at September 2025, the School has over 850 students and is now into our third year of
full co-educational from Year 7 upwards – our Sixth Form has been fully co-educational for over
40 years; all year groups will be co-educational by September 2027.

The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company, and
a Governor of Christ’s Hospital in Horsham, West Sussex. Inspired by the philanthropic nature of
of Christ's Hospital, Richard Aldworth set aside £4,000 in his Will ‘For the education and bringing
upp of twenty poore boyes of Reading’  Through this one, simple act, Aldworth’s Hospital, now
Reading Blue Coat, was created. In 1660 the first students walked through the doors of a former
inn  in  Silver  Street  in  the  Centre  of  Reading.  And  in  1947,  Reading  Blue  Coat  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 and enabling all students to develop their full potential. The School
aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which each student 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 needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced
blend of academic and co-curricular activities that combine to meet these objectives.

Inspire in our students a life-long love of learning, and the confidence to individually flourish

In living this ethos, we strive to fulfil our purpose to:
•
•  Equip our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world
•  Cultivate a warm, kind, noticing culture where students are happy, inclusion is the norm, and

diversity is celebrated

•  Develop grounded, socially responsible, outward looking students, ready to lead fulfilling lives

and make a positive contribution to the world

•  Nurture  a  community  based  on  our  shared  values  of  aspiration,  compassion,  courage ,

integrity and service

The  School  employs  more  than  200  salaried  staff,  of  whom  about  50%  are  teaching  staff.
Reflecting the move to full co-education, nearly half of our teaching staff are female.

FACILITIES

Reading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of
Sonning. It is also three miles from Twyford, located on Crossrail, with fast train service across
London. Set in 46 acres of land for students to enjoy, the facilities are very well maintained, and
the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructure of buildings.  The
School makes full use of its riverside location.

Work  on  our  new  Performing  Arts  Centre  commenced  in  summer  2025  and  is  expected  to
conclude by summer 2027.

ACADEMIC LIFE

The academic curriculum at Reading Blue Coat is based on the principle that all students should
experience a broad and balanced range of basic subjects and skills. From Year 9 onwards, this
range is gradually modified, by elements of choice, enabling both  the interests and aptitudes of
individual  students  to  be  reflected.  Most  lessons  are  taught  initially  in  classes  of  mixed  ability,
although setting 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  Foreign Language. They also take three GCSEs from 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 as Economics, Politics and Psychology. Enrichment opportunities
in the Sixth  Form include the Extended Project Qualification  (EPQ), and  a schedule of visiting
speakers. Reading Blue Coat always seeks to stretch and challenge students and the School’s
Learning Support Department ensures that students with specific learning needs are supported
effectively.  The  School’s  Learning  Research  Group  ensures  a  sustained  focus  on  developing
teachers and pedagogical enrichment.

2025  academic  results  were  impressive;  the  results  were  amongst  Blue  Coat’s  best  with  84%
achieving A*- B at A level, and at GCSE 83% 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 Group Plus universities. Each year over 90% of our students attain places
at their first choice university, whilst others are successful in securing future learning opportunities
in their chosen career.

PASTORAL

Pastoral  care,  focused  on  the  individual,  is  at  the  heart  of  the  School.  We  place  significant
emphasis  upon  building  warm  relationships  and  effective  communication  with  students,  for
example through regular one-to-one conversations between students and their tutors. Well trained
staff provide effective support for student wellbeing,  promoting friendship, positive physical  and
mental health, and helping students find their purpose and passions. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral
structure is based around the tutorial system, which is structured in terms of year group and the
House system (e.g., ‘Year 8 Malthus’ tutor group).

There are six Houses: Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood and West. The tutors who lead tutor
groups are the ‘go-to’ members of staff for each student, and they are personally responsible for
checking  in  with  students  each  day  and  overseeing  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 the activities of tutor groups and Houses seek to promote and embed
these values. In additional to pastoral support, the House system further enables students to take
part  in  activities  that  foster  enjoyment  and  group  spirit  through  a  variety  of  opportunities  that
include performing arts and sport.

Beyond the core tutor group, Reading Blue Coat provides a rich variety of other forms of pastoral
care. Students also benefit from pastoral education through an exciting and responsive Wellbeing
and  Futures curriculum, which helps them to develop  the skills, knowledge,  and habits to lead
happy and fulfilling lives. They also find themselves in a highly inclusive environment, thoughtfully
promoted  and  celebrated  through  our  Equality,  Diversity  and  Inclusion  programme.  When
additional support is required, students may also access our newly renovated (2023) Wellbeing
Centre,  where  they  may  find  support  from  healthcare  professionals  or  access  counselling
sessions.

CO CURRICULAR

Our co-curricular provision is vibrant and diverse with high levels of engagement throughout the
student  body.  Focused  very  much  on  developing  the  characteristics  that  make  up  the  school
values our co- curricular provision incorporates the Performing Arts, Sport, Activities,  Adventure
Education, Clubs and Enrichment. All academic staff at the school are expected to contribute to
the School’s co-curricular provision in a meaningful way.

PERFORMING ARTS

Reading Blue Coat has a highly regarded reputation for drama, dance, music and public speaking
with an extensive programme of enrichment, rehearsals and performances throughout the year.

Music is at the heart of the School and many of our pupils attend our weekly ensemble rehearsals
which  amount  to  over  fourteen  every  week.  Alongside  this,  a  huge  number  of  pupils  take  the
opportunity  learn  a  musical  instrument  during  one-to-one  lessons  timetabled  during  the  school
day.  The  music  department  develops  a  diverse  programme  of  music  concerts  over  every
academic  year  including  large  scale  concerts  as  well  as  more  intimate  recitals,  they  are  also
heavily involved in the school musicals.

The School productions are highlights of the cultural calendar and often involve casts of over 60
pupils. Our most recent production of Oliver was a roaring success and perfectly showcased the
talent at Reading Blue Coat. Our other recent productions have included Billy Elliot, Lord of the
Flies, Footloose, Punk Rock, Curtain Call, The Lion King, The Crucible, and Oliver!. Cast sizes for
productions can  average up to 100 students for musical productions  and 20  – 50 students  for
school plays. Pupils are also given the opportunity to participate in LAMDA lessons on a one to
one basis. Pupils interested in Theatre are also given the opportunity to participate in workshops,
playwriting, directing, backstage work and our student technical theatre team is flourishing.

The  dance  programme  is  ever  evolving  with  a  range  of  clubs  on  offer,  including  street  dance,
contemporary  and  commercial  dance.  Pupils  are  able  to  showcase  their  work  in  a  range  of
performances and are looking forwards to this years ‘Feel the Beat’ performance. Our inaugural
internal  dance competition was a huge success this year with over 60 dancers taking  part  and
showcasing their own choreography. Our pupils have also had the opportunity to represent the
school at external dance competitions and have achieved great success in their respective areas.

Public speaking is a hugely popular aspect of school life with over  100  pupils actively involved
each week. Over the course of the academic year pupils are able to attend weekly session to hone
their skills which are then showcased in a variety of different performances.

SPORT

The School has a strong reputation for the high quality of its sporting teams. Sport plays a key role
in developing every student’s physical potential whilst embodying the values of the School. Sports
are coached to a very high level while providing for, and encouraging those, for whom participation
rather than excellence is important.

All  students  have  a  timetabled  games  afternoon  where  they  participate  in  competitive  and
recreational team sports with a focus on  developing skills and  teamwork.  The  focus sports  are
athletics, cricket, football, netball, hockey,  rowing, and rugby.  School sport fixtures and training
take place on a Saturday and we are very proud to have 63 competitive teams and around 80%
of our student population representing the school at fixtures over the course of an academic year.
In recent years a  number of our sports teams have  achieved  national champion status  and we
have  netballers,  rowers  and  rugby  players  who  have  been  selected  to  international  age  group
teams and gone on to play professionally.

Alongside our core sport offering we also provide a diverse range of alternative sports that pupils
can either participate in recreationally or competitively, these include swimming, basketball, tennis,
touch rugby, rugby 7’s, cross-country and table tennis.

ACTIVITIES

Our Activities programme is unique to Reading Blue Coat School and allows pupils the opportunity
to explore our co-curricular provision during dedicated timetabled lessons every week. Pupils in
year 7 to year 9 explore a variety of Adventure Education sessions including Sailing, Bouldering,
Paddle Boarding and are also given the opportunity to explore our state of the art on-site High and
Low Ropes Course. Activities is also the place where our pupils are introduced to Combined Cadet
Force (CCF) and the Aldworth Partnership.

 Pupils in years 10 to 13 come together every Thursday to participate in Senior Activities. This is
split into six categories and pupils are encouraged to choose a different strand each term.  The
sections  are:  Adventure,  Creative  Arts,  Leadership  and  Social  Action,  Sport  and  Wellbeing  ,
Service, Super Curriculum. There are over 40 sessions available to students with the aim of the
sessions being to explore new interests and challenge themselves whilst embodying the school’s
values.

ADVENTURE EDUCATION

Our  Adventure  Education  allows  pupils  the  opportunity  to  explore  our  wonderful  site  and
surrounding  areas  whilst  really  focusing  on  character  education.  The  Adventure  Education
programme  is  very  much  intertwined  with  our  Activities  programme  which  runs  each  week  for
every year group across the school. We are very proud of our Adventure Education facilities which
includes  use  of  the  river  for  paddle  sports,  a  high  and  low  ropes  course  as  well  as  an  indoor
climbing wall.

Alongside our weekly adventurous activities we  are also very proud  of  our successful Duke of
Edinburgh  programme  which  is  open  to  all  pupils  from  year  9  and  above.  Pupils  are  highly
engaged and we recently had over 100 pupils complete their Bronze Award from year 9.
As part of our Adventure provision we also run a programme of expeditions each academic year,
this year our pupils will have the opportunity to visit Eswatini over the Summer break. During every
summer term every pupil will participate in a school residential with year groups visiting a range
of destinations like Pembrokeshire, Devin and the Peak District.

The Adventure Education department is also home to our Combined Cadet  Force where pupils
have the opportunity to join the Army, Navy and RAF sections. CCF sessions take place during
Activities sessions and are hugely popular with over 170 students on roll.

CLUBS AND ENRICHMENT
We have a huge number of clubs and enrichment activities that run at Reading Blue Coat  with
over 100 different sessions running every week. These sessions take place during lunch time and
after school and all academic staff are expected to contribute to our co-curricular provision. Nearly
all of our activities are included in the school fees and pupils are welcome to participate in as many
as they want. Our pupils are heavily involved in shaping the provision and in the last 18 months
we have seen the introduction of Dungeons and Dragons Club, Photography Club and Craft Club
at the request of our pupils.

FOUNDATIONERS & FOUNDATION AWARDS

The  diversity  of  our  educational  community  is  underpinned  by  the  School’s  centuries  long
commitment to transformational bursaries. Reading Blue Coat offers means tested bursaries worth
100% of the school fees, plus additional extras such as uniform, lunch, travel, trips and a laptop,
to two students annually who live within  the borough of Reading.   Our ambition is to  grow the
number of Foundationers in the School through fundraising.

COMMUNITY

Reading Blue Coat students are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world and to
show consideration for all those with whom they come into contact. These principles are based on
the ideas handed down by Richard Aldworth who founded the School in 1646.

In recent years the School has greatly enhanced its links with the wider community   through the
work of the Aldworth Partnership.  The Aldworth Partnership is the umbrella term for the School’s
student led partnership and charity work. As well as fundraising for local charities such as crisis
charities,  special  needs  schools,  food  banks  and  homeless  charities,  the  Aldworth  Partnership
also has strong links to local primary schools. Work with these primary schools includes helping
with lunch time clubs, running a school choir and reading clubs. We also often host primary schools

 for Science and Design and Technology days onsite as well as in our Forest School based in our
woodlands. Whilst our main focus is for our students to take part in meaningful partnership  work,
it is also an opportunity for our Staff to give back to the local community. .  .

As the Aldworth Partnership continues to grow, the long-term aim is that all Blue Coat students
have  the  opportunity  to  be  involved  in  transformative  service  projects  in  the  local  and  wider
community at some point in their school career.

The Foundation Office provides links with our alumni (Old Blues) after they leave the School so
that they continue to feel part of our special community. Old Blues are offered many opportunities
to come back to Blue Coat for reunions and social events. There are also opportunities to give
back through our Futures programme such as mentoring opportunities and giving talks to students.
Reading Blue Coat Connect is a networking site specifically for Blue Coat community and Parents,
Old Blues and Staff are encouraged to join. The Foundation Office fundraises for specific School
projects such as bursaries and capital projects as the need arises.

Further information is available on the School’s website at www.rbcs.org.uk

and Muddy Stilettos Schools Review Guide
https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/reading-blue-coat-sonning/

THE SPORT DEPARTMENT

The Sport department is located within a well-equipped Sports Facilities Centre. This includes 4
badminton courts, a large climbing wall and full-length cricket nets. Overlooking the Sports Hall is
a  recently  refurbished  fitness  suite  comprising  of  cardio-vascular  equipment  and  a  free  weight
lifting  area.  Located  centrally  within  the  complex  is  a  recently  refurbished  and  enlarged
departmental office.

The  School  benefits  from  well-maintained  sports  fields,  with  eight  rugby  pitches,  ten  football
pitches, five cricket squares plus an artificial wicket, and a 300m grass athletics track. A 25 yard
indoor swimming pool complements the on-site facilities. The department also has excellent links
with local sports clubs and  are regular users of the squash and tennis courts at the Berkshire
County sports grounds, opposite the school entrance. The AstroTurf pitches at Reading Hockey
Club  are  also  used  on  a  weekly  basis  and  there  are  frequent  collaborative  activities  with  the
adjoining Reading Rugby Club.

For  Physical  Education  qualifications  the  department  follow  the  AQA  GCSE  and  A-level
specifications with a bespoke RBC sports enrichment programme being offered to year 12 pupils.
Results  in  recent  years  have  been  outstanding  with  the  popularity  of  all  courses  continuing  to
grow.

The successful applicant would support the school coaching in Games afternoon per week with
the  core  sports  being  rugby  and  hockey  (autumn  term),  football  and  netball  (spring  term)  and
cricket and athletics (summer term) for the junior years. As the students’ progress through the
school  there  are  opportunities  for  further  developments  in  several  activities  including  rowing,
swimming, basketball, equestrian, dance and strength and conditioning.

In the core sports, we put out at least two teams per age group although we play through to D and
occasionally  E  teams  in  some  sports.  Fixtures  in  all  the  core  sports  take  place  mainly  on  a
Saturday, although there are also a number of midweek matches (including cup competitions) too.
Although the emphasis is very much on participation, the school has also had much success and
currently  holds  several  county  titles  in  rugby,  football,  and  cricket.  We  have  recent  national
competition winners in rowing and cross country, as well as cricketers who have been selected to
international age group level and gone on to professional county cricket careers.

The eleven teaching members of the department are extremely well motivated and committed to
giving students the confidence to succeed and to participate as fully as possible. All members of
the department are expected to contribute fully to the co-curricular programme across the year.
Each core sport is supported by numerous other members of staff who play  a large role in the
success  of  the  Sport  department.  This  includes  academic  teachers  with  experience  in  sports
coaching, as well as peripatetic sports coaches.

The  department  has  a  strong  ethos  of  professional  development.  Sharing  of  good  practice
happens  daily  and  recent  INSETS  include  football,  rugby,  strength  and  conditioning  and
swimming. On the coaching staff at Blue Coat we have a wealth of experience. We have a level 4
cricket coach, an ex-England cricketer, we also have a recently retired premiership rugby player,
two level 3 rugby coaches and a UEFA B licenced football coach. We also have coaches involved
with rugby academies, as well as county cricket and athletics squads. We fully support staff who
would like to undertake higher NGB coaching certificates.

For  further  information  about  the  role,  please  contact  Gerwyn  Wilson  (Director  of  Sport)  at
GAW@rbcs.org.uk or Emma Fisher (Assistant Director of Sport) at ELF@rbcs.org.uk

ROLE DESCRIPTION

SPORTS COACH

Line Manager:             Director of Sport and Head of relevant sport you will coach

Department:

Sport & PE

Description of the Post:

To support the Sport & Physical Education department in coaching rugby, netball, football,
hockey, cricket or athletics to pupils throughout the School and to manage one or more age
group teams.

This is a part-time, term time only position requiring work during specified sessions, both
during the school day and for after school activities, games and competitions.

Duties:

•
•

•
•

Assist Teachers in the coaching of sport during Games sessions.
Accompany and take responsibility for Blue Coat sports teams playing fixtures at home
and away. These fixtures take place after school during the week and at weekends
(usually on Saturdays).
Act professionally and with good conduct at all times.
Attend staff and other meetings, as appropriate.

Additional Duties

•

•

The post holder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at
the school.
The post holder is responsible for using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a
safe environment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SPORTS COACH

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:

Knowledge And Experience

•  Experience of leading the delivery of sessions in a specific sport to children aged 11-16

years

Skills and Attributes

•  Effective Leadership and organisational skills
•  Vibrant, fun, confident personality
•  Team player with a willingness to adapt and support others
•  Self-motivated and highly dedicated
•  Demonstrates a real passion for coaching children
•  Excellent communication skills with ability to establish rapport with students, parents and

colleagues

•  Excellent coaching ability.
•  A willingness to engage in the whole life of the School.
•  Commitment to the ethos of the School and its pastoral approach

Qualifications

•  Minimum entry level coaching qualification in your chosen sport
•  A NGB sports coaching qualification or equivalent in at least 2 different sports
•  Strong background in playing or officiating sport
•  A valid paediatric first aid qualification
•  Full Clean driving licence
•  Able and licenced to drive a minibus
•  Complete an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure Check

E

E
E
E
E
E

E
E
D
E

E
D
E
D
E
D
E

Requirement

E - Essential

D – Desirable

SUMMARY TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS

•  Contract Status:

•  Salary:

•  Place of Work:
•  Working hours:

•  Leave entitlement:

•  Pension:

Seasonal employment contract, term-time only, commencing as
soon as possible. Our visiting professional sports coaches usually
return to us each season.
£13 to £26 per hour, dependent on skills and experience.
depending on experience and qualifications. Annual salary is paid
by bank transfer on the 25th of the month, or next working day
thereafter, in 12 equal payments throughout the year.
Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.
8 to 10 hours per week during specified sessions, both during the
school day and for after school activities, games and competitions.
Pro rata to period worked of full time staff entitlement of 5 weeks
paid annual leave plus public holidays.

Membership of the RBCS Group Personal Pension Scheme
(employee contribution of 5% of salary and employer contribution is
8% of salary).

•  Meals:

Lunch and refreshments are provided free by the School.

•  Parking:
•  Cycle Scheme:
•  Car scheme:

•  Discounts:

•  Sports facilities

•  Employee Assistance
  Programme:
•  Professional
  Development:

Free Car parking is available on site.
Tax-free Cycle to Work Scheme is offered by salary sacrifice.
Leased  cars  scheme  offered  by  salary  sacrifice  affording  large
savings.
Reduction 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 September 2025) are £8,279 per term.

Through  the  Blue  Coat  Benefit  Hub  you  can  access  discounts,
rewards, and perks on thousands of the brands that you love to shop
with  including  travel;  motoring;  electronics;  clothing;  education;
entertainment;  restaurants;  health  and  wellness;  beauty  and  spa;
insurance; sports and outdoors.
Free membership of the School Sports Centre with access to fully
equipped gym and swimming pool.
Confidential independent support service available to
staff when you most need it.
Strong commitment to support professional
development with a dedicated people development budget.

For further information about the role, please contact Gerwyn Wilson (Director of Sport) at
GAW@rbcs.org.uk or Emma Fisher (Assistant Director of Sport) at ELF@rbcs.org.uk