READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL

VACANCY INFORMATION PACK

SPORTS COACHES
Part-time, Term-time only

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.

 INTRODUCTION

Reading Blue Coat School is a leading independent day school for students from ages 11 to 18.
As at September 2024, the School has circa 800 students and is now into our second year of co-
educational intake into Year 7 with the intention of being a fully co-educational independent day
school from September 2027 onwards. The School will continue to be co-educational between the
ages 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’s Hospital. 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 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.

The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic. Reflecting
the character of our co-educational sixth form, nearly half of our academic 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,  which  will  be  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.

Planning permission has been obtained for a new Performing Arts Centre.

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 Modern 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  weekly  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 Blue Coat’s best ever results with 84%
achieving A*- B at A level, and at GCSE 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 Group Plus universities. Each year over 75% 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. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral
structure  is  based  around  the  tutorial  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 personally 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 activities seek to re-enforce these.  The House system enables students to
take part 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 ARTS

Reading Blue Coat has a reputation for drama and musical performances of the highest quality,
with an extensive programme of performances throughout the year. Students’ endeavours in the
arts are highly successful and widely acclaimed, including internationally. Music is at the heart of
the School, all students are auditioned for the choir and many learn a musical instrument. The
School  Musical  or  Play  is  one  of  the  highlights  of  the  cultural  calendar  and  there  are  further
opportunities to perform on stage throughout the academic year. The breadth and depth of musical
and dramatic talent at the School is evident in the wide range of plays, concerts, and exhibitions
that take place throughout the year.

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  potential  whist  embodying  the  principles  of  Respect,  Belief,
Commitment  and  Sportsmanship  (team  RBCS).  Sports  are  coached  to  a  very  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.  Other  sports  on  offer  include  cross  country,  golf,  tennis,  swimming,  and  touch
rugby.

ACTIVITIES

The 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 activities session, including Adventure
Education, Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Model
United Nations and Enterprise Champions.

 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 under what is
now called the Aldworth Partnership. One example is the Primary Schools Placement programme
which gives students the opportunity to assist with tuition in English, Maths and Modern Foreign
Languages in local primary schools. We also have our own community garden which produces
fresh  produce  for  a  local  foodbank  charity  and  our  students  have  recently  begun  a  project  to
convert a horse trailer into a community café.

Internationally  the  School  has  a  strong  relationship  with  the  charity  Brass  for  Africa  and  our
students support their work amongst disadvantaged children and young people in Uganda through
music.  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.

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

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

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:
Line Manager:  Deputy Head (Pastoral) for pupil registration and School Office Manager for all

School Secretary (Registration)

Department:

other duties.
Academic Administration

The role:

The  postholder  is  responsible  for  supporting  the  Deputy  Head  (Pastoral)  in  collating  pupil
registrations and whereabouts daily. This is a vital aspect of the pastoral wellbeing and personal
development of the pupils.

Duties will involve, but not limited to:

Registration and School Office Administration

1.  Daily attendance / absence of pupils for the academic side of the School and producing

associated reports, including registration for one-to-one tutor time.

2.  Dealing with requests, either in person or on the phone from teachers, staff, parents or

pupils

3.  Managing school cups, trophies and awards for all events throughout the year, arranging for
safe return, storage, cleaning and engraving (Sport, Music, Inter-School, Inter-House, Prize
Giving)

4.  Assisting The School Office Manager with their workload & providing assistance in the

absence of other School Office secretaries and administrators

5.  Assist School Office Manager with the Calendar
6.  Provision of student billing information to Finance.

Additional Duties
•  The postholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the

School.

•  The postholder is responsible for using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a safe

environment.

•  Any other duties that may be necessary to assist the smooth running of the School Office.

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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SCHOOL SECRETARY (REGISTRATION)
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:

Essential
•  Previous admin experience
•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•  Able to manage a busy workload
•  Well-organised, thorough, and persistent
•  Able to identify and work to deadlines
•  An excellent command of the English language – both written and oral
•  Confident user of IT, including Microsoft Office programmes and databases
•  Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
•  Have a confident, warm, and welcoming manner both in person and on the telephone
•  Have a smart professional appearance
•  Able to promote and exhibit the School aims and ethos

Desirable
•  Awareness of the importance of Safeguarding & Child Protection
•  Previous experience of working in a school
•  Experience of using iSAMS or other school management information systems. Training on

iSAMS will be provided.

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.

November 2025

Job Title:

School Secretary (Co-curricular)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Line Manager:  Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) for co-curricular responsibilities and School

Office Manager for all other duties.

Department:

Academic Administration

The role:
The postholder is responsible for supporting the Deputy Head (Co-curricular) in collating pupil co-
curricular registrations and running the co-curricular activities on SOCS. This is a vital aspect of
the pastoral wellbeing and personal development of the pupils.

Duties will involve, but not limited to:

SOCS and co-curricular administration
1.  Provide PA support to the Deputy Head (Co-Curricular):

a.  Management of their calendar
b.  Management of the Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) email inbox, ensuring emails

are categorised and dealt with in a timely manner.
2.  Run weekly unauthorised absence reports for Senior Activities and Games
3.  Run weekly attendance / absence of pupils for co-curricular activities of the School and

producing associated reports using SOCS

4.  Administrative management of the co-curricular tab on SOCS (uploading detail for clubs

and societies)

5.  Oversee pupil sign up to co-curricular activities
6.  Run daily register reports for co-curricular activities and follow-up on missing registers with

staff.

7.  Run and collate weekly participation and engagement reports from SOCS to distribute to

relevant staff

8.  Administrative management of the peripatetic tab on SOCS – ensuring lessons are

uploaded effectively and timetabled properly and students are registered.

9.  Oversee billing of pupils for co-curricular activities with an additional cost, including Music &

LAMDA lessons, ensuring timely provision of billing information to Finance.

10.  Administrative SOCS support for Sport, Performing Arts and Adventure Education.
11.  Work closely with Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) to efficiently manage the day to day running

of SOCS

12.  Provide administrative support for co-curricular events and productions.
13.  Admin for RBC Colours process including setting deadline for nominations, printing Colours

certificates and marrying them up with relevant ties/badges

School Office Administration
14.  Dealing with requests, either in person or on the phone from teachers, staff, parents or

pupils

School Secretary (Co-curricular) Temp Nov25 FINAL

Page 1 of 2

Additional Duties
•  The postholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the

School.

•  The postholder is responsible for using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a safe

environment.

•  Any other duties that may be necessary to assist the smooth running of the School Office.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SCHOOL SECRETARY (REGISTRATION & CO-CURRICULAR)
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:

Essential
•  Previous admin experience
•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•  Able to manage a busy workload
•  Well-organised, thorough, and persistent
•  Able to identify and work to deadlines
•  An excellent command of the English language – both written and oral
•  Confident user of IT, including Microsoft Office programmes and databases
•  Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
•  Have a confident, warm, and welcoming manner both in person and on the telephone
•  Have a smart professional appearance
•  Able to promote and exhibit the School aims and ethos

Desirable
•  Awareness of the importance of Safeguarding & Child Protection
•  Previous experience of working in a school
•  Experience of using iSAMS or other school management information systems. Training on

iSAMS will be provided.

November 2025

School Secretary (Co-curricular) Temp Nov25 FINAL

Page 2 of 2

A Co-Educational Independent Day School for Students aged 11-18

TRAFFIC ATTENDANT
(Part-time, casual contract)

Founded in 1646, Reading Blue Coat is a leading independent day school of circa 800 pupils from
ages 11 to 18. The School is located on a beautiful 46-acre campus in the village of Sonning, just
outside Reading.

The  School  employs  more  than  200  staff,  of  whom  50%  are  academic  staff,  and  provides  a
stimulating,  friendly  and  supportive  atmosphere  in  which  each  pupil  can  realise  his  or  her  full
intellectual, physical, and creative potential.

We  are  looking  for  a  calm,  reliable  and  friendly  individual  with  excellent  customer  service  and
communication skills to join our team of Traffic Attendants.

In this role, you will ensure the safe and controlled flow of traffic and people on entry and exit to
the School’s privately owned land and to Berkshire County Sports Club car park. You will direct
vehicles and ensure they are parked efficiently in car parking areas, ensure that pedestrians and
vehicles move around the drive and parking areas safely and provide information to visitors
when approached.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a helpful disposition, the ability to
remain calm and work on their own initiative as an effective team member.

This  is  a  part-time  role  working  on  a  casual  contract.  The  traffic  attendant  team  works  shifts
operating on a rota across the hours of 07:30 to 08:45 and 15:30 to 18:00 on Mondays to Fridays
during term-time with occasional additional hours required for weekday evenings and weekends.

Reading Blue Coat offers an exceptional working environment and an attractive rewards package,
including excellent benefits such as a extensive staff discounts; tax saving cycle to work and car
leasing schemes; free sports and leisure facilities; Employee Assistance Programme; and a strong
commitment to professional development.

Further details and an application form can be downloaded from our website:
www.rbcs.org.uk/vacancies  or contact the HR department, Tel: 0118 933 5813 email:
recruitment@rbcs.org.uk

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 must be submitted to the email address above by application form (which can be
found on our website) and accompanied by your covering letter. Applicants must already be
eligible to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and
volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and
Barring Service enhanced check.  Registered charity number 1087839 • No agencies, please • www.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.

VACANCY INFORMATION PACKTRAFFIC ATTENDANTPART TIME, CASUALINTRODUCTIONReading Blue Coat School is a leading independent day school for students from ages 11 to 18. As at September 2024, the School has circa 800 students and is now into our second year of co-educational intake into Year 7 with the intention of being a fully co-educational independent day school from September 2027 onwards. The School will continue to be co-educational between the ages 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. TheSchool 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 andunderstanding of the needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and co-curricular activities thatcombine to meet these objectives.The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic. Reflecting the character of our co-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.2024 academic results were impressive; the results were amongst Blue Coat’s best with 79% achieving A*- B at A Level, and at GCSE70% 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 Plusuniversities. Each year over 75% of our students attain places at their first choice university, whilst others are successful in securingfuture 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.The School 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, andteamwork. 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DESCRIPTION OF THE POST:  To ensure the safe and controlled flow of traffic and people on entry and exit to the School’s privately owned land and to BerkshireCounty Sports Club car park. In particular, to direct traffic in the morning when pupils are dropped off and, in the evening,when they are collected. Also to provide traffic control and parking services during School events.DUTIES:Main ResponsibilitiesTo assist with the management of vehicular traffic so that it is safe and to avoid the risk of accidents.Maintain vigilance towards any dangers regarding motor vehicles and visitors disregarding safety procedures. To direct and park vehicles efficiently in car parking areas.Maintain a polite, friendly and courteous manner at all times, providing information to visitors when approached. To be fully aware of all emergency procedures, responding promptly and in an appropriate manner to any emergency, ensuringthat the switchboard are kept informed of the situation. To assist in maintaining the external public areas, including litter picking.Locking and unlocking the Yondr pouch points.Convey a knowledge and understanding of the School and its estate.To wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.Maintain high standards of personal appearance. Any uniform provided must be worn whilst at work in accordance with theSchool procedures.Additional DutiesThe 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.NB: This job description and allocation of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may, with consultation, be amended from time to time.LINE MANAGERProperty Operative DEPARTMENTPropertyCONTRACT STATUSCasual, part-time, term time only contract commencing as soonas possible.SALARY£13.00 per hour (plus 12.07% holiday pay). Salary is paid by bank transferon the 25th of the month, or next working day thereafter,throughout the year.ROLE DESCRIPTIONTRAFFIC ATTENDANTFor an informal telephone conversation about the role, contact Mustafa Velchev (Property Operative), on 0118 944 1005 or email MRV@rbcs.org.ukPage 5TTRAFFIC ATTENDANT (PART TIME, CASUAL)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 SPECIFICATIONTRAFFIC ATTENDANTSkills and Personal AttributesEssentialDesirableExcellent customer service skills.xGood communication skills and high level of patience.xEnthusiastic approach with the willingness to help people where possible in apolite manner.xThe ability to remain calm.xFlexible approach to working (e.g. willingness to stay and help during busier times).xAn effective team member.xAble to work on own initiative.xTrustworthy, reliable and prepared to work in all weathers.xSupportive of others – a helpful disposition.xA pleasant and cheerful personality.xMust be able to walk and stand for at least a 2.5 hour shift xPrevious experience of working in a school.xExperience of working with children.xPage 6Applications 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.ukContact 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PLACE OF WORKReading Blue Coat School,  Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.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 HOURSVariable according to availability and inconjunction with the Traffic Attendant team;up to 15 hours per week. We expect normalshifts to operate between 07:30 to 08:45and 15:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday duringterm time. Occasional additional hours willbe required weekday evenings and weekendsfor the delivery of co-curricular activities;school events; open evenings; parents’evenings; etc.PARKINGFree Car parking is available on site.LEAVE ENTITLEMENTPro rata paid holiday of 28 days perannum is paid as a proportion of timeworked and paid as part of your hourlyrate of pay (12.07% of basic pay).BENEFITSPage 7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 8ONE READING BLUE COATour communityHolme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire RG4 6SUTel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk