At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop rowers of all abilities in a thriving rowing programme.
- Company: Join Canford School, a supportive and ambitious boarding school.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant school community and contribute to various activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives and their rowing journey.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Club Coach qualification or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Canford School – Assistant Head of Rowing
Canford School is seeking a dynamic and passionate Assistant Head of Rowing to play a key role in our ambitious and thriving rowing programme.
This is an exciting opportunity to coach, lead, and develop rowers of all abilities—from those taking their first strokes to athletes competing on the national and international stage—within a high achieving and supportive boarding school environment.
About the Role
You will
- Work closely with the Head of Rowing and Rowing Coaches to support the overall programme
- Coach and develop athletes across all squads in rowing and sculling
- Lead and grow the rowing programme, driving success at major national events
- Support the planning and delivery of training, fixtures, and regattas
- Help manage the day-to-day running of the Boat Club, including events and operations
- Contribute fully to the wider life of the school (including weekends and school holidays)
Key Responsibilities
- Coaching members of Canford School Boat Club to improve their skills in Rowing and Sculling in preparation for head races and regattas.
- Helping coordinate all training sessions for all age groups.
- With the Ho Row, leading and coordinating rowing squads and their coaches.
- Working closely with the rowing staff to promote and develop sweep rowing and sculling technique across all squads in line with the Ho Row technical model.
- Working with the coaching team to improve the overall performance of rowing squads nationally and internationally.
- Helping support athletes wanting to pursue rowing at an international level and progress to further education in the UK and abroad.
- Organising the running of Sculling Club and Canford Crocodiles each week.
- Assisting the Ho Row in the day to day running of the boat house.
- Assisting the Ho Row with a broad spectrum of operational and administrative duties as may be required and pertinent to the running of the Boat Club, and all those associated with British Rowing such as Affiliation fees, British Rowing Memberships, regatta and head entries, transport and accommodation requirements , and Safeguarding.
- Managing the annual rowing calendar on a daily basis, alongside the Ho Row, including events, staffing, holiday rowing and training sessions.
- Leading the organisation of House regatta, and to assist the Development Director in the organisation of the Annual Rowing Dinner.
- Organising the planning and running of the annual training camp including transport, catering, and accommodation.
- Organising Canford’s representation of boys and girls at U19 GB trials.
- Maintaining records of training programmes, goals, progress, and testing, alongside the coaching team, Head of Athletic Development, and Head of Wellbeing.
- Working with the Ho Row to create and implement future strategy for all.
- Coordinating with the Transport department and Ho Row to organise transport for races and rowing related trips.
- Coordinating with catering and the sports coordinator to organise food for trips away and the boathouse.
- Organising and inputting race entries in coordination with the coaches for each squad. Entering races and crews into SOCS.
- Under direction of the Head of Rowing, help in maintaining safety equipment within the boathouse and in the launches
- Ensure the boathouse is a safe and healthy environment.
- Assisting the Ho Row in striking a balance between the provision of sport for all and the achievement of excellence for some so that all members of the CSBC have appropriate competitive opportunities and are developing.
- Helping select sports scholars at 13+ and 16+ as appropriate.
- Providing input and information to develop, monitor and review the performance of sports scholars and oversee the programmes of the high performing rowers within the school.
General
- To support the delivery and provision of all sport at Canford and help other departments as and when necessary.
- To contribute whole-heartedly to other aspects of school life – this will include house duties, school duties, tutoring, support for other supervision needs where possible and appropriate.
- The successful applicant should be ready to perform other duties as deemed acceptable and appropriate by the Headmaster.
Criteria for Success
- Actively supporting the ethos of the school, and effective integration of the rowing programme within the wider sports programme and within the whole school context.
- Contributing to the effective and efficient development and delivery of the rowing programme to ensure appropriate opportunity, provision, participation and support for players at all levels.
- Assisting in the effective development of coaching and evidence that high standards of teaching and learning in the Sports Department are being maintained.
- Maintaining positive relationships with staff and pupils.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding school.
- Professional appearance and manner
- Ideally able to drive.
- Key Skills and Personal Qualities Required
- Excellent subject knowledge
- An ability to inspire pupils through effective teaching and coaching
- Enthusiasm for sport and physical activity
- A commitment to improving pupil outcomes.
- The ability to deliver other sports or activities is desirable.
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Willingness to reflect and be adaptable.
- Good organisation and planning skills
- Commitment to the values and ethos of the school
- It is anticipated that the Assistant Head of Rowing would hold at least the Level 2 Club Coach qualification or have appropriate experience.
Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.
Type
Full Time, 40 hours a week, Term Time - plus additional weeks during Canford School Holidays
Application Dates
- From Tuesday 7th April 2026 to Sunday 19th April 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Canford School – Assistant Head of Rowing in England employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the stunning Dorney Lake, where employees can engage in meaningful operations that directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of rowing activities. With a strong emphasis on employee development through comprehensive training in health and safety practices, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and community engagement. The role provides unique opportunities to work in a premier sporting venue, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about water safety and operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Canford School – Assistant Head of Rowing in England
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Canford School – Assistant Head of Rowing in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining British Rowing aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Rowing, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
