At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the rowing programme, coaching young athletes to reach their potential.
- Company: Wimbledon High School, a prestigious all-girls school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rowing while making a lasting impact on young athletes.
- Qualifications: Recognised rowing coaching qualification or equivalent experience, plus strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Start Date: September 2026
The role
We are looking for an ambitious and inspiring Head of Rowing to lead the next chapter of our Boat Club's journey. As we celebrate our first 10 years, this is a unique opportunity to build on strong foundations, unlock the programme's full potential, and shape an exciting vision for the decade ahead. If you are passionate about developing young athletes, driving innovation, and making a lasting impact in an ambitious all-girls school, we would love to hear from you.
As Head of Rowing, you will lead and develop the school's rowing programme, inspiring pupils of all abilities to achieve their personal and competitive potential. You will deliver high-quality coaching across a range of age groups, creating a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment in which every rower can thrive. Alongside your coaching responsibilities, you will oversee the planning and delivery of training programmes and camps, while ensuring the effective management, maintenance and development of the school's rowing fleet and equipment.
Working closely with colleagues from across the school, you will develop and implement a strategic plan for rowing, setting clear short, medium and long-term objectives that support continued growth and excellence. You will also play a key role in raising the profile of rowing throughout the school community, encouraging participation, nurturing talent and strengthening our reputation in the sport.
You will hold a recognised rowing coaching qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent coaching experience, together with a strong background in rowing at a high level. You will have experience of coaching within an educational setting and possess excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
About Wimbledon High School
Since 1880, Wimbledon High School GDST has been educating girls to go out into the world and make a difference. Our acclaimed pastoral programme GROW, enriching co-curricular opportunities, character-forging partnerships and our 'playful scholarship' approach to academic life make for a compelling environment where every individual can flourish and be herself. Located in the heart of Wimbledon, we are less than 20 minutes from central London.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- GDST Flexible Pension Plan
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season tickets
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment.
The closing date for applications will be 9.00am on Monday 3 August 2026.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 20 August 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
Safeguarding Statement: The Girls' Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Head of Rowing employer: GDST
Norwich High School, part of the GDST family, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on empowering students through innovative careers education, employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Rowing
✨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
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like GDST. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including GDST. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rowing
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 GDST 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 GDST
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with GDST, 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.
