Canford School – Head of Rowing
Canford Boat Club is seeking a Head of Rowing who will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day running of Canford’s rowing programme, ensuring excellence in coaching, participation, and performance.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1923 Canford School is set in 250 acres of inspirational parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset.
The school, which has some 635 boys and girls aged 13-18, is amongst the country’s top co-educational boarding schools. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh lively approach.
Co-curricular activities play a major role in pupils’ lives at Canford and a wide variety of sports are played by pupils at various levels. It is extremely important that Sports Coaches are dedicated and committed to their chosen sport and are able to offer pupils their expertise in order for them to achieve success in sport at the level to match their capabilities.
The School prides itself on being able to compete locally, nationally and internationally in hockey, rowing and rugby but also participates locally and nationally in a variety of other sports.
OVERALL PURPOSE
The Head of Rowing (HoRow) should aim to inspire participation in our rowing programme. Our programme must offer all of our pupils the chance to explore the opportunities that sport offers, allow them to express themselves through their physical wellbeing activities and facilitate those who wish to excel in their chosen path. The aim is to inspire a generation of Canford pupils to achieve their potential in sport and to promote their physical wellbeing throughout their lives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head of Rowing will be responsible for:
• Leading and managing the provision of the sport of Rowing at Canford School so as to provide broad-based access to the sport for as many Canford pupils as choose to row and also to provide the opportunity to develop the sport of Rowing to the highest level.
• To ensure our programme provides opportunities and a sense of belonging for pupils of all abilities.
• Directing the Rowing Coaches in all matters relating to the running of rowing and the Boat Club and maintaining good working relationships.
• Devising, publishing and implementing a rowing program for the senior rowing squad
• Devising, publishing and implementing a written selection policy for senior crews
• Organising a fitness program in collaboration with the Head of Athletic Development. Monitoring compliance with the fitness program and the on-water training program and liaising with the Head of Athletic Development
• Leading the whole coaching team consisting of rowing coaches, teaching staff and external coaches, delegating responsibility according to ability and experience and to develop further their coaching skills.
• Attend events, regattas and training camps and some competitions both at Canford and at external venues, some of which fall outside term-time.
• Form and chair a management group of lead coaches to assist in the organisation of the Boat Club., and to meet regularly to discuss, agree and implement strategies for the development of Canford rowing at all levels, as well as to discuss routine matters.
• Oversee the boat house accounts including the control and management of run, capital and coaching budgets and charging of pupil accounts.
• Ensure effective communication and administration in all matters relating to the Boat Club and rowing at Canford.
• To be the primary point of contact and correspondence with Canford School parents on all matters related to rowing.
• Maintain (via Canford Crocodiles and Friends of Canford Rowing) the development of a supporters, parents, siblings network and contact system to deliver information on timing access and location of regattas and supporters. Attending events, training sessions and meetings where appropriate.
• Maintain and promote the best interests of Canford School through the activities and performance of the Boat Club both on and off site.
• Represent the interests of rowing as a sport at meetings within school when required.
• Ensure attendance procedures are followed and registers accurately recorded.
• Ensure that boats and equipment are maintained at an appropriate standard
• Recognise the rowers’ other commitments and work together with academic demands for holistic development
• To fully understand the implications of the Health and Safety Policy within the boathouse and be responsible for maintaining standards which meet these requirements
• Ensure the boathouse is a safe and healthy environment
• Adhere to the School’s H&S and Staff Behaviour policies and procedures.
• Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• A highly experienced rowing coach or rower with proven or potential ability
• Empathy for pupils, parents, staff and the community
• Is committed to continual personal and professional development
• A sense of humour, positive attitude, proven communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• High order administrative skills, effectively manages commitments and deadlines
• Works collaboratively and supportively with colleagues within school and with colleagues in other organisations
• Capacity to inspire pupils of all abilities
• Respects and values the different experiences, ideas and backgrounds others can bring to work and to teams
• A generosity of spirit and a willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular programme of the school
• Ability to motivate and encourage participation in activities both inside and outside the classroom and a willingness to take part in/organise trips and visits.
• Sympathetic understanding of the many pressures on pupils and staff within the busy Canford environment.
• ICT competence
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
REVIEW
• The job specification will be reviewed as part of the professional development cycle. Any changes can only be made by agreement with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing and Deputy Head co-curricular.
No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and consequently the responsibilities are likely to expand and evolve.
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.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.
Qualifications:
• UKCC Level 2 (or higher) rowing coaching qualification or equivalent (essential)
• Level 2 Powerboat qualification
• First Aid Certificate
• Full driving licence qualifying you to tow a boat trailer
Essential Experience/Knowledge Required:
• A proven track record as a successful coach or rower
• Experience of managing, guiding, developing a team of coaches
• Knowledge of legislative requirements in a school setting, including HSE and Safeguarding.
• Knowledge to ensure that the boat house and equipment maintained to a high standard
• Must be IT literate with good administration skills and ability to meet deadlines
Essential Personal Qualities Required:
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• A deep passion for rowing and inspiring young athletes
• Empathy for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community
• Committed to personal and professional development
• A collaborative approach to working with others within and outside of the Canford community
For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: [email protected]
Canford Boat Club sits proudly on the banks of the River Stour, nestled within the stunning Dorset countryside. With a rich tradition of success and a thriving community of rowers, we are now seeking a highly experienced and qualified rowing coach to take the lead as Head of Rowing.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a well-established and successful rowing programme, whilst ensuring that engagement and inclusion is developed across the whole Canford community.
As Head of Rowing, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day running of Canford’s rowing programme, ensuring excellence in coaching, participation, and performance. You will inspire and nurture athletes of all abilities, from beginners to high-level competitors, fostering a love for the sport and a culture of teamwork, commitment, and achievement.
Excellent benefits and accommodation may be available.
Salary: £39,845 per annum (based on a full time equivalent salary of £49,340 per annum)
Type: The role will be full-time during term-time with a requirement to support summer camps and events which may take place during weekends and school holidays.
Application Dates: From Thursday 28th August 2025 to Thursday 11th September 2025
