Head of Rowing

Inspire. Lead. Row.

Canford School is seeking an exceptional Head of Rowing to lead and develop our thriving rowing programme. This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of rowers in a supportive, ambitious, and inspiring environment. If you are passionate about rowing, love nurturing talent, and enjoy working in a dynamic boarding school setting, we want to hear from you.

Why Canford?

At Canford, sport is more than competition—it’s about inspiring participation, promoting wellbeing, and helping pupils achieve their full potential. As Head of Rowing, you will lead a programme that offers every pupil the chance to row, from those taking their first strokes to aspiring elite athletes. You will play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging, achievement, and personal growth across all levels of our rowing community.

Why This Role Matters

Joining Canford as Head of Rowing is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of our sport, inspire a generation of young athletes, and be part of a supportive, ambitious, and fun school community. Your leadership will help pupils discover their potential, celebrate achievement, and enjoy every moment on the water.

The Role

You will:

• Lead and manage rowing across the school, ensuring broad-based access while also nurturing high-level talent.
• Inspire pupils of all abilities, creating a culture of participation, achievement, and belonging.
• Oversee and support a team of coaches, both staff and external, fostering their development.
• Devise and implement senior squad programmes, fitness plans, and selection policies.
• Manage the Boat Club’s resources, budgets, equipment, and administration.
• Act as the main point of contact for parents, supporters, and the wider rowing community.
• Represent Canford at regattas, training camps, and competitions, including some outside term-time.
• Ensure the safety, welfare, and holistic development of all pupils in line with school policies.

Who We Are Looking For

• An experienced rowing coach or accomplished rower with a proven ability to inspire young athletes.
• A strong leader and organiser, capable of managing coaches, schedules, and events with precision.
• Someone with empathy, humour, and a positive attitude, who can motivate pupils and staff alike.
• A collaborative professional who thrives in a busy boarding school environment and enjoys contributing to the wider community.
• A deep passion for rowing and a commitment to developing both participation and excellence.

Qualifications

• UKCC Level 2 (or higher) rowing coaching qualification or equivalent.
• Proven coaching experience and the ability to manage a team.
• Additional qualifications such as Level 2 Powerboat, First Aid, or experience managing elite programmes are advantageous. 

In Return

This is a full-time role during term-time, with a requirement to support summer camps and events, which may take place during weekends and school holidays. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and onsite accommodation may be available if required.

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.

DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE

• UKCC Level 2 (or higher) rowing coaching qualification or equivalent  (E)
• Level 2 Powerboat qualification (D)
• First Aid Certificate  (D)
• Full driving licence qualifying you to tow a boat trailer  (D)
• A proven track record as a successful coach or rower  (E)
• Experience of managing, guiding, developing a team of coaches  (E)
• Knowledge of legislative requirements in a school setting, including HSE and Safeguarding  (E)
• Knowledge to ensure that the boat house and equipment maintained to a high standard  (E)
• Must be IT literate with good administration skills and ability to meet deadlines  (E)
• Strong leadership and organisational skills  (E)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities  (E)
• A deep passion for rowing and inspiring young athletes  (E)
• Empathy for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community  (E)
• Committed to personal and professional development  (E)
• A collaborative approach to working with others within and outside of the Canford community  (E)

APPLY TODAY

Please include details of referees in your application, full curriculum vitae along with a covering letter ensuring you respond to our requirements:

• Experience of coaching high performance rowers (national/international level) 
• Capacity to inspire pupils of all abilities 
• Understanding the need for a diverse and inclusive rowing programme within a school environment. 
• Ability to interact in an empathetic manner with pupils, colleagues and parents. 
• Ability to undertake tutoring responsibilities. 
• Track record of successfully leading and managing a team of coaches. 

For queries, please contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or recruitment@canford.com. Further information about the role may be obtained from David Neill at dn@canford.com.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 17^th November 2025  and we anticipate that interviews will take place the following week.

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.