Job at a glance
St Leonard's School Boat Club was established in the early 1970s and has since developed a strong tradition of participation and success, producing competitive crews and fostering a lifelong passion for rowing. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Rowing Club Lead to develop and deliver a high-quality rowing programme, providing inclusive, safe and aspirational opportunities for students of all abilities.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the boat club, including planning and delivering on-water and land-based training, leading competitions, and supporting the continued growth of rowing across the school and wider Trust. This is a rewarding opportunity to shape a thriving programme, inspire young people, and promote participation, progression and excellence in rowing.
This role is contracted at 25 hours per week and requires availability for early morning and evening training sessions, reflecting the needs of our students. The successful candidate will also be expected to attend weekend regattas and events throughout the season, supporting and representing the club. Flexibility, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work outside of standard hours are essential, as is the ability to balance training delivery with the dynamic demands of a thriving rowing programme.
The successful candidate will: Have experience of coaching rowing or a closely related sport with children or young people Be able to plan and deliver safe, engaging sessions across on-water, ergometer and land-based training Demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to lead the day-to-day running of a club Be an excellent communicator, able to build positive relationships with students, staff, parents and external partners Be committed to safeguarding, student wellbeing and maintaining a safe environment at all times Have the ability to motivate, inspire and develop young people of all abilities Be willing to work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings and weekends to support training and competitions Hold (or be willing to work towards) a relevant coaching qualification and maintain high professional standards St Leonard's Catholic School is a thriving, oversubscribed secondary school with a vibrant sixth form,?located?in the historic cathedral city of Durham.
We are proud to have been graded 'Outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted (October 2024), with inspectors praising our culture of care and achievement where?every pupil is known and loved. They highlighted our expertly designed curriculum, exceptional teaching, and strong personal development programme that builds character and resilience. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and value the high-quality education they receive.?
Our Catholic Schools Inspection (2025),?commended St Leonard's as a community where faith and learning flourish together, describing our mission as "lived and visible in every aspect of school life." Inspectors noted the strength of our pastoral care, the commitment of staff to pupils' spiritual and moral development, and the inclusive, supportive environment that makes our school a joy to be part of.?
Our newly opened school, delivered through the national School Rebuilding Programme, offers cutting-edge facilities while looking ahead to the restoration and opening of our Victorian house in 2027, which will sit at the heart of our site and add lasting character. As one of the highest-achieving schools in the?North East-with almost 50% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and excellent A?Level outcomes (Overall Grade B)-we have a strong?track record?for Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications.?
We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the largest Catholic education trust in the?North East, offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and career progression across 48 schools.? Grade: Grade G (19-23) (£33,119 - £35,571 per annum, pro-rata) Hours: 25 hours per week