Head Rugby Coach

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Head Rugby Coach.

Location: George Watson's College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: 29.5 hours per week (annualised hours, mainly during term time)

Salary: £35,651 - £40,619 (based on 36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. This equates to £24,549 - £27,970 (based on 29.5 hours per week and 44 weeks per year).

Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson's College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school's fitness club).

George Watson's College wishes to appoint a Head Rugby Coach on a permanent basis to be responsible for leading the rugby programme in the School using their skill, experience and best endeavours.

It is possible to combine this role with aspects of the separately advertised PE Teaching Assistant vacancy.

Hours of work will be 29.5 hours per week, mainly during term time only (36 weeks plus professional learning days). The annual leave entitlement is seven weeks per year, making a total of 44 weeks per year. The salary for this position will be in the Grade 4 range of £35,651 - £40,619 (based on 36.25 hours, 52 weeks). This equates to £24,549 - £27,970 per annum (Based on 29.5 hours and 44 weeks).

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Monday 21 April 2025

Interviews date: To be confirmed.

Responsibilities:

1. To lead on the technical coaching of George Watson's College (GWC) Rugby; developing a structured, innovative and challenging program (daily, weekly, monthly) to achieve optimal rugby performance, satisfaction and enjoyment.
2. To lead a team of teachers and line manage our part-time casual rugby coaches in order to deliver a full rugby programme in the PE curriculum and as an established part of the extra-curricular opportunities available to pupils.
3. To develop and implement inclusive, purposeful and progressive sessions for all ages and abilities during curricular and extracurricular sessions.
4. To analyse requirements and design and implement appropriate training sessions aimed at improving team performance and technical ability with all pupils.
5. To organise a calendar which allows all players equal opportunities to compete in regular fixtures. Consult with rugby coaches to select appropriate pupils to represent GWC and liaise with external coaches about the development pathway of representative players.
6. To take responsibility for the pastoral care of pupils; including accompanying pupils to fixtures throughout the season as well as on residential tours.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Successful experience of working as a rugby coach in a performance setting or in a secondary school.
2. Have completed the Aspiring Coaching Programme or the UKCC level 2.
3. Ability to support and develop the inclusive ethos of sport and fitness at the School and the parity of esteem and opportunity for both girls' and boys' sport.
4. Flexible and imaginative in developing their practice and keep abreast of the latest developments in rugby.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues from different disciplines and across both Junior and Senior Schools.
6. A personal commitment to Sport and Physical Education and be prepared to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school.
7. Adaptable, patient and resilient to cope with the demands of the role.
8. Experience of supervising others.
9. IT literate - specific experience of using MS Word and Excel, including use of e-mail and familiarity with Internet resources.