Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
Salary: £36,721 - £41,838 (Based on 36.25 hours and 52 weeks)
Hours of Work: Full time working pattern with flexibility required due to the nature of the role
Benefits: Competitive salary, eight weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year), automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Head Rowing Coach to be responsible for leading the rowing programme in the School using their skill, experience and best endeavours.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, 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 Mrs Louise Clarke, Head of Senior School
If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 6 August 2026
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 17 August 2026.
To lead on the technical coaching of George Watson’s College (GWC) Rowing; developing a structured, innovative and challenging program (daily, weekly, monthly) to achieve optimal rowing performance, satisfaction and enjoyment.
To line manage a team of part-time rowing coaches in order to deliver a full rowing programme in the PE curriculum and as an established part of the extra-curricular opportunities available to pupils.
To develop and implement inclusive, purposeful and progressive sessions for all ages and abilities during curricular and extracurricular sessions.
To analyse requirements and design and implement appropriate training sessions aimed at improving confidence and technical ability with both novice and competent rowers.
To establish a competition calendar which allows all members of the boat club equal opportunities to compete at local and national events. Consult with relevant volunteer and professional coaches to select appropriate pupils to represent GWC at local/ national competitions, rowing camps and other events.
To take responsibility for the pastoral care of pupils; including accompanying pupils to rowing competitions throughout the season and supervising pupils during travel and overnight stay.
Essential criteria:
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Successful experience of working as a rowing coach in a performance setting or in a secondary school
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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
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Flexible and imaginative in developing their practice and keep abreast of the latest developments in rowing
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues from different disciplines and across both Junior and Senior Schools
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A personal commitment to Sport and Physical Education and be prepared to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school
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Current, clean UK Driving Licence with minibus and trailer provision
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PVG/Enhanced Disclosure Scotland validation (undertaken by GWC).
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A recognised Rowing coaching qualification, such as UKCC L2 or equivalent
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Experience of identifying and carrying out effective boat repairs and maintenance
Desirable criteria:
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Experience of supervising others
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First Aid Qualification.
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IT literate - specific experience of using MS Word and Excel, including use of e-mail and familiarity with Internet resources
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
