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Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust; North East; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

St Leonard’s School Boat Club, part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, seeks a Rowing Club Lead to develop and deliver a high-quality rowing programme for students of all abilities.

The role requires day-to-day club management, on-water and land-based training, and participation in weekend regattas, with flexible hours including early mornings. Previous coaching qualifications and a commitment to safeguarding are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching rowing or similar with children or young people.
• Ability to plan and deliver safe, engaging sessions on-water, ergometer and land-based.
• Strong organisational skills to run a school rowing club daily.
• Excellent communication with students, staff, parents and external partners.
• Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing at all times.
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the rowing club.
• Plan and deliver on-water and land-based training sessions.
• Lead competitions and support school rowing growth within the Trust.
• Attend weekend regattas and events as required.
• Balance training delivery with programme growth and safety.

Skills

Coaching rowing

Session planning

Leadership

Communication

Safeguarding

Flexible hours

Motivation & development

Education

Coaching qualification

Tools

Ergometer

On-water training equipment

Job description

Company: Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust

Location: St Leonard’s Catholic School, North End, Durham, DH1 4NG

Hours: 25 hours per week, across 5 days (including some weekends)

Reduced hours can be negotiated, Permanent, All year round.

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.

About the role

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

Interview date: TBC

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.