Head of Sailing Performance | Employment | Vacancies | Working at Ryde School | Isle of Wight

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of Sailing Performance to join our sailing team, working alongside the Director of Sailing. The role requires the successful candidate to deliver high-level coaching to our pupils across our sailing centres on the Isle of Wight. You will be expected to provide coaching and support throughout weekend fixtures and regattas and accompany students to events.

The majority of instruction will focus on two-boat and three-boat team racing, match racing, ILCA sailing, and J70 sailing. The successful candidate should have proven experience in some of these areas and a willingness to develop skills in others. Working closely with the Director of Sailing, this role is dedicated to high-level, performance-focused on-water training and coaching.

As a central figure in our sailing department, you will be responsible for high-quality coaching as well as:

• Planning and coaching high-level sailing sessions across our programme.

• Collaborating with the Director of Sailing on strategic planning and programme development.

• Managing and designing curriculum for all year groups across different sailing disciplines.

• Growing the programme in line with the School’s strategic objectives.

• Working with individual sailors to develop personalised performance pathway plans.

• Building on our partnerships and broader community relationships both locally and internationally, including supporting the recruitment of new sailors.

We are looking for a professional who combines elite sailing experience with an engaging and inspiring coaching style. You will need to:

• Possess a strong competitive sailing track record with evidence of success in high-level competitions.

• Take pride in their work, contributing towards the School’s drive for excellence and competitive results.

• Have high-level coaching experience, ideally working with a variety of experience and skill levels.

• Be a team player, willing to share knowledge and ideas while remaining open to learning from colleagues.

• Hold a current driving licence and be willing to drive school minibuses.

• Hold RYA coaching qualifications (desirable, though candidates willing to work towards these will be considered).

Based in one of the world's most iconic sailing locations, Ryde School offers a unique opportunity to shape a high-performance programme with access to exceptional waters.  We are situated on a 17-acre site overlooking the Solent, within walking distance of Ryde town. Our facilities blend traditional and modern architecture, featuring excellent sports facilities (including a staff gym), the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre, and our coffee shop, The Pavilion. We offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, staff parking, a cycle-to-work scheme, free lunch during term time, and many more benefits associated with an employer of choice.

Hours: Permanent, full time or 0.8 FTE contract, Term- Time plus three weeks.  September 2026 start; competitive rate of pay.

How to apply

Applicants should send a completed Ryde School Support Staff application form and a covering letter addressed to the Head Master, Mr Will Turner hmoffice@rydeschool.net and in addition to: Mrs Mandy Parry, HR Administrator (MJP@rydeschool.net). Electronic applications are preferred.

Closing date for applications: 1st March 2026. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis; we reserve the right to withdraw this advertisement should a suitable candidate be found, so early applications are encouraged.

Ryde School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Ryde School is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.

Registered Charity No. 307409