Sailing Performance and Training Director - Ryde School

Job Posted: 9 February 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Competitive rate of pay
• Industries: Education Marine Sports & Fitness

SAILING PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING DIRECTOR PERMANENT FULL TIME or 0.8 FTE CONTRACT, TERM-TIME +3 WEEKS SEPTEMBER 2026 START, COMPETITIVE RATE OF PAY

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced Sailing Performance and Training Director to join our team. The role will require the successful candidate to be available to deliver high-level coaching to our pupils across our sailing centres on the Isle of Wight. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver coaching and support throughout weekend fixtures and regattas and accompany students to events. The majority of the instruction will be focused 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.

Reporting to the Assistant Head Co-Curricular, key duties will include: 

• Planning and coaching high level sailing sessions across our programme. 
• Managing and writing curriculums for all year groups in different sailing disciplines. 
• Growing and building the programme in line with the School’s strategic objectives. 
• Working with individual sailors to develop performance pathway plans. 
• Building on our partnerships and broader community relationships both locally and internationally, including supporting the recruitment of sailors.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a strong competitive sailing track record with evidence of success in a variety of high level competitions.
• Take pride in their work, understanding and contributing towards the School’s drive for excellence and competitive results.
• Have coaching experience ideally working with a variety of experience and skill levels.
• Be a team player, willing to share knowledge and ideas, and also able to learn from colleagues.
• Hold a current driving licence and willingness to drive school minibuses
• Have RYA coaching qualifications (desirable but not required as can be worked towards).

Location and Hours of Work

This is a term-time +3 weeks role, working full time. There is scope for flexibility to accommodate pre-existing regatta or racing commitments which would require term-time absences. The successful candidate will be required to attend weekend fixtures and regattas and may be required to support some sailing activities outside of term time.

There may be the possibility of on-site one-bedroom accommodation to accompany the role for candidates seeking this. Such accommodation comes with weekly duties in one of our boarding houses.

Ryde School is a vibrant place to work where all staff contribute to providing an exceptional educational experience for our pupils through our shared values. We work in the grounds of a 17-acre site that overlooks the Solent and within walking distance of Ryde town. Our facilities reflect the rich history of the school, blending both traditional and modern buildings, sport facilities (employees can use the school gym), the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre and our barista coffee shop, The Pavilion. We will offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement, car parking allocation in our staff car park, cycle to work scheme, free lunch during term time, and many more of the benefits you would expect from an employer that strives to be an employer of choice.

How to apply

Applicants should send their completed Ryde School Support Staff application form, with a covering letter, addressed to the Head Master, Mr Will Turner. Applications should be sent to: Mrs Mandy Parry, HR Administrator ([email protected]). An electronic application would be preferable.

Closing date for applications 1st March 2026.

Applications will be handled on an ongoing basis and we reservewe reserve the right to withdraw this advert should a suitable candidate be found, therefore early applications are encouraged.

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

Ryde School is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Ryde School does not discriminate on the grounds of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, age, and disability. Applications are welcome from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Ryde School is an equal opportunities employer.

Ryde School is a Registered Charity No. 307409