HEAD OF RUGBY ACADEMY
Type: Full Time, Fixed Term (2 Years), Term-Time Only
Location: The High School of Glasgow Senior School
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 (dependent on experience)
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, including evenings & weekends
Additional Requirements: Expected to run 2–3 week long camps during October and summer holidays
Closing date: Friday 22 May 2026
THE OPPORTUNITY
The High School of Glasgow is seeking an ambitious and driven Head of Rugby Academy to lead and develop a high-performance rugby programme within a leading independent school environment.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver a modern academy programme, working closely with the Director of Rugby and wider performance staff to support the holistic development of talented young players. The role also includes responsibility for the delivery and growth of the HSOG Warrior Programme, an evening performance programme operating three times per week.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Head of Rugby Academy will provide leadership, coaching, and operational management of the school’s rugby academy.
This is a hands‑on role focused on developing players across technical, tactical, physical, and psychological domains, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safeguarding, and educational values.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Programme Delivery & Coaching
o Lead and deliver all Rugby Academy and HSOG Warrior Programme sessions
o Design and implement high-quality coaching sessions focused on skill development, decision‑making, and game understanding
o Integrate technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development across all age groups
* Player Development
o Create, monitor, and review individual Player Development Plans (PDPs)
o Track and support player progression, workload, and wellbeing in collaboration with the Head of Athletic Development
o Promote high‑performance behaviours including resilience, leadership, and accountability
* Leadership & Operations
o Manage the day‑to‑day running of the Rugby Academy and Warrior Programme
o Oversee planning, scheduling, and internal communication
o Maintain accurate records and provide regular reports to the Director of Rugby
o Contribute to the recruitment and retention of players within the programme
* Collaboration & Pathways
o Work closely with school staff, support services, and performance personnel
o Build and maintain strong links with clubs, regional programmes, and governing bodies
o Support player progression into regional and professional pathways where appropriate
* Success Measures
o Player development and progression within school, regional, and performance pathways
o Quality and consistency of programme delivery
o Engagement and retention within the HSOG Warrior Programme
o Positive contribution to the wider rugby programme and school environment; application to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
PERSON SPECIFICATION – ESSENTIAL
* Experience within academy, professional, or high‑performance rugby environments
* Strong understanding of youth development and long‑term athlete development principles
* UKCC Level 3 (or equivalent coaching qualification)
* Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
* Ability to work effectively within a school environment
PERSON SPECIFICATION – DESIRABLE
* Experience within an independent school or structured youth pathway
* Professional or semi‑professional playing/coaching background
* Experience working within a multidisciplinary performance team
* Evidence of developing players to representative or professional levels
WHY JOIN US?
* Opportunity to lead and shape a high‑performance rugby academy
* Work within a well‑resourced and ambitious school environment
* Play a key role in developing players within a recognised performance pathway
* Be part of an exciting and growing rugby programme with strong external links
SAFEGUARDING
The High School of Glasgow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to enhanced safeguarding checks, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct at all times.
HOW TO APPLY
* Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to vacancies@hsog.co.uk.
* Interviews will take place in June 2026.
* For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Fin Gillies, Director of Rugby – fjg@hsog.co.uk.
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