Head of Music (Girls' Preparatory School)

Tenure: Permanent, Full-Time or Part-Time (4 days per week)

Start Date: January 2027

Salary: Competitive, based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale, plus TLR

Surbiton High School is seeking an outstanding, enthusiastic and ambitious Head of Music to lead the Music Department within our Girls' Preparatory School. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher and leader to inspire a lifelong love of music, shape the strategic direction of music education across the Prep School, and further develop a flourishing programme of curricular and co-curricular musical opportunities.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional classroom practitioner with the ability to inspire young musicians from Reception to Year 6. They will lead a vibrant department, oversee a broad programme of performances and instrumental provision, and work collaboratively with the Director of Music, the Head of Music at the Boys' Preparatory School and our team of Visiting Music Teachers to deliver an outstanding musical experience for every pupil.

About the Department

Music is at the heart of life in the Girls' Preparatory School and plays a central role in our thriving school community. Pupils participate in a rich programme of musical activities including class concerts, coffee morning recitals, instrumental concerts, choral performances, productions and major school events. The department works closely with colleagues across both Prep Schools and the Senior School to deliver a range of collaborative musical experiences.

The Music Department benefits from exceptional support and resources, including a team of 22 Visiting Music Teachers, a Head of Instrumental Music, Principal Accompanist, and dedicated Music Teaching and Administrative Assistant. The School also offers instrumental programmes in Years 3 and 5, providing pupils with valuable opportunities to develop their musical talents and confidence from an early age.

What You Will Do

• Lead the Girls' Preparatory School Music Department, driving excellence in teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.

• Deliver outstanding Music lessons and inspire pupils across all age groups within the Prep School.

• Develop and implement a clear strategic vision for music education across the department.

• Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning through lesson observations, work scrutiny and pupil feedback.

• Coach, support and develop department staff, Visiting Music Teachers and ensemble leaders.

• Track and monitor pupil progress and achievement, implementing effective interventions where appropriate.

• Lead curriculum development, ensuring an engaging, innovative and ambitious music curriculum.

• Promote the effective use of digital learning technologies to enhance pupil achievement.

• Lead the Girls' Preparatory School Music Scholarship Programme.

• Organise and oversee key musical events, concerts, productions and performances, including the annual Carol Service, Spring Choral Concert and Prize Giving.

• Lead curriculum choirs and contribute to the wider musical life of the School.

• Manage the Girls' Preparatory School Instrumental Programme, including communication with parents, instrument provision and liaison with Visiting Music Teachers.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Prep and Senior Schools to deliver joint musical events and initiatives.

• Manage departmental resources, budgets and staffing requirements.

• Contribute to the wider pastoral and academic life of the School.

What We Are Looking For

• An inspiring and knowledgeable Music specialist with a passion for music education.

• A successful classroom practitioner with a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes.

• Experience of leading choirs, ensembles and musical performances.

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, support and develop colleagues.

• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

• A strategic thinker with a clear vision for developing music provision.

• The ability to build positive and professional relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.

• Strong administrative and ICT skills.

• A collaborative and reflective approach to leadership.

• High expectations for pupil achievement, conduct and personal development.

• A commitment to the values, ethos and ambitions of Surbiton High School.

• A good honours degree and, ideally, a recognised teaching qualification.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, highly collaborative and well-resourced Music Department.

• Outstanding facilities and specialist music provision.

• Extensive opportunities to lead concerts, productions and co-curricular activities.

• Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities.

• Strong support from senior leaders and the wider Music team.

• A vibrant and ambitious school community that values creativity, scholarship and individual excellence.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant and high‑achieving department, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High 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, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email [email protected]