Kingswood House School where music isn't just taught – it's heard, shared and enjoyed.

Independent School | Pupils aged 7–16 | GCSE & BTEC Music

We are looking for a Director of Music who believes that music should be more than something that happens between the bell ringing and lunchtime.

Someone who can inspire the pupil who has been playing piano since they were five, encourage the child who insists they "can't sing" to have a go anyway, and get a whole room of pupils singing together with considerably more enthusiasm than they thought they possessed.

If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

The role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and ambitious Director of Music to lead Music across our school for pupils aged 7–16.

You will teach Music across the age range, including GCSE and BTEC Music, whilst developing a thriving musical culture beyond the classroom.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both the academic and the slightly chaotic sides of school music – from carefully planned GCSE lessons and BTEC coursework to rehearsing a choir, preparing a Carol Service, supporting the school production and persuading a room full of teenagers that singing together really is a good idea.

You will have the opportunity to shape the direction of Music in the school and to make it something that pupils actively want to be part of.

What will you be doing?

You will:

Lead Music across the school, ensuring that pupils experience high-quality, engaging and appropriately challenging teaching from Years 3–11.

Teach GCSE and BTEC Music, supporting pupils to achieve their academic and creative potential.

Develop singing and performance, including assemblies, choirs, concerts and other opportunities for pupils to perform.

Take a starring role in our Carol Service – repertoire, rehearsals, performances and all the things that make Christmas sound like Christmas.

Get involved in the school production, working with colleagues and pupils to bring the musical elements of the production to life.

Develop ensembles and wider musical opportunities, encouraging pupils of all abilities to get involved.

Promote Music throughout the school, making sure it is visible, valued and accessible – not just to the pupils who already consider themselves "musicians".

Develop the curriculum and department, bringing ideas, energy and ambition to the future of Music in the school.

Work collaboratively, including with teachers, instrumental staff and colleagues across the school.

Support pupils with SEND, ensuring that Music is inclusive and that every pupil has the opportunity to experience success.

And, importantly, you'll become part of the wider life of the school. We are looking for someone who is happy to roll up their sleeves, get involved and occasionally wonder why there are quite so many cables in one room.

What we're looking for

You will be a qualified and enthusiastic teacher with excellent Music subject knowledge and the ability to teach confidently across the 7–16 age range.

You will ideally have experience of teaching GCSE and BTEC Music and understand what it takes to support pupils through both academic and practical assessment.

We are particularly interested in someone who can bring:

Excellent classroom teaching and strong subject knowledge.

A passion for performance, composition and musical creativity.

The ability to inspire pupils with very different levels of confidence and musical experience.

Experience of, or enthusiasm for, leading choirs and ensembles.

Strong practical musical skills; piano/keyboard skills would be particularly welcome.

Experience of school productions, concerts or whole-school musical events.

An inclusive approach and an understanding of supporting pupils with SEND.

Excellent organisation – particularly when GCSE deadlines, rehearsals, performances and school events all decide to happen at once.

The confidence to lead, develop and champion Music across the school.

A willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of an independent school.

Why join us?

We are a school where relationships matter, individuality is valued and we want pupils to leave us having discovered things they did not know they could do.

Music has an important part to play in that.

You will have the opportunity to shape the musical direction of the school, develop provision across the age range and create experiences that pupils will remember long after they have forgotten what was on the timetable.

If you are looking for a role where you can teach, lead, perform, create and make a genuine difference, this could be the one.

And did we mentioned excellent coffee in the staffroom with toast, morning snack. free lunch and puddings!

We are looking for someone who can make Music happen. Not just on the timetable. Everywhere.

Apply using our application form and a covering letter.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the School reserves the right to appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore encouraged

All enquiries to Susan Withers, HR Officer [email protected]

Safeguarding statement:

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. All appointments are subject to rigorous safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, online searches and satisfactory references. We require candidates to explain any employment gaps and provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.