Post title: Head of Department - Music

Responsible to: SLT Line Manager

Location: St Cuthbert's RC High School

Salary: MPS-UPS, £32,916-£51,048, plus TLR2C

Term of contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-year

Hours per week: Full-time (32.5 hpw)

Start date: ASAP

Closing date: 8th October 2026

At St. Cuthbert’s RC High School we pride ourselves on our rich diversity and inclusive environment. Our school serves a vibrant community, where students from various cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds come together to thrive. We are committed to providing an inspiring and equitable education for all our students, preparing them for success in a diverse, global society. This is an exciting opportunity to join the school at the beginning of a journey of transition, development, and growth within the multi-academy trust.

We are seeking an inspiring and highly motivated Head of Music who is ready to take on a leadership role and contribute to our strategic vision and values. The appointee will lead and inspire our students, shaping the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

You will lead a dynamic department, inspiring both staff and students to achieve their full potential. You will develop and implement a creative, rigorous curriculum that prepares students for both academic success and real-world application.

As a professional within a Catholic School, you will be expected to enhance the life of the school by delivering and developing high quality teaching and learning, contributing to the work of the teams of teaching and support staff, being reflective about your own practice and effectiveness: sharing with, and learning from the work of others, and constantly seeking ways to improve through innovation and research.

Our Mission:

Our Trust Mission is simple, it is to make Christ known, making lives better for our communities, our children and young people.

Our Values - One of Hope:

Inspired by St Teresa of Calcutta, we are people of hope. We have a complete belief in the future we will build together. By offering our children, staff and schools’ opportunities to grow and flourish, we make aspiration and ambition a reality. Our people, just like St Teresa are relentless and fiercely ambitious. We will always reach for that which seems to be just out of our grasp.

One of Courage:

As modelled for us by St Teresa of Calcutta, we will have the courage to do what is right. As a community, we will not shy away from making decisions that ensure our communities thrive. We will be brave in our actions. As a truly Catholic organisation this courage will be most apparent in how we collectively support the most vulnerable.

One of Innovation:

St Teresa of Calcutta changed the world. Together, we will always be pursuing new ideas and best practice in all areas of our work. We will prepare our children and young people for the world that awaits them. A world which they will shape and change.

We are seeking an individual who:

• Is an exceptional practitioner with strong subject knowledge and experience of raising achievement across the age and ability range.

• Is highly motivated by a belief that the life chances of all young people can be improved.

• Is a well-qualified, industrious, and talented team player who believes in lifelong learning and can help pupils develop the skills and attitudes they will need in their future lives.

• Possesses the talent, interpersonal skills, and range of pedagogical approaches necessary to contribute to the overall success of the staff and team.

• Can demonstrate a strong track record of positive impact to date.

We can offer:

• A supportive and dedicated Local Governing Body and Staff

• Highly effective safeguarding procedures.

• A working environment where all feel valued and respected.

• Supportive colleagues and governors with a clear vision and high aspirations for the school.

• A highly dedicated and inspirational team.

• A commitment to relevant, personalised Continuous Professional Development.

• A happy, calm and welcoming working environment.

• Opportunities to work within the wider STOCCAT team

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Prospective candidates are warmly welcomed to visit the school.  Please contact 01706 647761 or [email protected] to make an appointment.

The Trust is committed to welcoming individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status or whether you are pregnant or on parental leave or from a socio-economic background. We welcome applicants from all communities and from people that identify with those characteristics.

Commitment to Safeguarding:

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.  The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1074 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013).  All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check including Children’s barred list check and satisfactory references, including your suitability to work with children.  Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. Applications will only be considered from individual applicants on our standard application form, and not via CV alone or agencies. An online search will be performed on all shortlisted applicants in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.  All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of cautions and convictions.

Shortlisting date: TBC

Interview date: TBC