The School

Based on an historic foundation of musical excellence, King’s College School is a dynamic and inclusive academic environment. We are a caring family-based community in which all children are respected and valued. We prepare them, as individuals, to be confident in a future with exceptional possibilities. Located near the centre of the beautiful and vibrant city of Cambridge, King’s College School is a leading independent Prep School. Originally established in 1441 to educate the 16 boy choristers of King’s College Choir, the School now caters for 400 boys and girls aged 4 – 13 following the traditional Preparatory model; we have around 45 boarders, including our choristers. King’s pupils continue their education at leading independent and state senior schools, often with scholarships.

The Music Department

King’s College School has a thriving and dynamic Music Department which enjoys a national reputation for the breadth and quality of its music.  The majority of pupils learn at least one instrument, with over 400 individual instrumental lessons being taught each week.  The School offers many musical ensembles which meet weekly, and there is a regular programme of concerts.  Pupils at King’s College School achieve high marks in ABRSM and Trinity exams and have been awarded the top Music Scholarships to their next schools.  Facilities for music are excellent, with two large and well-equipped music classrooms set within a well-equipped Music Department building.  The school owns a wide range of classroom and orchestral instruments as well as 31 pianos (including a new Steinway D), two pipe organs, and a digital practice organ.

The Role and the Person

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate that they have the aptitude and ability to be an effective and knowledgeable teacher, with experience of public performance and performance practice.  It is important that the successful candidate can demonstrate that they have a sound understanding of the Choir School model and experience of working with young musicians to teach and develop a sound technique, delivered through exciting and inspirational lessons.  Our pupils cover the full range of age and ability, from Pre-Prep to Year 8 and beginner to post Grade 8.

All Visiting Music Teachers at King’s College School are responsible to the Director of Music and are expected to integrate the teaching of aural and theory as required into their music lessons, to write reports and assessments within the School’s schedule, and to keep accurate registers of lessons taught.  The ability to deliver appropriate lessons to pupils of all abilities is essential.

The successful candidate will also be invited to coach a percussion ensemble if they have the experience and skills to undertake this.  Please give details in your letter of application of your prior experience of coaching ensembles.

The successful candidate will need to be available to teach lessons and rehearse an ensemble on a Monday.

Terms and Conditions

Visiting Music Teachers are self-employed and only teach during the School term, on the days and times agreed with the Director of Music.  Visiting Music Teachers may teach their first lesson at 08:35. It is expected that all teachers will support major Music Department concerts throughout the school year.  Individual music lessons last for 35 minutes and are timetabled by the Music Department on rotation each half-term in consultation with the teachers.

King’s College School is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must provide proof of qualifications in accordance with the requirements of the Children Act 1989, as amended. Proof of identity and right to work in the UK is also required.

All Visiting Music Teachers are required to have read and be familiar with the Child Protection Policy and to undergo regular training sessions on Child Protection issues.  Visiting Music Teachers are also required to read and follow the Music Department Handbook for Visiting Music Teachers and to complete any online training that is required by the School.

How to apply

Candidates should return the following documents (which are available to download on the website) no later than 10am on Tuesday 1 December 2026:

• Application form

• A handwritten letter supporting your application (a scanned copy sent by email is acceptable)

• Reference consent form

• Equality and Diversity monitoring form (optional)

Please address your application to: Mr James Randle, Director of Music, King’s College School and send it to:

[email protected]

The interview process will take place between Monday 11 and Friday 22 January 2027.  Applicants are asked to note in their letter of application any days during this period that they would not be available to attend an interview if they were invited.  The interview process will include an interview and the teaching of an individual lesson, as well as taking a short percussion ensemble rehearsal.

Please contact Rachael Dunlop ([email protected]), the Music Department Administrator for further information, or to arrange an informal discussion with the Director of Music.