At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an outstanding music curriculum, inspiring students from Key Stage 3 to 5.
- Company: Join Ark Bolingbroke Academy, a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension schemes, weekly CPD sessions, and support for your professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive environment that values every voice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' musical journeys and lead exciting events in the community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Music, teaching experience, and a passion for nurturing student potential.
The predicted salary is between 41328 - 53606 £ per year.
About The Role
Reports to: Assistant Principal/Head of Creative and Performing Arts
Start date: April 2026
Salary: £41,328 - £53,606 (Ark Main Pay scale AM1‑AM6) + TLR 2B (£5,870)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday, 12th January 2026
The Role
As Head of Department in a music‑specialist school, you will lead, develop and manage the effective delivery of an outstanding curriculum across Music provision, enabling the highest level of student progress and attainment from Key Stage 3 up to Key Stage 5. Bolingbroke’s unique music curriculum offers free group instrumental tuition to every pupil in Year 7 as well as an extensive peripatetic timetable. As Head of Music you will lead the professional community of peripatetic Music Tutors and promote outstanding teaching and learning and a strong school culture within a nurturing and rigorous environment. You will lead a number of music events over the course of the year, including termly concerts on site and in local churches, the school musical production, as well as the opportunity to coordinate a number of more informal music events linking with the local community. In addition to major music events, you will also oversee the organisation of weekly music performances in assembly and termly key stage assemblies.
Ideal candidate will have:
- Degree in Music or related subject
- Mastery of and enthusiasm for Music
- Experience teaching Key Stage 3 and GCSE Music
- Demonstrable experience in managing behaviour and motivating children with a passion and belief in the potential of every pupil
- Excellent interpersonal, planning and organisational skills
- Commitment to regular and ongoing professional development and training to establish outstanding classroom practice
Benefits
- Weekly CPD sessions and twice as many training days as standard
- Dedicated line management meetings
- Encouragement to staff to develop their own ideas and projects within their departments and beyond
- Generous pension scheme
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
- Interest‑free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support
About Us
At Ark Bolingbroke Academy, we are a courageous, compassionate community – empowering excellence. We are a value‑lead organisation, being bold within every aspect of our lives at school. Our talented teaching and support staff insist on high educational standards every single day, and their commitment is shown in our excellent results, with over 80% of our students achieving a top‑third university or top 100 apprenticeship. We want all staff to thrive, modelling leadership and determination to the pupils and students within our rich and diverse academy, working together to fulfil our vision of creating a centre of excellence within our local community.
Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on‑going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Head of Music employer: ARK
At Ark Bolingbroke Academy, we pride ourselves on being a courageous and compassionate community that empowers excellence in education. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional development, including weekly CPD sessions and dedicated line management meetings. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside unique benefits such as access to the Ark rewards scheme and interest-free loans, makes us an exceptional place for educators to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Music
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like ARK looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Head of Music at ARK, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Music
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at ARK, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of ARK and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that ARK might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at ARK.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
