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- Tasks: Lead the development of vibrant music programmes for schools and engage with teenagers through orchestral music.
- Company: Join the National Youth Orchestra, the UK's leading organisation for teenage musical development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a supportive culture, and great perks like discounts and health plans.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to shape the future of music in schools.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through music and creativity.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and a passion for youth-centred practices in education.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Full-time, two-year fixed term contract. The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We are a welcoming community where every teenager can play their part in shaping their world through extraordinary music. Every year we welcome over 10,000 teenagers of all backgrounds and different levels of musical ability into a national community to play and share orchestral music.
We are looking for a Head of NYO Schools to lead the development of NYO’s overall programme offer for schools, with an initial focus on Catalyst, our flagship new schools programme. This is a key strategic role within NYO’s Engagement team and will play a major part in shaping a scalable model that supports schools to create vibrant musical communities for teenagers.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of NYO’s programme offer for schools, with initial focus on Catalyst, our flagship new schools programme.
- Design and deliver activity including school residencies, teacher CPD, creative resources, alumni training and celebratory events.
- Help shape the future direction of NYO’s wider schools offer.
- Collaborate with the Engagement team to develop scalable models that support schools to create vibrant musical communities for teenagers.
Qualifications and qualities
- Strong programme development and leadership experience.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and a thorough understanding of the mainstream secondary education sector.
- Commitment to inclusion, youth-centred practice and safeguarding.
- Motivated by creating meaningful opportunities for young people, teachers and early career alumni through music; ability to translate strategic vision into high-quality delivery.
Location, working arrangement and benefits
Our offices near Holborn in central London are a hub for collaboration and ideas. Hybrid working is standard for most roles, with a flexible and supportive culture. Benefits include a season ticket loan scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline.
How to apply
Visit our website to apply: www.nyo.org.uk/work-with-us
Deadline for applications: Monday 11 May 2026 at 10am.
Contact details: recruitment@nyo.org.uk; 020 7189 8100; 10 Great Turnstile, London, WC1V 7JU.
Head of NYO Schools employer: Association of British Orchestras
Contact Detail:
Association of British Orchestras Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of NYO Schools
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the orchestral and education sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for music and youth development shine through. Share your ideas on how to create vibrant musical communities and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their programmes, especially Catalyst, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NYO team and contributing to our mission of empowering teenagers through music.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of NYO Schools
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at NYO. We’re all about orchestral music and its impact on teenagers. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our mission and values.
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, don’t just list your roles. Share specific examples of how you've led programmes or built relationships in the education sector. We love seeing concrete achievements that demonstrate your skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for music and youth development shine through! We want to see your commitment to creating opportunities for young people. A personal touch can make your application stand out from the crowd.
Follow Our Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. It’s super easy! Just head over to www.nyo.org.uk/work-with-us and submit your application before the deadline. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of British Orchestras
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with NYO’s current programmes, especially the Catalyst initiative. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can enhance their offerings for schools.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the education sector. Highlight your ability to connect with teachers, students, and alumni, as this role is all about collaboration and community.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Youth-Centred Practice
Be prepared to discuss your commitment to inclusion and how you’ve implemented youth-centred practices in previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve created meaningful opportunities for young people through music.
✨Bring Your Strategic Vision
Think about how you would shape the future direction of NYO’s schools offer. Come with ideas on scalable models that support vibrant musical communities, and be ready to articulate your vision clearly during the interview.