Assistant Director of Music

Clifton College is seeking to appoint a well-qualified, inspirational, and dynamic Assistant Director of Music on a permanent basis, commencing in September 2026 (or January 2027 for the right candidate). This is an exciting opportunity to join a prestigious UK independent boarding and day school with a distinguished history of exceptional musical achievement.

As Assistant Director of Music, you will deliver high‑quality teaching in the classroom from Key Stage 3 to 5 including GCSE and A-level, and foster a love of performance and appreciation of music by playing a prominent role in our thriving co‑curricular programme. Music is a key part of Clifton College’s education program. It is delivered across our three schools: the Pre‑Prep (up to Year 2), Prep (Years 3–8), and Upper School (Years 9–13), led by the combination of six permanent staff and over thirty visiting music teachers.

These departments organise a wide range of musical events throughout the academic year, including concerts, services, recitals, competitions, and several musical theatre productions. The programmes also include masterclasses and exams, with candidates taking ABRSM, London College of Music, and Trinity exams at the end of each term.

You will work closely with the Directors of Music (Upper and Prep), the Director of Performing Arts, and the wider team, to maintain and develop a vibrant curriculum and co‑curricular provision, inspiring students to achieve their potential as performers, composers, arrangers and in supporting roles. A willingness to be flexible with working patterns is essential, as are many enriching Performing Arts activities, including rehearsals, events and productions which take place during evenings and weekends.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Clifton College is committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects our community. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage/civil partnerships. We particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups.

Safeguarding and Recruitment: We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. Safeguarding is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the College. We make sure that all our staff are trained and supervised to a high standard so they can provide safe, effective practice. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes the disclosure of criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre‑employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview, by applying for this role you are consenting for us to contact your referees. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.