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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant Music and Drama curriculum for children aged 0-11.
- Company: Fairstead House, a nurturing co-educational day school in Newmarket.
- Benefits: Generous salary, fee remission, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on kindness, respect, and lifelong learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds through creativity and performance.
- Qualifications: Passionate teacher with strong musical skills and experience in primary education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the School
Founded in 1950, Fairstead House is a co-educational day school which occupies a large Victorian House and grounds in the centre of Newmarket. It is within easy reach of Cambridge, Ely, and Bury St Edmunds, with excellent access from the A14, A11 and A142. Pupils are drawn largely from the town and the surrounding villages in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The School consists of two sections: the Nursery for children aged twelve months to four years, and the Main School, sub-divided into the Pre-Prep (Reception, Years 1-2) and the Prep (Years 3-6) for pupils aged between four and eleven years. There are currently over 100 children attending the Nursery and approximately a further 100 in the Main School.
Aims and Values
Throughout the School the aims are to provide a family environment in which children are encouraged, challenged, and enthused. Within this friendly, caring, and happy community, with its unique family system and ethos, pupils come to understand and respect the world around them whilst developing their confidence and a lifelong love of learning. The School aims to excite each child's boundless sense of wonder, to capture their natural enthusiasms and to nurture and celebrate each child's individual talents. The School also aims to encourage and develop self-discipline and to promote caring, polite and well-mannered children, to promote their emotional and social wellbeing and to provide wide-ranging opportunities to foster their leadership and collaboration skills. The general philosophy of the School is based on Christian values whilst children of all faiths and none are warmly welcomed. The children are encouraged to work as part of the community and to think about others. The School has links with St Mary’s Church in Newmarket, where services are held at Christmas and the end of the Academic Year.
About the Role
Head of Music and Drama (Nursery-Year 6) Permanent - 0.6 FTE
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Music and Drama leads the strategic development, delivery, and evaluation of a vibrant performing arts curriculum from Nursery to Year 6. The postholder inspires a love of music and drama across the school, ensures high-quality teaching and learning, and oversees an ambitious programme of performances, ensembles, and co-curricular opportunities that enrich pupils’ confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Key Responsibilities
- Curriculum Leadership: Design, implement, and review a coherent, progressive Music and Drama curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, aligned with the school’s aims and values. Ensure teaching is inclusive, adaptive, and accessible for all learners, including those with SEND or EAL needs. Embed opportunities for creativity, performance, composition, improvisation, and critical listening. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in primary performing arts education.
- Teaching and Learning: Deliver high-quality, engaging lessons across the full age range (Nursery-Year 6). Use assessment effectively to track progress, inform planning, and provide meaningful feedback. Foster pupils’ confidence, teamwork, and self-expression through practical, hands-on learning. Model excellent classroom practice and contribute to whole-school pedagogy.
- Performances and Events: Lead the planning, direction, and delivery of major school productions, concerts, assemblies, and special events (e.g., Christmas performances for Nursery and Pre-Prep, informal concerts, Key Stage 2 productions). Coordinate instrumental and vocal ensembles, choirs, and drama groups. Ensure all performances are inclusive, well-organised, and showcase pupils’ talents at every level.
- Co-Curricular and Enrichment: Develop a rich programme of clubs, ensembles, and performance opportunities. Promote participation in external events, festivals, competitions, and community partnerships. Encourage a culture where every child feels able to participate and succeed in the performing arts.
- Leadership and Management: Provide clear leadership for visiting music teachers (VMTs), ensuring high standards of tuition and communication with parents. Oversee timetabling, rooming, resources, and the maintenance of instruments and equipment. Manage departmental budgets effectively. Contribute to whole-school development planning and strategic initiatives.
- Safeguarding, Welfare, and Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection, following all school policies and statutory guidance. Ensure health and safety procedures are followed during lessons, rehearsals, and performances. Maintain accurate records, including risk assessments, attendance, and pupil progress.
- Professional Development and Contribution to School Life: Engage in ongoing professional learning and contribute to staff training where appropriate. Play an active role in the wider life of the school, supporting events, trips, and community initiatives. Promote the school’s ethos of kindness, respect, service, and integrity through daily practice.
Person Specification
Essential: A passionate, skilled teacher of Music and Drama with experience across primary age ranges. Strong musical ability (vocal and/or instrumental) and confidence directing ensembles and performances. Experience leading productions and managing performance logistics. Ability to inspire pupils of all abilities and backgrounds. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
Desirable: Experience in an independent or preparatory school setting. Ability to accompany pupils on piano. Experience with music technology (e.g., recording, editing, digital composition). Willingness to contribute to other areas of school life.
Working at Fairstead House School
The King's Family of Schools is committed to rewarding employees who share our passion, vision, and values. The School is committed to investing in our employees with CPD opportunities amongst other things. The School has its own generous salary scale. The salary for the role will be commensurate with experience and will recognise the responsibility this post entails. Generous fee-remission, subject to availability of places and successful admissions procedures. Staff currently enjoy a discretionary discount on fees for children in Reception year onwards, details of which will be provided upon request. Access to Salary Sacrifice Schemes such as: Cycle2Work, Home and Tech Scheme, and Local Gym Membership. Limited free on-site car parking. School lunch provided when at work over lunch time and tea and coffee during your working day. Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, available to the employee and their dependents. Discounts at local businesses such as Sushi and Salad (Ely), Griddle Bar and Meathouse, and The Pantry (Newmarket).
Head of Music and Drama Teacher at Fairstead House in Newmarket employer: Fairstead House
Contact Detail:
Fairstead House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Music and Drama Teacher at Fairstead House in Newmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in performing arts. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people from Fairstead House or similar schools. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the school, whether it's during an interview or an informal meet-up, let your enthusiasm for music and drama shine through. Share your ideas on how you’d inspire students and create a vibrant performing arts culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to demonstrate your teaching style or lead a mini workshop if asked. Bring along some creative lesson ideas or examples of past performances to showcase your experience and how you can contribute to the school's ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Fairstead House community. Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with their values!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Music and Drama Teacher at Fairstead House in Newmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for music and drama shine through! We want to see how you inspire students and create a love for the performing arts.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your teaching methods, performances you've led, and any unique contributions you've made in previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Music and Drama role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Fairstead House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairstead House
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the Music and Drama curriculum from Nursery to Year 6. Be ready to discuss how you would design, implement, and review a progressive curriculum that aligns with the school's aims and values. Think about how you can make lessons inclusive and engaging for all learners.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Performing Arts
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for music and drama shine through. Share examples of how you've inspired pupils in the past, whether through leading productions or fostering creativity in the classroom. This role is all about igniting a love for the arts, so be prepared to demonstrate your passion!
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
You might be asked to deliver a short lesson or demonstrate your teaching style. Plan a fun, engaging activity that showcases your ability to foster confidence and teamwork among pupils. Remember, it’s not just about what you teach, but how you inspire students to express themselves.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Music and Drama, you'll need to lead a team and manage various aspects of the programme. Be ready to discuss your experience in leadership roles, how you’ve managed performances, and your approach to working with visiting music teachers. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to communicate effectively with parents and staff.