At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and teach music to bright, curious students in a vibrant department.
- Company: Putney High School, a leading school with a focus on academic excellence and pastoral care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, professional development, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for international tours and a rich co-curricular programme.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and nurture creativity in young musicians while enjoying a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for music and teaching, suitable for ECT graduates.
The predicted salary is between 29211 - 35000 £ per year.
Employer: Putney High School – GDST – London, Greater London
Contract type: Fixed-term, part-time (FTE 0.7), start September 2026
Salary: GDST Teachers’ scale – FTE 1 from £41,730 per annum (scale subject to 26.27 annual pay award and dependent on experience)
Suitable for: ECT (NQT) graduates
Role Overview
We are seeking an outstanding Teacher of Music to join a forward-thinking, highly skilled, and welcoming department that delivers a rich, challenging curriculum and cocurricular programme to bright, curious young musicians. With superb in‑house staff development programmes and a wealth of support through the GDST, we are well placed to develop Early Career Teachers and more experienced teachers alike.
Through the study of Music at Putney, students develop creativity, confidence, and a deep understanding of musical expression across a wide range of styles. Our teaching emphasises musicianship and ensemble collaboration, while fostering curiosity and artistic independence. The department is vibrant and inclusive, with four choirs and an average of 26 cocurricular clubs running each week, including Athena Voce, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, chamber groups and a songwriting club. Our concert programme throughout the year showcases the breadth of musical life at Putney, while our thriving Music Scholar Programme supports 21 scholars and sits alongside a proudly inclusive culture. This year’s new competition, Putney Performs, attracted nearly 150 entries for piano and voice alone, reflecting the enthusiasm of students across the school.
We also run Choir and Orchestra tours; most recently taking 50 students to Burgos, and our next international tour will be to Sweden in October 2026. The department consists of four teachers and a Performing Arts Administrator who also works with the Drama department. We are high achieving, forward looking, and supported by a dedicated team of peripatetic staff who work collaboratively to deliver exceptional musical experiences both in and beyond the classroom.
About The School
As one of the UK’s leading schools, Putney High School is rightly proud of its exceptional academic results and pastoral care. A spirit of intellectual agility and engagement is at the heart of the school’s ethos, with pupils stretched, challenged, and supported inside the classroom and beyond. The school is set in leafy, tranquil grounds close to the heart of Putney and to the River Thames.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
- Generous pension scheme
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase loans and season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Retail and lifestyle discounts
- Financial guidance and support
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Applications must be received by Monday 18 May 2026 at 9am. Interview date: Friday 22 May 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Putney High School and the GDST are committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. Putney High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Teacher of Music (Maternity cover) in London employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Music (Maternity cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow musicians, teachers, and even alumni from your school. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a short performance or a portfolio of your work that highlights your teaching style and musical talents. Bring it along to interviews to really impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the school! Get to know Putney High School’s ethos, values, and music programme. Tailor your conversation during interviews to show how you fit into their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Music (Maternity cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music: When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you as a musician. We want to see how you can bring that enthusiasm into the classroom.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at Putney High School. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our vibrant music department. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with our values.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We’re looking for clarity in your communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know Your Music
Brush up on a variety of musical styles and teaching methods. Be ready to discuss how you would engage students with different musical interests, and think about how you can incorporate ensemble collaboration into your lessons.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of how you've fostered creativity in your previous roles. Whether it's through innovative lesson plans or unique extracurricular activities, demonstrate your ability to inspire students and encourage artistic independence.
✨Connect with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Putney High School's values and mission. During the interview, highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to intellectual agility and engagement, and how you can contribute to their vibrant music department.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways to involve parents and the wider community in the music programme. Be prepared to discuss ideas for concerts, tours, or collaborations that could enhance the school's musical life and showcase student talent.