Head of Learning, Centre for Young Musicians in City of London

Part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, Centre for Young Musicians offers music provision to talented young people from all backgrounds in a thriving musical environment. As a Centre for Advanced Training under the Department for Education’s National Grant for Music and Dance, CYM is a key provider of instrumental, vocal and ensemble tuition in London. Our Saturday school and holiday courses offer a sustained and progressive route from the early stages of learning through to music college entrance. Children start on our primary years programme (age 5 upwards) progressing to the Full Programme (aged 8 to 18). CYM also manages the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and London Youth Wind Band holiday courses, which combine a rich history and legacy with bold, forward-thinking ambition.

Role Summary

We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic leader to join CYM as Head of Learning. This is a key senior role, working closely with the Head of CYM to help shape and deliver the Centre’s educational vision and strategy for a community of over 500 young musicians, while supporting CYM’s continued development, ambition and growth. The post-holder will be responsible for the curriculum, the quality of teaching and learning, and the impact of CYM’s educational provision across the Centre, ensuring a coherent, inclusive and high-quality learning experience for every student. The Head of Learning will line manage Heads of Department, oversee areas of provision not led by a department, take responsibility for timetabling and learning pathways, lead on quality assurance and data-informed improvement, and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for CYM. This role offers the chance to shape learning at one of the UK’s leading specialist music centres and to play a central role in supporting progression and achievement for young musicians from all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities (summary)

• Provide strategic and educational leadership across CYM, contributing to the Centre’s educational vision and priorities.
• Lead curriculum and programme design, review and development.
• Line manage Heads of Department and support staff development.
• Lead quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and use of data.
• Oversee timetabling and student learning pathways across the Centre.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Work collaboratively across CYM, the Guildhall Young Artists network and the wider Guildhall School.

The post-holder will be a key member of CYM’s senior leadership team and will deputise for the Head of CYM as required.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will:

• Have significant leadership experience in a music education or specialist learning setting.
• Demonstrate strong experience of curriculum or programme design, delivery and evaluation.
• Have experience line managing staff, including recruitment, induction and appraisal.
• Show a clear commitment to inclusion, widening participation and supporting progression for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate sound understanding of safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Work pattern

Tuesday to Saturday during CYM term time; Monday to Friday outside term time. This role requires flexibility to attend occasional rehearsals and concerts on evenings and weekends, with time given in lieu.

Additional information

This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including a great pension scheme, season ticket, cycle to work scheme, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London as well as Barbican staff networks.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please e-mail Bryan Welton, Head of CYM, at Bryan.Welton@gsmd.ac.uk. For more details, please go to http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/jobs.

Closing Date is Tuesday 13th January at 9am. Please note that we are unable to accept late applications. All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

Interview dates are provisionally scheduled for:

• 1st Round (panel interview) – w/c 19th January
• CYM visit for candidates progressing to 2nd Round – Saturday 24th January
• 2nd Round (panel interview) – w/c 26th January

Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting OOGS9268. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities – if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.

Guildhall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.