Director of Music in City of London

Music sits at the centre of life at Hatcham College. The department delivers high quality performance and composition experiences across a wide range of genres, and a broad, rigorous academic music offering. Students receive at least 100 minutes of Music each week at Key Stage 3 (7-8) and fortnightly in Yr 9, with strong uptake at GCSE and post 16. Extra curricular Music runs throughout the week and is supported by classroom teachers, a dedicated Music Technician, a part time administrator, and a large team of peripatetic staff. Around 10 percent of each year group are Music scholars who receive free instrumental or vocal lessons through a competitive audition process. The College operates across three sites in New Cross and maintains strong links across the Haberdashers network and the wider community.

This role offers a rare opportunity for a passionate music education leader to lead a thriving and ambitious programme within a diverse school community. You will lead on curriculum and assessment across three key stages including A level, RSL Music and GCSE, and line manage, coach and mentor a small team of classroom music teachers including a 2ic. Curricular Music at Hatcham is broad, structured, and valued. Students study Music throughout Years 7 to 9, with well enrolled GCSE, BTEC, RSL, and A Level pathways. At Key Stage 3, we have an ambitious and sequential Kodaly-inspired curriculum that centres singing.

Responsibilities

• Lead on curriculum and assessment across three key stages (including A level, RSL Music and GCSE).
• Line manage, coach and mentor a small team of classroom music teachers including a 2ic.
• Oversee curricular and co-curricular Music, plan and deliver lessons, program and deliver performances, and play an active role in the wider musical life of the College.
• Coordinate with colleagues and support staff to ensure delivery of ensembles, choirs, orchestras, and clubs; manage event planning, budgets, and equipment for music spaces and materials.
• Engage with data analysis and ongoing focus on raising standards of student outcomes and pedagogical practice.
• Promote equal opportunities and support the Trust’s equity and inclusion priorities; uphold safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
• Communication with staff, students, and parents to maintain high standards of musicianship and inclusive practice.
• Collaborate with leadership across the academy to support student progress and development.
• Contribute to the department’s strong identity, high participation, and clear ambition.

Qualifications and Experience

• Outstanding musician and leading teacher with a diverse musical skill set.
• Ability to lead ensemble rehearsals (instrumental and vocal), functional keyboard skill, experience programming and arranging music of diverse genres (including contemporary and Classical styles), and conducting capacity.
• Experience in a senior leadership or head of department role is desirable.
• Strong communication with staff, students, and parents; commitment to high standards of musicianship and inclusive practice.
• Experience with budgeting, event management, and coordination of music spaces and materials.

Reporting

This role will be reporting to the Executive Principal.

Staff Development and Benefits

Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our children will not be as successful. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported by the College and Trust staff, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential. We have an extensive professional learning calendar with widespread opportunities for colleagues at all stages of their career. We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Note

This role is most suited to someone who has experience of being a head of department.