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- Tasks: Lead the music department, shaping vision and performance strategy for students.
- Company: Harrodian School, known for its commitment to high-quality education and artistic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and access to school facilities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' musical journeys and collaborate with passionate educators.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, strong teaching skills, and experience in choral or orchestral settings.
- Other info: Full-time maternity cover with opportunities for professional development and creative expression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Harrodian invites applications for the role of Director of Music to cover a maternity leave starting mid‑May 2026. The successful candidate will begin either late April/early May 2026 or September 2026 until the end of the Spring Term 2027.
Overview
Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Music will maintain a clear vision for Music at Harrodian and lead delivery for both academic music and musical performance across the School. The post-holder will steer the department towards long‑term development goals while ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations and coordinating with other Heads of Department, especially the Head of Drama, to integrate a rich co‑curriculum programme with broader school life.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the school's music vision and performance strategy.
- Ensure the smooth functioning of the department and drive its long‑term development.
- Co‑ordinate with other department heads to align co‑curriculum activities.
- Line manage a team of full‑time and part‑time academic staff, a full‑time Music Technician, a part‑time Graduate Music Assistant and visiting music teachers.
- Oversee professional development, identify staff needs and resolve issues.
- Represent the department at school events and functions.
Qualifications & Experience
- Relevant degree and outstanding classroom practitioner, able to teach confidently at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
- Outstanding artistic leadership and strong academic credentials.
- Proven track record with choral or orchestral focus and/or musical theatre.
- Broad repertoire across musical genres with a willingness to explore new opportunities for pupils.
- Experience to diploma level highly desirable.
- Deep commitment to high‑quality teaching and learning and passion for creating high‑calibre performance opportunities across the school.
Working Days and Hours
Full‑time, fixed‑term maternity cover. Term‑time hours: Mondays 08:00–17:00; Tuesdays–Fridays 08:15–17:00.
Salary & Benefits
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include free car park (first‑come, first‑served), cycle‑to‑work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term, access to some school sport and leisure facilities, cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.
Application Process
Submit a fully‑completed application form, a cover letter addressed to the Headteacher and a full CV covering any employment gaps. Closing date: Thursday, 5th February 2026 at 09:00. Early applications encouraged; interviews may be held ahead of the closing date. Interview dates: TBC. Candidates will be asked to teach an academic lesson and lead a rehearsal. Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
Safeguarding & Employment Checks
Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, overseas criminal record checks, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, online searches may be conducted as part of due diligence checks. All positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Enhanced DBS will detail all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available from HR.
Director of Music (maternity cover) - late April/early May 2026 or Sept. 2026 if not available [...] employer: Harrodian
Contact Detail:
Harrodian Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Music (maternity cover) - late April/early May 2026 or Sept. 2026 if not available [...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the music education field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your teaching demos and rehearsals. Make sure you can showcase your artistic leadership and how you’d bring your vision to life at Harrodian. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Harrodian’s music programme! Familiarise yourself with their current offerings and think about how you can enhance their vision. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music (maternity cover) - late April/early May 2026 or Sept. 2026 if not available [...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Cover Letter Right: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s addressed to the Headteacher and clearly outlines your vision for music at Harrodian. Show us your passion and how you can lead the department to new heights.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience, especially in choral or orchestral settings, and any teaching credentials. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs for this role.
Be Thorough with the Application Form: Fill out the application form completely and accurately. It’s important to cover any employment gaps and provide all necessary details. This helps us get a full picture of your journey and qualifications.
Apply Early!: We encourage early applications, so don’t wait until the last minute! The sooner you apply, the better your chances of standing out. Plus, we might even hold interviews before the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrodian
✨Know Your Music Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for music at Harrodian. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement a performance strategy that aligns with the school's goals. This shows you’re not just a great musician but also a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Music, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in academic or performance settings. Highlight your experience in professional development and how you’ve resolved issues within a team.
✨Engage with Co-Curricular Integration
Think about how you can collaborate with other departments, particularly Drama, to create a rich co-curricular programme. Be ready to share ideas on how to integrate music into broader school life, which will demonstrate your commitment to a holistic educational approach.
✨Prepare for Teaching and Rehearsal Demonstrations
Since candidates will be asked to teach an academic lesson and lead a rehearsal, practice these scenarios beforehand. Make sure you can showcase your teaching style and how you engage students in both academic and performance contexts. This is your chance to shine!
