At a Glance
- 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 lunches, cycle-to-work scheme, and access to school facilities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' musical journeys in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, strong teaching skills, and experience in choral or orchestral settings.
- Other info: Full-time maternity cover with opportunities for professional development.
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 [...] in London 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 [...] in London
✨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 a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for music education and how you envision leading a department. Your energy can be contagious!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those teaching demonstrations! Since you'll likely need to teach an academic lesson and lead a rehearsal, practice your delivery and think about how to engage students effectively. This is your moment to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music (maternity cover) - late April/early May 2026 or Sept. 2026 if not available [...] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for our music vision at Harrodian. Understanding our ethos will help you tailor your cover letter and CV to show how you can contribute to our goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Address it to the Headteacher and make sure to highlight your relevant experience and passion for music education. Don’t forget to mention how you plan to integrate music into the broader school life.
Showcase Your Experience: When putting together your CV, be sure to include any teaching experience, especially with choral or orchestral focus. Highlight your artistic leadership and any innovative projects you've led that align with our vision for high-quality music education.
Mind the Details: Double-check your application for any gaps in employment and ensure everything is fully completed. We love attention to detail, so make sure your application reflects that before hitting submit on our website!
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 a musical context. Highlight your experience with choral or orchestral focus, and be ready to discuss how you can inspire and develop your staff.
✨Engage with Co-Curricular Integration
Think about how you can collaborate with other departments, like Drama, to create a rich co-curricular programme. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would integrate music into broader school life, making it an essential part of the students' experience.
✨Prepare for the Teaching Demonstration
Since candidates will be asked to teach an academic lesson and lead a rehearsal, practice a short lesson plan that showcases your teaching style and musical expertise. Make sure it’s engaging and demonstrates your ability to connect with students at various levels.
