Teacher of Music (maternity cover) - late April/early May 2026 (or Sept. 2026 if not available [...] in London

We are looking for a dynamic and committed teacher of Music to cover a maternity leave due to start mid-May. Additional responsibilities may be available, if sought, for the right person. We welcome applicants who are available to start late April/early May, as well as those who are available from September 2026 until the end of the Spring Term 2027.

Applications are welcomed from both experienced teachers and ECTs with the enthusiasm and ambition to take on a key teaching role and support the department's extensive extra-curricular programme. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding artistic ability alongside strong academic credentials. They will hold a relevant degree and be able to teach confidently at Key Stages 4 and 5, leading by example. They will be a first-class communicator and presenter who is also a team-player, capable of building strong professional relationships with colleagues, pupils and parents.

Applicants must demonstrate their considerable experience and passion for delivering music to groups of children, alongside proven behaviour management skills and the ability to think on their feet. They will lead by example, consistently modeling excellent practice and promoting excellence in teaching and learning. Experience in the use of ICT within the music curriculum and a willingness to keep up to date with development in this area would be highly advantageous. A willingness to contribute to the wider musical and pastoral life of the school is essential.

• Strong subject knowledge and a genuine passion for music education
• The ability to deliver engaging, high-quality lessons
• Proven organisational skills
• Confidence in organising and leading performances, ensembles and musical events
• Ability to lead and conduct choirs
• Excellent piano/keyboard skills and confident vocal ability
• A commitment to high standards and enthusiasm for contributing to the wider life of a vibrant Independent school
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A good working knowledge of music technology and digital resources in music education (Sibelius, Logic, etc.)
• Proficiency in working with different software applications, including the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and productive relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues
• A good sense of humour and plenty of stamina

There are four full-time music teachers at Harrodian, a music graduate/accompanist and a music technician, as well as a team of 20 visiting music staff teaching a variety of instruments. The Music Department is housed in its own building and incorporates 3 teaching classrooms, 7 practice rooms and an auditorium space for concerts and recitals. There are 12 iMacs in the department, each running Logic Pro X, Garageband and Sibelius software.

This is a maternity cover position and we can offer it on either a part or full-time basis (to discuss at interview). Naturally, the role will require flexibility in order to accommodate rehearsals and performances. Full-time working days and hours at Harrodian are Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00 and Tuesdays to Fridays from 08:15 to 17:00. Five staff training days are held over the year, at the start of the Autumn, October half, and Spring terms. Term dates are published on the School's website.

The agreed salary will depend upon qualifications and experience. Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term time, free access to some of the School's sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.

Founded in 1993, the Harrodian is a co-educational school set on 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Providing staff and students alike with a welcoming and exceptional learning environment, where small class sizes and high standards foster academic excellence, we value enthusiasm, adaptability and a commitment to student engagement across all ability levels. A sense of fun, responsiveness to individual learning needs, and an open approach to teaching are qualities we regard highly. Staff are also expected to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, ensuring a holistic and enriching educational experience for all pupils.

Please submit a fully-completed application form, to include a cover letter addressed to the Headteacher, and full CV, accounting for any gaps in employment. Closing date Thursday, 5th February 2026 at 9am. Please note: Early applications are encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be held ahead of the closing date. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.

As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach at least one academic lesson and lead a rehearsal. Preparation work in advance of the class lesson will be required and details will be provided prior to interview.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.

Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, checks with any applicable Overseas Criminal Records body, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations, online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks.

All positions within the School are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Enhanced DBS check will give details of all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available from HR. References will be taken up and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.