At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young minds through engaging music lessons and lead exciting musical activities.
- Company: Vibrant prep school with a strong focus on academic excellence and pastoral support.
- Benefits: Enhanced teaching scale, wellbeing activities, gym access, and free parking.
- Other info: Part-time role starting November 2026, perfect for passionate music educators.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on children's musical education.
- Qualifications: Good honours degree, teaching qualification, and experience with primary-aged children.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School is a vibrant and welcoming school set in 12 acres of playing fields and grounds. In an environment where individuals come first, Headington Rye Oxford is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral support and an impressive range of extra-curricular opportunities.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic part-time music teacher with the ability to demonstrate excellent classroom practice. The successful applicant will join a dedicated and dynamic team and work alongside the Head of Music. He/She will have a love of teaching music, a genuine commitment to the needs of the pupils and take a full and active part in the life of the School.
The Music Department has two large classrooms and a plethora of music practice rooms. The Department has over 20 visiting music teachers each week and music is placed at the heart of the school. There are many opportunities for children to perform in concerts each year, both during and after school. You will be able to offer your own club choice, or continue with Key Stage 1 choir.
This is a part-time, fixed-term (maternity cover) position starting November 2026. The appointee will teach classroom Music to EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Year 3.
Key responsibilities:- Assist with class music teaching throughout the School, implementing the School’s musical plan imaginatively
- Plan lessons that engage and motivate pupils to learn effectively, meeting individual pupil needs
- Encourage interest and skills in performing and musical literacy throughout the School
- Organise and run a range of musical enrichment activities, including choirs and clubs
- Assist and liaise with the chaplain and Head of Music when preparing the pupils for their contributions to main events e.g. Foundation Day and Christmas assemblies
- Support school drama productions, liaising with staff and assisting at rehearsals
- Assist with instrumental and choral concerts
- Accompany pupils, as required, e.g. for concerts (piano or guitar)
- Attend parents’ evenings and write reports on the children’s progress
- Attend staff meetings and inset days
- Take part in staff professional development
- Work towards the development and aims of the School
- Follow the School’s safeguarding policy, attend relevant training and read updates
- A good honours degree relevant to the teaching aspects of the role
- Good pianistic or guitar skills to accompany singing and children in concerts
- Experienced musician/teacher of primary aged children
- A recognised teaching qualification
- Experience of the Kodaly method of teaching
- Experience in organising school performances, assemblies and musical activities
- Ability to enthuse and inspire children in their musical education
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Energy, enthusiasm, a positive manner and sense of humour
- Good initiative, can work effectively in a very busy school environment
- Adaptable and show good judgement
- Sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
- Type of Contract: Part-time (two days per week), fixed term (maternity cover) starting November 2026
- Pension: The School will comply with its legal obligations in relation to the provision of access to a pension scheme.
- The remuneration package: Headington Rye Oxford offers an enhanced teaching scale with points that equate to teaching experience and a leadership scale for responsibility. The salary offered will reflect the experience of the successful candidate and be commensurate with the post.
- Additional Benefits: All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Teacher of Music in Oxford employer: Headington School, Oxford Ltd
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive environment where music education thrives. With access to extensive facilities, a commitment to staff wellbeing, and opportunities for professional development, employees can enjoy a fulfilling career while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. The school's dedication to academic excellence and a rich array of extracurricular activities ensures that teachers are valued and engaged in a dynamic community.
Contact Details:
Headington School, Oxford Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Music in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow music teachers, join local music groups, and connect with people in the education sector. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at interviews or networking events, let your love for teaching music shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've inspired students in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools like Headington Rye Oxford Prep School and express your interest in joining their team. A friendly email can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you prepare for interviews and showcase your skills. Make sure to check it out and apply through us for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Music in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and how you inspire students to engage with music.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Headington Rye Oxford. Mention how your teaching style aligns with their commitment to academic excellence and pastoral support.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your experience with primary-aged children and any specific methods you use, like the Kodaly method. This will help us see how you can contribute to our vibrant music department.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headington School, Oxford Ltd
✨Know Your Music
Brush up on your music theory and teaching methods, especially the Kodaly method, as it's mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would engage young learners in music and share examples of your past experiences.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for teaching music shine through during the interview. Share stories about how you've inspired students in the past or how you've contributed to school performances. This will help demonstrate your genuine commitment to the pupils' musical education.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Since you'll be teaching music to young children, be prepared to showcase your pianistic or guitar skills. You might be asked to play a piece or demonstrate how you would lead a choir. Practising beforehand can help you feel more confident.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Headington Rye Oxford's ethos and values. During the interview, express how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to academic excellence and pastoral support. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
