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- Tasks: Lead the Music and Performing Arts department, shaping strategy and overseeing performance.
- Company: Join a vibrant family of independent schools in beautiful Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, free lunches, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creative journeys and foster a love for the arts.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in music and performing arts, with teaching experience.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering school with a legacy of excellence and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Director of Music and Performing Arts. Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools are currently recruiting for a Director of Music and Performing Arts to join ESM on a permanent basis from 17 August 2026 (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks). The role is responsible for all music and performing arts provision across the Junior and Senior Schools, based on Queensferry Road and Ravelston sites.
The purpose of the role is to lead the strategic direction of the Music department and the Performing Arts programme at ESM, in line with the School’s wider strategic School Improvement Plan. In addition to preparing and delivering the strategy, the postholder has full oversight of the performance calendar and is responsible for the budget.
The successful candidate is an influential leader who will be required to develop, build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally. They will be responsible for leading development plans to improve the student experience of Music and the Performing Arts using the HGIOS framework. Proven experience in driving innovation within Music and the Performing Arts is highly desirable, whilst supporting colleagues to work collaboratively to achieve the objectives of the strategic plan and School Improvement Plan is essential to this role.
The post holder will be required to teach 8-10 hours per week, as well as encourage and lead associated extracurricular activities. ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Staff are offered a range of benefits including:
- a generous holiday allowance
- enhanced sick pay
- family friendly policies
- use of the Schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours
- membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community. ESMS 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 Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore, all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 28 November 2025. We anticipate interviews will be held week commencing 8 December 2025.
Welcome to the ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education. Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity.
From virtual reality headsets in the classroom to developing one of the first outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, we are always searching for new ways to develop the whole child. The people that work for us are passionate, pioneering and strive for excellence in everything they do. We value the incredible contributions they make to school life, we invest in their careers and we support their ambitions so that they flourish professionally and personally.
Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Director of Music and Performing Arts in Market Harborough employer: HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
Contact Detail:
HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Music and Performing Arts in Market Harborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the music and performing arts scene. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to connect with people who might know about opportunities at ESMS or similar schools.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for music and performing arts. Talk about innovative ideas you've implemented before and how they could benefit ESMS.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching ESMS thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can embody them. Think about how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and be ready to discuss it!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music and Performing Arts in Market Harborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music and Arts: When writing your application, let your love for music and performing arts shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our values at ESMS, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Music and Performing Arts role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative projects you've led that resonate with our strategic goals.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ESMS. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
✨Know Your Music and Arts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and innovations in music and performing arts. Familiarise yourself with the strategic direction of the department and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the School Improvement Plan.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, as this role requires collaboration both internally and externally.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Understand and embody the values of kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity, and curiosity. Be prepared to discuss how these values influence your teaching and leadership style, and how you can promote them within the school community.
✨Plan for the Performance Calendar
Think about how you would approach managing the performance calendar and budget. Have ideas ready on how to enhance the student experience in music and performing arts, and be ready to share your vision during the interview.
