Head of Academic Music in London

Hampton is one of the country’s leading, most successful and best-resourced independent schools and has been helping boys to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations for over 460 years. Our community is vibrant, dynamic and happy, making it a wonderful place to teach and learn. Members of the Common Room are talented and hugely supportive of one another and their pupils; they share their love of learning with young people who are bright, intellectually inquisitive and aspirational. Hampton is a lively, friendly and inclusive School where we aspire to enable our boys to not only to make sense of the world, but also to want to go out and improve it. Above all, Hamptonians are encouraged and indeed expected to aspire to personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.

The Hampton School Trust is one of the country’s leading and most successful groups of independent schools. Comprising Hampton (ages 11–18), whose history spans over 460 years, Hampton Prep (ages 7–11) and Hampton Pre-Prep (ages 3–7), the Trust brings together three exceptional schools within a vibrant, inclusive and values-led community dedicated to enabling young people to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. Situated in a leafy suburb of South West London, our Schools benefit from first class facilities and resources, as well as a powerful and distinctive culture of belonging among staff and pupils.

In September 2026, Hampton and Hampton Prep will formally become a 7–18 all-through school, marking an exciting new chapter in the Trust’s development. The Millennium Boat House, shared with our neighbouring girls’ school, Lady Eleanor Holles, has a prime location on the nearby River Thames, and provides the focal point for our popular and successful Boat Club. Hamptonians’ examination results and university entrance record consistently rank in the top echelon nationally and indeed internationally. Nearly all Hampton leavers go on to undergraduate courses at Russell Group or equivalent universities; around 25 pupils are offered places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, and a significant number move on to global top-10 universities. We also support pupils who wish to study at universities in North America or Europe, some of whom secure academic and/or sporting scholarships.

At Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep Schools, we provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where every child is celebrated as an individual. Across all Schools in the Trust, there is a shared commitment to academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a wide ranging co‑curricular programme, underpinned by a culture and ethos that encourages pupils to aspire to their personal best while supporting one another with kindness and respect.

Each school offers a distinct yet complementary educational experience: a joyful and nurturing foundation in the Pre-Prep, where children build the strongest possible foundations for a lifelong love of learning; an ambitious and academically challenging curriculum in the Prep, where pupils develop confidence, character and a genuine passion for discovery; and a dynamic, high‑achieving environment at Hampton, where pupils benefit from boundless co‑curricular opportunities and consistently secure places at leading universities in the UK and worldwide.

We are seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic and driven Head of Academic Music to join our friendly, professional and high‑achieving Music department. This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant and highly successful department in an outstanding School. The role would suit a teacher aspiring to move into a middle management/leadership role. Working as part of a team of talented and highly motivated teachers, the Head of Academic Music will have oversight of the academic programme in the Music department and will take responsibility for the maintenance of the Schemes of Work (KS3, 4 and 5). The role will work closely with the Director of Music (DoM) and will deputise as/when required.

Hampton is an academically selective School and pupils’ enthusiasm for the study of Music is encouraged by imaginative, varied and challenging courses at all levels of the School, up to and including Oxbridge preparation.

There are currently four full-time teachers in the Department, one part-time teacher and a full-time Music Administrator. Instrumental lessons and some ensembles are taught/coached by the 27 visiting music teachers, many of whom are distinguished performers in their own right.

Music is a compulsory subject in the First and Second Year, each class having two periods a week. These classes are divided between two teaching spaces. The Music Hall is equipped with iMacs, Logic Pro and Sibelius software, and a large range of classroom percussion. The other lesson is taught in a fully equipped keyboard laboratory. In the Third Year music is an optional subject and there are three periods a week. In the First and Second Years music is taught as both an academic and practical subject, with all pupils being introduced to keyboard skills, which they can then take on into music technology‑based projects. Teaching is based around half‑termly projects, introducing a wide range of musical topics, and in the first two years including class singing. Pupils are also taught about a wide range of music from around the globe.

A healthy number of pupils opt to take GCSE Music in the Fourth and Fifth Years (IGCSE specification). Most GCSE pupils are extremely competent performers and have been introduced to composition in the Third Year. The Department achieves very good results, the majority of grades awarded at 8 and 9, in some years achieving a 100% record at that level.

A significant number of pupils select A Level music, taking the Eduqas specification which allows pupils to include a popular music strand with elements of music technology. A number of pupils in recent years have gone on to study music at Conservatoires and at University.

There is a wide range of musical activities available to all pupils and in all genres. Ensembles are available in rock music, jazz, choral music, and chamber music. The school has four orchestras, five choirs including an adult Choral Society and two jazz bands. There are regular musical productions with our neighbouring girls’ schools, Lady Eleanor Holles and Waldegrave School. The Music and Drama departments work closely together on plays and musical productions.

The responsibilities below outline the core elements of the role and are not exhaustive. The post will evolve over time in response to the needs of the Hampton School Trust.

• The Head of Academic Music (HoAM) will have oversight of the academic programme in the Music department, and will take responsibility for the maintenance of the Schemes of Work (KS3, 4 and 5). This will involve standardisation of the forms of the schemes of work and of assessment, as well as ensuring good progression and continuity across all Key Stages.
• Alongside other members of the Department, the HoAM will seek opportunities to expand learning opportunities for Sixth Form pupils, especially those preparing for music at University Level (Oxbridge Music preparations), particularly in reviewing reading lists and extension work.
• The HoAM will be the first point of contact for the Examinations Officer and will be responsible for checking exam entries annually.
• The HoAM will work closely with the DoM when considering exam boards at GCSE and GCE level.
• The HoAM will work with the DoM to create an appropriate and engaging programme of academic trips and concert trips.
• The HoAM will keep informed of the latest developments in the examination syllabuses.
• The HoAM will set internal deadlines and also inform the department of internal and external key dates (most importantly, coursework deadlines).
• The HoAM will oversee the development of the programme of visits and lectures in curricular and academic areas.
• In collaboration with the DoM, the HoAM will devise an annual development plan for Curricular Music.
• Alongside the DoM, the HoAM will observe members of the department and ensure that all members of the department share best practice in regular academic meetings.
• When necessary, the HoAM will be responsible for mentoring PGCE and ECT students.
• The HoAM will be responsible for managing the recording and marking of pupils' coursework performing and composition at given times during the academic year. This will be done in collaboration with departmental colleagues.
• The HoAM will be responsible for managing GCSE and A Level coursework administration (including setting deadlines, monitoring, recording and marking). This will be done in collaboration with departmental colleagues.

The HoAM will share any administrative tasks with which the DoM requires additional help, including but not limited to the department handbook, major trip planning and concert planning. The HoAM will coordinate the updating of departmental displays alongside other members of the department. The HoAM will maintain regular communication with departmental colleagues regarding academic updates, assessment deadlines and teaching and learning initiatives.

The HoAM will participate in the usual co‑curricular activities of a Music Teacher: music theory coaching, aural training and ensemble/choir coaching. The HoAM will have joint responsibility for the planning and administration of Music trips, workshops and extended tours. The HoAM will deputise for ensemble/choir rehearsals when necessary. The HoAM, alongside all department colleagues, will take responsibility for organising some events/concerts throughout the year.

Any other reasonable tasks required by the Director or Music or The Headmaster in association with the above role.

The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and experience:

• Commitment to the paramount importance of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils.
• Excellent instrumental skills and experience in teaching music.
• A good honours degree, or equivalent in Music from a leading university.
• An enthusiasm for Music and the ability to convey this to pupils.
• The ability to exemplify the characteristics of outstanding teaching practice.
• An enthusiastic commitment to all aspects of the Music Department programmes of academic and co‑curricular activities.
• The ability, as a performer, to lead by example.
• An awareness of the demands of teaching bright students and a commitment to fostering high academic achievement.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A professional approach which inspires confidence in teachers, pupils and parents.
• Excellent communication and ICT skills.
• Willing to participate in departmental trips during holiday time and to devote time and energy to ensuring the smooth running of concerts, performances and trips.
• Calmness and efficiency, with the ability to work under pressure at times.
• Fully aware of Health & Safety issues.
• Commitment to continuing professional development through attendance at INSET.
• Commitment to the all‑round ethos of the School, including its co‑curricular activities and pastoral approach.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community and outside agencies.
• A higher degree or experience as a performer.
• Experience of external examining.

To act as Fire Marshal and First Aider as required. Training will be provided. To attend training courses as required. Any other reasonable tasks required by the Director of Music, Bursar and/or The Headmaster in association with the above role. Training will be provided for on‑the‑job development under the general direction of the Head of Department or training outside the school to increase competence, proficiency and safety awareness.

Hampton has its own generous salary scale and benefits package. Accommodation may also be available. ECT’s are provided with an appropriate programme of induction leading to QTS, valid across both sectors. The Hampton School Trust Governors currently offer the following non‑contractual benefits to members of the Common Room, subject to any terms and conditions and the School’s eligibility requirements: private medical insurance (PHC); death‑in‑service benefit insurance policy; a Medicash healthcare cash plan; enrolment in an appropriate Pension Scheme, currently the TPS for teachers, or a Defined Contribution scheme, personal accident insurance, School fee remission, cycle to work scheme, lunch, sports facilities and counselling. Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and non‑contractual benefits are provided at the discretion of the Governors.

It is the policy of Hampton School Trust to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and to prohibit discrimination in employment on any basis protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, colour, religious creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition or disability. Hampton promotes equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment through positive employment policies and practices. If any special requirements or access arrangements are required to attend an interview, please inform us.

Offers of employment will be made on merit, suitability of qualifications and experience, in pursuit of our policy of equal opportunities. The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the Trust’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times. We reserve the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process. Further details of the Hampton School Trust are available on our websites. This post involves working with children; it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All appointments are subject to the Hampton School Trust Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The School is legally required to carry out a number of pre‑appointment checks which are detailed in the School's Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The information you are being asked to provide in this form is required so that the School can comply with those legal obligations should your application be successful. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form. Hampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment.