Head of Music – Thriving Secondary School in Plymouth (January Start)

A thriving secondary school in Plymouth is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Head of Music to lead its high-performing Music department for a January start.

This is a premier leadership opportunity to join a creative, supportive learning community celebrated for high educational standards, outstanding musical performances, and strong pastoral care.

Job Overview

This well-respected school places high value on creative expression, performing arts, and physical literacy. The successful applicant will take full strategic oversight of the Music department, driving curriculum design, instrumental tuition programs, and academic provision across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level / Vocational Music).

Leading a dedicated team of music specialists and visiting peripatetic tutors, you will foster an inclusive, high-energy environment that promotes ensemble performance, composition, and music technology. This is a full-time, permanent leadership role suited to an accomplished, organized practitioner ready to shape the future of music education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, management, and curriculum design for the Music department across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5

• Line manage, mentor, and evaluate department staff and peripatetic instrumental tutors to maintain high standards of teaching and learning

• Oversee the delivery of practical performance, composition, and music theory to secure outstanding GCSE and A-Level examination outcomes

• Expand and coordinate an extensive extra-curricular music program, including choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, and seasonal concert productions

• Maintain high standards across music technology suites, recording facilities, and instrument inventories

• Manage the departmental budget, equipment purchasing, and room allocation effectively

• Serve as a Form Tutor, contributing to the pastoral care, tracking, and wellbeing of your assigned year group

• Shape whole-school creative arts initiatives and community performance opportunities

The School

This successful school in Plymouth is recognized for its vibrant culture, progressive leadership, and supportive work environment. Educators benefit from top-tier facilities—including dedicated recording studios, practice suites, and a fully equipped performance hall—and a collaborative staff culture where professional growth is actively championed.

The Music department sits at the heart of the school community, maintaining a clear focus on inspiring every student to build confidence through performance, composition, and creative expression.

What’s on Offer

• Empowering, creative secondary school environment

• Competitive salary paid to scale on MPS/UPS plus generous TLR 2b / TLR 1 allowance (commensurate with leadership experience)

• Permanent, full-time contract starting January

• State-of-the-art music tech suites and performance venues

• Great Plymouth location with excellent transport links across Devon and Cornwall

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will feature:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognized UK teaching credentials (PGCE / SCITT)

• An honors degree in Music, Music Performance, or Music Technology

• A proven track record of outstanding Music delivery across KS3, KS4, and KS5

• Demonstrated leadership capability (e.g., 2i/c, Key Stage Coordinator, or existing Head of Department)

• Strong keyboard, conducting, and composition skills, alongside proficiency with music production software (e.g., Logic Pro, Sibelius)

• An ambitious, forward-thinking, and energetic approach to musical leadership

Application

To be considered for this Head of Music leadership post in Plymouth, please submit your CV as soon as possible for a January start.