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- Tasks: Lead the music curriculum and deliver exceptional lessons to inspire students.
- Company: Join Mercia Learning Trust, a thriving partnership of schools dedicated to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with reduced workload and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a school known for its outstanding reputation and academic excellence.
- Qualifications: Seeking a skilled music subject specialist with a passion for teaching and continuous improvement.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role starting on 1 January 2026.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Teachers’ pay scales + TLR2b
Contract term: Full time, 1.0FTE, permanent
Start date: 1 January 2026
Closing date: Midnight Wednesday 9 July 2025
Mercia Learning Trust is a successful partnership of four primary and three secondary schools located in the south-west of Sheffield. Established in 2012, with one secondary school, our trust has grown to serving over 5000 pupils, with 650 staff.
Why do we exist? To empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed.
How do we behave?
- We are kind - showing care and supporting each other.
- We have integrity - doing the right thing and always putting children first.
- We work with diligence - overcoming obstacles and having no excuses.
What do we do? We run schools that focus on academic excellence, cultural capital and the development of character.
How will we succeed?
- A culture of excellence – high standards shaped by clarity, not control.
- Academic focus – empowering all children through an exceptional curriculum.
- Purposeful collaboration – relationships built on trust, reducing sub-optimisation and driving collective success.
Our staff are a crucial part of our trust, just like our pupils. We are devoted to recruiting, training, retaining and taking good care of our highly skilled and dedicated team.
Mercia School (11-18) opened in 2018 in a brand-new building. Leaders and governors have an ambitious vision for the school and are determined that all pupils, irrespective of background will thrive and achieve well. The school has secured a strong reputation for educational excellence and during the last three years, has been the most over-subscribed school in the city.
Mercia School has a strong commitment to reduce workload for teachers. Within the longer day and ten training days, staff have dedicated time to complete all essential tasks and professional development. Everything is designed to ensure teachers have the time and energy to teach, and leave school at the end of the day without further work to undertake.
In February 2023, Ofsted inspected the school and graded all aspects of provision, and its overall effectiveness, to be ‘Outstanding’. Mercia School published exceptional GCSE results in the summer of 2023, achieving the highest Progress 8 score for disadvantaged pupils, this high-level of performance was repeated in 2024.
In September 2023, Mercia Collegiate Sixth Form opened. As the school continues to grow, it is crucial that we sustain our culture and effectiveness, and this role is central to our continued success.
The role We are seeking a highly skilled and talented music subject specialist. You will join a school with an incredible culture where you can contribute to the development of the music curriculum. You will be committed to continuous improvement, striving to be the best teacher you can be. As such, you will deliver exceptional lessons and secure outstanding learning, progress and attainment for every pupil.
Furthermore, all teachers contribute to the pupil elective and enrichment programme and are expected to engage in all aspects of school life. At Mercia School, lessons are:
- based on a carefully constructed, sequenced and ambitious curriculum
- demanding and carefully planned so that all pupils make strong progress and secure necessary disciplinary knowledge
- taught in a traditional way that gives pupils time to practise and master content
- focused on learning, retention and strong foundations, and preparation and readiness for GCSE and beyond
- always delivered to pupils who have exceptional behaviours and attitudes for learning, and in lessons without distraction
This is also a unique opportunity to join one of the best schools in the country and make a difference to the life chances of its pupils.
Head of Music employer: Mercia School
Contact Detail:
Mercia School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Music
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Mercia Learning Trust. Understanding their commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities and their focus on academic excellence will help you align your vision for music education with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in developing a music curriculum that promotes both creativity and academic rigour. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've engaged students and improved their learning outcomes in music.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff at Mercia School if possible. Gaining insights into their culture and expectations can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to the wider school community beyond just teaching music. Highlight any experience you have in leading extracurricular activities or collaborating with other subjects to enhance student engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Music
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the expectations for the Head of Music position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that you possess.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in music education, curriculum development, and any leadership roles. Emphasise achievements that align with the values of Mercia Learning Trust.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for music education and your commitment to student success. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to similar environments in the past.
Highlight Your Teaching Philosophy: In your application, include a brief section on your teaching philosophy, particularly how it aligns with the school's focus on academic excellence and character development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercia School
✨Show Your Passion for Music Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for music and its role in education. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to fostering a love for music among students.
✨Demonstrate Your Curriculum Development Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to the development of the music curriculum. Bring examples of innovative lesson plans or projects you've implemented in the past that align with the school's focus on academic excellence.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
Mercia Learning Trust values purposeful collaboration. Highlight your experience working with colleagues across different subjects or departments, and how you can contribute to a supportive and collaborative school environment.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Given the emphasis on exceptional behaviours and attitudes for learning, be ready to discuss your strategies for maintaining discipline and engagement in the classroom. Share specific techniques that have worked well for you in the past.