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- Tasks: Lead the academic music curriculum and collaborate with the Director of Music.
- Company: Join Bedford School, a thriving independent boys' school committed to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive training program and participate in a vibrant co-curricular community.
- Why this job: Shape a sector-leading music education while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and a passion for outstanding teaching.
- Other info: Early applications are encouraged; interviews may occur before the closing date.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
For September 2025
Bedford School wishes to appoint an enthusiastic and well-qualified teacher as Head of Academic Music (Deputy Director of Music) for September 2025 in our thriving independent boys’ school.
The Head of Academic Music (Deputy Director of Music) will ensure the school has an academic music curriculum suitable for our academically selective cohort, making strategic use of our facilities. A thriving academic music curriculum is symbiotic with an outstanding co-curricular programme.
This role involves close collaboration with (and deputising for) the Director of Music to ensure Bedford provides a sector-leading musical education to our pupils. The Head of Academic Music will provide dedicated oversight of the curriculum across Prep and Upper phases of the school, ensuring coherence across the age range, effective use of the school’s resources, and ambitious, exciting coverage that enriches the National Curriculum and examined courses.
Prior experience of academic leadership is desirable, though not essential; the school has an excellent internal training programme to support and mentor new Heads of Department. Experience in the independent sector and/or a boarding environment is not essential; Bedford School welcomes teachers from various backgrounds, including state and independent sectors in England and some of the world’s best international schools.
Essential qualities include enthusiasm for building on the many strengths of our unique school community to support a thriving Music department. Our ideal candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal skills, fostering effective cooperation and collaboration among an experienced teaching team, developing high levels of trust, and enhancing our provision while valuing and celebrating each teacher’s strengths. Above all, we seek a new Head of Academic Music who has an excellent understanding of outstanding teaching and learning and a clear vision for realizing it in the department.
Full-time teachers at Bedford are also expected to participate in the extensive co-curricular programme and serve as a Tutor attached to a boarding or day house.
Our school is part of the Harpur Trust, which offers a range of training modules applicable to both teaching and other professions.
We aspire to attract new colleagues who reflect the socially and culturally diverse Bedford community and welcome applications from specialists of all backgrounds.
Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Short-listed candidates will be invited to the school for an interview on the advertised date.
The Director of Music, Mr. Jonathan Sanders, would be happy to talk to prospective applicants and can be contacted through the main school reception at 01234 362200 or by email at .
Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date, and Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.
Closing Date: Wednesday 5th March 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 10th March 2025
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School may therefore ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) to assess their suitability to work with children.
Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.
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Head of Academic Music (Deputy Director of Music) employer: Music Teacher Magazine
Contact Detail:
Music Teacher Magazine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academic Music (Deputy Director of Music)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Bedford School's current academic music curriculum and co-curricular programs. Understanding the existing strengths and areas for improvement will help you articulate your vision for the department during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to the Director of Music, Mr. Jonathan Sanders, before applying. Having a conversation with him can provide valuable insights into the school's expectations and culture, which you can leverage in your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your interpersonal skills and collaborative experiences in your discussions. Since the role emphasizes teamwork and building trust among staff, showcasing examples of successful collaboration will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how your unique background and experiences can contribute to the diversity of the Bedford community. Be prepared to discuss how your perspective can enhance the music department and support the school's inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academic Music (Deputy Director of Music)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Academic Music position. Understand the key responsibilities, such as curriculum oversight and collaboration with the Director of Music, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any previous leadership roles or relevant teaching experience, especially in music education. If you have worked in diverse educational settings, mention how this has prepared you for the role at Bedford School.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the academic music curriculum in your application. Discuss how you plan to enhance the existing program and contribute to both the academic and co-curricular aspects of music education at Bedford School.
Personalize Your Application: Address your application to Mr. Jonathan Sanders, the Director of Music, and express your enthusiasm for the position. Mention any specific aspects of Bedford School that resonate with you, demonstrating your genuine interest in becoming part of their community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Music Teacher Magazine
✨Show Your Passion for Music Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for music education and how it can enrich students' lives. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged students in music, both academically and co-curricularly.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Even if you don't have formal academic leadership experience, highlight any relevant experiences where you've led projects or initiatives. Discuss how you foster collaboration among colleagues and build trust within a team.
✨Understand the Curriculum Requirements
Familiarize yourself with the National Curriculum and how it applies to music education. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop a curriculum that meets the needs of academically selective students while also being exciting and ambitious.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Bedford School's values and community. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, as well as how you would contribute to the school's diverse environment.
