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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the music department, ensuring top-notch teaching and performance.
- Company: Trent College and The Elms, vibrant independent schools in stunning surroundings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous school fee discount, and access to leisure facilities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of music education and make a lasting impact on students.
- Qualifications: Strong background in music education and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Trent College and The Elms are thriving independent schools set in beautiful grounds on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. We provide a flourishing and happy co‑educational environment for children. We are recruiting a Director of Music at The Elms. This is a rare opportunity arising from the forthcoming departure of our long‑serving Director of Music.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will lead and manage the music department, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and performance across the school. The Director of Music will develop and implement a clear vision for music education that supports the school’s ethos and strategic objectives. The post will primarily involve the teaching of Music and related groups/ensembles/1:1s, but it will also involve some wider teaching responsibilities if needed. The successful candidate will be expected to commence the role in September 2026.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes a generous school fee discount, parking and complimentary use of the excellent leisure and dining facilities.
Application Details
To schedule a visit, please contact recruitment@trentcollege.net. Closing date for applications: 18 May 2026 at 9:00am. Interview date: 21 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a volume of strong and suitable applications.
Safeguarding and Screening
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 and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The school is therefore permitted to 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) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Director of Music at The Elms employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Music at The Elms
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the music education field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, be sure to share your vision for music education. Talk about how you can elevate their programme and inspire students – let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and current music programmes. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate that you’re not just any candidate, but the right fit for The Elms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music at The Elms
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music: When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your vision for music education. We want to see what makes you tick!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the ethos and strategic objectives of The Elms. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with our goals. We’re looking for someone who fits right in!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Music Inside Out
As a Director of Music, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of music education and performance. Brush up on your knowledge of various teaching methods, music theory, and the latest trends in music education. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in the school’s curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a department, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Think about how you can inspire both students and staff to achieve excellence in music.
✨Align with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Trent College and The Elms' values and mission. During the interview, articulate how your vision for the music department aligns with the school's ethos and strategic objectives. This shows that you're not just a great musician but also a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in schools, be prepared to discuss your approach to child protection and welfare. Reflect on your past experiences and how they relate to creating a safe and supportive environment for students. This will demonstrate your commitment to the school's values.