Director of Music in Guildford

Director of Music in Guildford

Guildford Full-Time 47000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The Independent Schools Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant Music department and inspire students' musical journeys.
  • Company: Tormead School, an independent school for girls with a strong academic reputation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, free lunches, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Warm community atmosphere with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through music in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Music teacher with experience in delivering outstanding classroom practice.

The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.

Required for September 2026 or January 2027. Full-time, permanent. Tormead School is an academically selective independent school for 800 girls aged 4–18, located a short stroll from the historic town centre of Guildford, just 40 minutes by train to London. Students attain excellent examination results with 90% attaining grade A*-B at A Level and 90% attaining a grade 7-9 at GCSE in 2025.

About the Role

Following the relocation of the current postholder, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Musician to lead a vibrant, creative and inclusive Music department with a strong reputation for excellence. As Director of Music, you will play a pivotal role providing strategic, creative and operational leadership of Music across the Tormead family of schools. You will lead the development of Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level Music, inspiring and nurturing every student’s musical journey, ensuring they flourish. You will work closely with the Drama department and the Prep School, acting as Musical Director for high-quality school productions and musical.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

You will be a well-qualified Music teacher with a firm grasp of curricular developments, capable of delivering outstanding classroom practice and rich programmes of co-curricular music. We value colleagues who are imaginative, flexible and have the ability to inspire and support students with a warm and collaborative approach. The ability to teach Music Technology to A Level will be considered favourably.

Benefits

In return, we offer a friendly and inclusive working environment. Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, a generous contributory pension scheme, professional development opportunities, free lunches and refreshments during term time and free use of on-site sports facilities. Visits to the School are warmly welcomed so that you can experience the atmosphere and values of our community first‑hand.

Application Process and Closing Date

For more information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the HR Team at recruitment@tormeadschool.org.uk. To apply for the role, please click HERE or visit our website www.tormeadschool.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday, 11 May 2026 at 9.00am. However, applications will be considered in the order in which they are received, and the School reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date should the ideal candidate(s) be identified.

Safeguarding and Equality

Tormead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS check. We conduct online searches for all shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.

Director of Music in Guildford employer: The Independent Schools Council

Tormead School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits such as free lunches and access to sports facilities, we empower our staff to inspire the next generation of musicians. Located in the picturesque town of Guildford, just a short train ride from London, Tormead provides a vibrant community for educators passionate about making a meaningful impact.
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 in Guildford

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Tormead School's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their music programmes and values so you can show how you fit into their vibrant community.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school's culture and help you tailor your approach during the interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in music. Whether it's through innovative teaching methods or successful performances, let your enthusiasm shine through.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music in Guildford

Leadership Skills
Curriculum Development
Classroom Practice
Music Technology
Creative Thinking
Collaboration
Inspiration and Motivation
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Organisational Skills
Musical Direction
Co-curricular Programme Development
Child Protection Awareness

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 teaching style. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Music role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative programmes you've developed. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can contribute to our vibrant music department.

Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for Tormead School.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and community before you hit send!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council

✨Know Your Music Curriculum

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in music education, especially for Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A Level. Familiarise yourself with the specific curriculum used at Tormead School and be ready to discuss how you can enhance it.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Director of Music, you’ll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led a music department or project in the past, focusing on collaboration and inspiring students.

✨Engage with Co-Curricular Activities

Tormead values a rich programme of co-curricular music. Be prepared to discuss your experience with school productions and how you can contribute to creating high-quality musical experiences for students.

✨Visit the School Beforehand

If possible, take the opportunity to visit Tormead School before your interview. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to tailor your responses to align with the school's values and atmosphere.

Director of Music in Guildford
The Independent Schools Council
Location: Guildford
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