Head of Music (0.6 FTE)
Durlston School
Full-time
Listed today
Job Description Job title: Reports to: Headmaster Head of Music (0.6 FTE) This is an exciting opportunity to lead a key department within the School. Durlston School continues to evolve and develop, and this role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to shape and further enhance a vibrant and central part of school life. The Head of Music will play a pivotal role in maintaining and developing the musical culture of the School, working with a committed and enthusiastic staff team. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Music from Years 5 to 11, including GCSE level. As the School continues to embed its all-through model to Year 11, the Head of Music will play a central role in delivering a rigorous and engaging GCSE Music curriculum, supporting pupils to achieve strong academic outcomes alongside a lifelong appreciation of music. Beyond the classroom, the Head of Music will lead and further develop the rich musical life of the School. This includes directing choirs and ensembles, leading music within assemblies, and overseeing a varied programme of performances such as concerts, class showcases (up to Year 8), and community events including Grandparents’ Tea Party. The role is key in ensuring that music remains a visible, inclusive and celebratory part of the Durlston experience. The Head of Music will also be responsible for managing the School’s team of self-employed peripatetic music teachers, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality provision across all instrumental lessons. Working closely with the EYFS/KS1 Music Teacher as well as the Music Department Assistant, the postholder will oversee the smooth running of the department and support the continued growth and excellence of music at Durlston. We would also welcome applications from candidates who may not yet have held a Head of Music position but are aspiring to take the next step into departmental leadership. For the right individual, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership experience within a supportive and forward-thinking environment. April 2026 Main Tasks and Responsibilities Overview The post is suited to an experienced teacher and musician who will lead and further develop a flourishing Music department. The role demands high professional standards, excellent subject knowledge, and a passion for inspiring pupils through music. The successful candidate will be expected to teach across the age range, including up to GCSE level, and to lead a broad and ambitious musical programme including curriculum, co-curricular activities, and performances. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking School committed to academic excellence, staff development, and innovative teaching, within a strong framework of pastoral care and co-curricular provision. The role may include acting as a tutor and will include contributing to the wider co-curricular life of the School. Teaching & Learning ● Deliver high-quality Music teaching across the School, including GCSE level. ● Lead the planning, development and delivery of an engaging and ambitious Music curriculum. ● Oversee schemes of work and ensure consistency and high standards across the department. ● Promote a love of music through creative and inclusive teaching approaches. ● Liaise with other Heads of Department, the Director of Teaching & Learning and the Headmaster as appropriate. ● Ensure all pupils, including those supported by the Lighthouse (SEND Department), can access and succeed in Music. ● Keep abreast of developments in music education and curriculum innovation. ● Support pupils in preparation for Music scholarships where appropriate. Co-Curricular Music ● Lead and develop choirs, ensembles, and instrumental groups appropriate to the size and interests of the school. Currently, Durlston offers a Chamber Choir (SAB), a Senior Choir (SSAA), Young Voices (SA), and a school orchestra. Our peripatetic staff also run a Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Recorder Group and Percussion Ensemble. ● Organise and direct school concerts, recitals, and musical events throughout the year. Performances include the annual Carol Service at Christchurch Priory, a trip to sing with Young Voices at the 02, a whole school outdoor concert, termly class concerts for years 3 – 8, local busking trips, jazz evening and a school musical. ● Support productions, assemblies, and key school events with music provision. ● Maintain and continue to develop excellent links with local community organisations, taking part in events and concerts April 2026 Individual and Small Group Tuition ● Provide individual support where appropriate, including accompanying for examinations and recitals. ● Coordinate visiting peripatetic music teachers, working closely with them to facilitate individual learning both in and out of the classroom. ● Manage staff appraisals and keep up to date with safeguarding requirements. Assessment and Feedback ● Develop and monitor effective assessment strategies across the department. ● Track pupil progress and ensure appropriate intervention where required. ● Communicate effectively with parents regarding attainment and progress. ● Contribute to whole school assessment and reporting processes. Leadership and Management ● Lead and manage the Music department, including peripatetic staff. ● Oversee departmental planning, administration and organisation. ● Manage the departmental budget and resources effectively. ● Contribute to staff recruitment where appropriate. ● Promote high standards of teaching and learning within the department. Performance & Culture ● Foster a vibrant and inclusive musical culture within the school, encouraging ● participation from all pupils regardless of ability. Identify and nurture musical talent while maintaining an inclusive, scaffolded approach in the classroom. ● Adapt and develop new schemes of work when appropriate to support shifts in student demographic. ● Continue to foster and develop positive relations within the local community, including the New Milton Music Festival. ● Oversee the Music Department’s internal practical musical assessment procedure. ● Continue to deliver an exceptional provision for our Music Scholars and Award holders. Continuing Professional Development ● Engage in ongoing professional development. ● Support the development of colleagues within the department. ● Contribute to whole school training and development initiatives. April 2026 Resource Management ● Manage and maintain musical instruments, equipment and resources. ● Oversee timetabling of music lessons and peripatetic teaching. ● Ensure facilities are used effectively to support teaching and performance. Upholding Wider School Values ● Promote and embed the School’s values in all aspects of the role. ● Contribute to the pastoral life of the School, including as a tutor if required. Child Protection Durlston 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 must be willing to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. April 2026 Person Specification Job title: Head of Music (0.6 FTE) Reports to: Headmaster Qualifications / Skills Essential ● Music specialist ● Good honours degree ● Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) ● At least Grade 6 standard piano skills Desirable ● Postgraduate qualification ● Ability to teach one or more instruments to a high standard ● Familiarity with music technology and recording tools, including Logic Pro, Soundtrap and Sibelius Experience Essential ● Teaching up to and including GCSE Music ● Delivering high-quality teaching and learning ● Using a range of assessment strategies to support pupil progress ● Experience of leading or contributing to co-curricular music ● Working with a range of pupil abilities, including SEND Desirable ● Leadership experience within a department ● Experience of directing ensembles and performances ● Experience of improving outcomes beyond own classroom Skills Essential ● Excellent teaching ability ● Strong musical leadership and organisational skills ● Excellent communication with pupils, parents and colleagues ● Ability to inspire and engage pupils through music ● Effective use of ICT Desirable ● Experience of mentoring or developing colleagues April 2026 Personal Qualities ● Enthusiastic and inspirational ● Approachable and supportive ● Organised and efficient ● Flexible and adaptable ● Team player ● Strong sense of humour and professionalism April 2026