Teacher of Academic Music and Musicianship

Teacher of Academic Music and Musicianship

 For September 2026 (Full Time)

 INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

          INTRODUCTION

Celebrated throughout the world as a centre of musical excellence, The
Purcell School is the most vibrant, exciting and exhilarating place to work
or study.  We are a close-knit community dedicated to nurturing some of
the world’s most talented young musicians and we recognize the unique
privilege it is to work with these incredibly gifted students.

Our students are the liveliest, most committed and self-motivated young
people you could hope to meet.  Every day, the School’s corridors echo
with the sound of extraordinary music as our students prepare for one of
the 150 concerts we present every year, both here at School and in the
most prestigious venues in London.

It is a working environment quite unlike anywhere else!  We want our
students to be challenged and inspired by every aspect of their
experience here, and we support and encourage staff to achieve this.
Academic classes are small, behaviour is excellent and the opportunities
for innovative and creative teaching practice are limitless.

If you are committed to providing an outstanding student experience and
prepared to play a full part in the life of this extraordinary place, The
Purcell School offers you the opportunity to join an exceptional team,
serving truly exceptional students in a totally unique environment. I very
much hope you will consider making an application to join us.

 Kind regards,

 Paul Bambrough
 Principal

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Teacher of Academic Music and Musicianship

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher capable of delivering the highest
standards of teaching and learning in a world-leading specialist music school.

The Academic Music Department at the Purcell School offers a unique programme of
study, which forms an important part of every student’s specialist musical education.
Analysis and aural awareness are at the heart of everything we do and high-level training
in these areas is a core component of the curriculum for every student.

In Years 7 to 9, students study a series of topics which form the basis of creative and
analytical projects, designed to expand their general musical knowledge and inform their
practical studies. In Year 10, students follow the AQA GCSE music syllabus and in Year
11, they prepare for Sixth Form study through an in-depth study of larger scale works.

In the Sixth Form, we currently offer A Level Music (OCR) and, in an exciting expansion
of our provision, we have recently announced our intention to offer a new vocational
pathway (RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industry) from September 2026. Students
opting for the vocational programme will complete a broad music course, equivalent in
size to three A Levels, with tailored classes designed for those in our classical
performance, jazz, commercial, music production and composition departments.

The school’s Musicianship Programme runs in tandem with the above. In Years 7 and 8,
pupils attend three Musicianship classes per week: these small-group classes include
opportunities to explore music theory and analysis from aural and practical perspectives.
From Year 9, students can choose from a range of electives (including advanced
analysis, grades 6-8 music theory, keyboard skills, music technology and conducting), all
designed to complement their instrumental studies and their core aural, analysis and
exam classes.  All students attend a weekly composition class and choir rehearsal.

Purcell students achieve exceptional grades in Music and nearly all go on to study the
subject at either conservatoire or university. Students who intend to apply to university to
read Music are prepared for entrance examinations and interviews, with recent school
leavers taking up places at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and SOAS.

Music teachers at the Purcell school have a varied timetable and the successful
candidate should expect to contribute to the delivery of music history, analysis,
composition and general musicianship programmes and to work with students from
across the age range. This will include classes linked to GCSE, A Level and Diploma
programmes. In addition, we encourage our teachers to develop their own projects and
courses, as related to their own musical specialisms and interests.

Depending on expertise, experience and qualifications, there may also be opportunities
for the successful candidate to contribute to the delivery of performance classes and/or
our music technology programmes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a full time post to start on 1st September 2026.

The  salary  will  be  based  on  the  School’s  salary  scale,  according  to  the  successful  candidate’s  experience,  with  a
contributory pension scheme.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.

The post is subject to a probationary period. All posts are subject to regular appraisal.

All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.

Lunch can be taken free of charge at the School during term time

HOW TO APPLY

If  you  wish  to  apply,  please  complete  the  School’s  Application  Form  (available  on  our  website)  and send it with a
supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as
these  will  not  be accepted.   Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th March 2026. Interviews week of 23rd March
2026.

Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence your achievements. If you have a
specific  area  of  specialism  or  industry  experience,  please  demonstrate  how  this  enables  you  to  create  inspirational
lessons. The Personal Statement is your opportunity to tell us how your skills and experience, both within your subject
and beyond, can contribute to an outstanding student experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff and to lead a
short  lesson.  Interviews  will  explore  subject  knowledge,  pastoral  experience  and  the  ability  to  relate  appropriately to
students. Candidates will be required to produce evidence of identity and qualifications prior to the interview.

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to recruitment@purcell-school.org or by letter to:

Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS

JOB SPECIFICATION

The  Purcell  School  is  committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: TEACHER OF ACADEMIC MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP
All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager is the Head of Academic Music.

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

TEACHER OF ACADEMIC MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP
To teach music history, analysis, harmony, composition and general musicianship classes
To assess students’ work regularly and provide feedback in line with departmental policies
To supervise the completion of music coursework
To contribute to the marking and moderation of coursework for GCSE, A Level and vocational programmes
To attend weekly music department and academic music department staff meetings
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments in musicology, music education and the music industry

FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF
To plan, implement and deliver an appropriate programme of learning
To participate in the School’s appraisal scheme
To support and implement the School’s behavioural policy
To monitor students’ attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal when difficulties arise
To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues
To supervise students during internal and external examinations
To supervise students during breaks on a duty rota
To attend assemblies
To attend relevant staff meetings by arrangement
To attend Parents’ Evenings
To participate in school inset meetings
To contribute to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision
To assist occasionally at whole school events

FOR ALL STAFF
To promote the aims and values of the School
To support and protect the interests of the students
To support colleagues in their work
To ensure the smooth-running of the School and the well-being of the School community
To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, school policies and guidance on the safeguarding of
children and young people
To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required
To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook
To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination
To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge:

A first degree in Music (essential) and a higher degree in Music or a closely related subject (desirable)

Qualified Teacher Status (desirable)

Classroom teaching, including delivering aspects of GCSE Music and/or A Level Music programmes (essential)

Experience delivering and assessing RSL diploma courses, or another vocational qualification (desirable)

Experience leading group aural and/or musicianship classes (desirable)

Evidence of continued professional development (essential)

Good IT skills and an understanding of how ICT can facilitate outstanding teaching and learning (essential)  and
experience using notation and DAW software in professional and/or educational contexts (desirable)

Ability and Skills:

The ability to promote an interest in Academic Music within the context of an international specialist music school

The ability to develop students’ ability to use Musicianship effectively and confidently for practical communication

The ability to teach high-level and inspiring classes in music history and analysis

The ability to supervise and teach group classes in composition

The ability to establish a safe and purposeful working atmosphere that supports learning and in which students feel
secure and confident

The ability to promote positive relationships in the classroom and beyond

Effective and systematic classroom management

Personal Attributes:

An ability to inspire students of all levels and abilities

Enthusiasm, energy and imagination

Willingness to play a full part in the life of the School

Commitment to growth mindset teaching methods that create student success

Personal warmth and the ability to connect with students in a meaningful way

An ability to work as a positive member of a team