APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
Appointment of Visiting Music Teacher
Autumn Term 2026 Start
CONTENTS
Welcome to Brambletye School
A Brambletye Education 4
The Role at Brambletye 5
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Person Specification 8
Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Your Application 10
WELCOME TO BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL
…. a very warm welcome and thank you so much for your interest in working at Brambletye School.
My name is Will Brooks, and I have had the privilege of leading this wonderful school as Head since 2015. Founded in 1919 as a small boys’ boarding school in Kent, Brambletye moved to its current home in 1933. Today, we are a thriving independent co-educational prep school for children aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful country house surrounded by the stunning, tranquil landscapes of the Ashdown Forest and overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir.
At Brambletye, everything we do is guided by three core values: Work Hard, Play Hard, Be Kind. I am incredibly proud of our staff – they are, without doubt, the school’s greatest strength. From our Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery teams, teaching assistants, and boarding staff, to our specialist teachers of sport, music, and drama, and the dedicated colleagues across our Bursary, Admin, Estates, and Housekeeping departments – every member of staff plays a vital role in creating the warm, dynamic, and nurturing environment our pupils and their families cherish.
What truly sets Brambletye apart is the passion and pride our staff bring to their roles, working together as one team to provide the very best for our pupils.
I believe Brambletye offers not only an inspiring place to work, but also a culture that values openness, support, and above all, the wellbeing and morale of our staff.
I hope you find this Applicant Information Pack both useful and insightful, and I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to Brambletye in the near future.
Will Brooks Head
A BRAMBLETYE EDUCATION
At Brambletye, we are more than just a school – we are a family.
We share experiences, support one another, and create an environment where kindness is as valued as achievement. Our pupils learn to celebrate each other’s successes as much as their own, fostering a spirit of encouragement and empathy.
A Brambletye education is centred on the individual. We nurture each child’s unique strengths, helping them discover the areas in which they can truly excel, while building their confidence and self-esteem. From the earliest years, we instil a love of learning, a curiosity about the world, and a generous spirit. Most importantly, we encourage our pupils to appreciate their advantages and develop into responsible young people who understand their power to make a positive difference in society.
Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, preparing pupils for Common Entrance or academic scholarship examinations at 13+ . Children are primarily taught by one teacher until the end of Year 4, after which they benefit from specialist teaching in each subject.
Life at Brambletye extends far beyond the classroom. Sport, music, art, drama, and an extensive range of clubs and activities all play a key role in shaping a well-rounded education. Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Every member of staff – from our teachers and boarding team to our bursary, estates, and support staff – plays an active role in the wellbeing of our pupils. We firmly believe that true academic success is only possible when built on a foundation of happiness and confidence. Our multi-layered pastoral system includes form tutors, personal tutors, house staff, and boarding staff, ensuring that every pupil feels supported and valued.
Today, Brambletye is home to around 300 pupils, from Nursery to Year 8, with a healthy balance of day pupils and boarders. Many of our children also choose to board part-time as day boarders, enjoying the best of both worlds.
At the end of their Brambletye journey, our pupils move on to a wide range of leading senior schools, including Tonbridge, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, Charterhouse, Sevenoaks, Eton, Brighton, Eastbourne, Ardingly, Hurst, Uppingham, Marlborough, and Oundle.
VISITING MUSIC TEACHER
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
Purpose & Ethos
Visiting Music Teachers are vital ambassadors for the Brambletye Music Department. At Brambletye, music is at the heart of school life, enriching every child’s educational experience.
As a Visiting Music Teacher, you will nurture pupils’ musical journeys, supporting and inspiring them at every level - from first-time players to scholarship candidates. Your teaching will help cultivate not only technical skill but also a lifelong love and appreciation of music.
The Teaching Environment
You will join a team of dedicated professionals who value holistic education. Lessons are typically delivered on a 1-to-1 basis during the school day. Pupils balance busy schedules of academics, sports, and drama, so your sessions, usually 30 minutes, must be highly engaging, efficient, and memorable.
Visiting Music Teachers at Brambletye manage their own timetables and choose their own repertoire and teaching resources. The Director of Music provides full support, helping you integrate into the school’s wider musical programme. Visiting Music Teachers set their own hourly rates, with a small administrative fee payable to the school in recognition of support provided.
Collaboration & Growth
Although the role focuses on individual tuition, you will be part of a wider creative ecosystem. You will work closely with the Director of Music to:
Identify pupils ready for ensembles.
Prepare candidates for performances and exams.
Prepare candidates for senior school music scholarships.
Contribute to the school’s reputation for musical excellence.
Safeguarding & Welfare
As this role involves working closely with children, safeguarding is paramount. You will create a safe, professional, and encouraging environment where pupils can explore their creativity, build confidence, and express themselves musically.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
| Responsible to: | Director of Music |
| Responsible for: | N/A |
MAIN DUTIES
Teaching & Learning
Deliver engaging individual 30-minute lessons tailored to the age and ability of the pupil.
Prepare pupils for external practical examinations (e.g., ABRSM) and performances.
Maintain accurate records of attendance and progress and communicate directly with parents.
Manage a rotating timetable to ensure pupils do not consistently miss the same academic lessons.
Set clear practice goals and expectations for pupils, supporting them in developing effective independent study habits.
Ensemble & Performance
Encourage and prepare pupils for informal concerts, formal performances, and other events such as competitions.
If appropriate, lead or assist with ensembles or bands when required.
Support the department during major school musical events and high-profile performances.
Contribute to the school's reputation for musical excellence by fostering a vibrant culture for your instrument.
Professional Standards
Communicate effectively with parents regarding pupil progress, practice expectations, and instrument requirements.
Ensure all school safeguarding and child protection policies are strictly adhered to.
Maintain professional development and stay current with pedagogy for your instrument.
Maintain high standards of punctuality and professional integrity in all interactions with the Brambletye community.
Adopt an adaptable and flexible approach to teaching within a busy prep school environment.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and foster the aims of the School.
Be professional and a good role model to the pupils at all times.
Attend and/or complete safeguarding training as required by the School and comply with the School’s safeguarding and child protection related policies and procedures.
Be familiar with the school’s health and safety guidance and be responsible for personal health and safety and that of the pupils.
Perform reasonable additional duties as required by the School, commensurate with the post.
SAFEGUARDING
Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) and any other safeguarding checks.
Ensure familiarisation with key safeguarding policies and documents e.g. Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, KCSIE, Prevent Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, IT: E-Safety Policy, Staff Code of Conduct etc.
Commit to regular training regarding safeguarding e.g. Child Protection, Prevent etc.
Be fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all pupils at Brambletye School.
The postholder may be reasonably required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the character of the duties or the level of the responsibility entailed.
If during the course of time the duties and responsibilities detailed should change significantly and for a sustained period of time, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.
It is the shared responsibility of the postholder and their line manager to ensure that job descriptions are kept up to date.
| Job Description Written/Updated: | May 2026 |
| By: | Director of Music/HR Manager |
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants should note that shortlisting will be based on this specification and should keep this in mind when preparing and completing their application form
QUALIFICATIONS
A degree in Music, a performance diploma, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
A recognised teaching qualification e.g. PGCE, DipABRSM would be desirable.
Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) in instrumental pedagogy or performance.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Proven experience teaching primary-aged children (Key Stages 1–3) individually and/or in groups.
Ability to teach a variety of music styles.
Competence in integrating music theory and aural training into practical lessons.
Strong organisational skills, including timetable management and meeting reporting deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with pupils, parents, and staff.
Proven track record of preparing pupils successfully for external practical examinations, such as ABRSM.
Experience in directing ensembles, bands, or chamber groups, and arranging music for various ability levels.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Genuine passion for music education and the ability to motivate and inspire young learners.
Calm, encouraging, and patient approach, particularly with beginners.
Punctuality and professional integrity.
Adaptable, flexible, and responsive to the needs of a busy school environment.
Collaborative team player who enjoys contributing to a wider creative community.
SAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
SAFEGUARDING AT BRAMBLETYE
Brambletye School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We expect every member of our community - including staff, Governors, and volunteers—to share this commitment.
Our Commitment
Safeguarding is central to everything we do at Brambletye.
All staff are required to follow the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always the highest priority.
Every member of staff, regardless of their role, holds responsibility for safeguarding the children entrusted to us.
Recruitment & Screening
All successful applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening, which includes:
Reference checks with previous employers
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or international equivalent, where applicable)
Positions at Brambletye are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings— including those considered "spent" under the Act—must be declared, subject to DBS filtering rules.
Information provided will be treated in strict confidence, and each case will be considered on its individual merits.
Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer of employment or immediate termination of employment.
Brambletye School’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy can be found here.
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Brambletye School is proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunities employer. We:
Treat all applicants with dignity, fairness, and respect throughout the recruitment process.
Value the diversity of our staff and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Provide support where needed to ensure that every applicant has a fair opportunity to succeed.
YOUR APPLICATION
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like an informal discussion about this role before submitting your application, please contact Rachel Selleck (Director of Music) at rselleck@brambletye.com or call 01342 321004.
Download the application form from the Brambletye School website.
Once completed, email the completed form to Heather White (HR Manager) at hwhite@brambletye.com.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process or require assistance with the form, please contact Heather, who will be happy to help.
SHORTLISTING
Applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in this document, with shortlisted applicants invited to attend an interview at Brambletye School.
ONLINE CHECKS
All shortlisted applicants will undergo an online background check in line with the school’s safeguarding commitments.
REFERENCES
References will normally be obtained prior to interview unless you indicate otherwise.
OVERSEAS POLICE CHECK
If you have lived outside the UK for more than three months in the past ten years, you will be required to provide a police clearance certificate from the relevant country or countries.
SUPPORTING RECRUITMENT DOCUMENTS & POLICIES
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the school’s supporting recruitment documents and policies, these are available on the vacancies page of the school’s website here.
TERM DATES
Information about the school’s term dates can be accessed here.
KEY DATES
Application deadline: Thursday, 18th June 2026 at 9:00am
Interviews: during the week commencing Monday, 22nd June 2026