SPRATTON HALL

v i s i t i n g m u s i c t e ac h e r d r u m s ( s e l f - e m p loy e d) s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 6

General Information

Spratton Hall is an IAPS day school for girls and boys. Situated at the edge of the village of Spratton, seven miles north of Northampton, the school is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside. The school was founded in 1951 by KC Hunter, as a boarding prep school for 20 or so boys. In 1974, girls were admitted. At present, there are 398 pupils in the school, 284 pupils in the Prep School (Years 3-8) and 114 pupils in the Pre-Preparatory Department (Reception to Year 2).

Set in 50 beautiful acres, Spratton Hall is blessed with exceptionally good facilities throughout. Whatever a child does in the school they can be assured of working in modern and well-resourced classrooms and buildings and wonderful grounds.

Pre- Prep

The Pre-Prep Department comprises Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. It has its own purpose-built classrooms and its own Head. Usually, there are two classes in each year group but, currently, Year 1 has three classes. Each class has its own class teacher and full-time teaching assistant.

The children also receive specialist lessons in Music, PE , French, Drama, Dance and Computing.

Prep

In the Prep School, there are three forms in each of Years 3 to 8, with an average of fifteen pupils per form. From Year 3, pupils are placed in sets by ability for Maths and English. From Year 7 the classes are streamed for ability and there are sets for English, Maths and Science.

Spratton Hall is fully co-educational, with a roughly equal split between boys and girls.

Most pupils leave the School aged thirteen, and proceed to their first choice of Senior School. The most popular destinations at present are Rugby, Uppingham, Oakham Kimbolton and Oundle. Usually, around 40% of our Year 8 leavers go on to board at their next school. Over sixty pupils have won Scholarships and Awards in the last four years.

Inspection Reports and Aw ards

In our last full Educational Quality Inspection in 2024, we were adjudged to be “excellent” in all areas. That report is here. Our last review from the Good Schools Guide is here and our recent review from Muddy Stilettoes is here. For three years running we have been shortlisted for ‘Prep School of the Year’ or ‘Pre-Prep of the Year’ in The Guide to Independent Schools.

Expectations at Spratton are high and we have a hard-working, supportive and totally committed staff. The school is a buoyant, thriving and happy place, with very healthy numbers of pupils.

Safe Recruitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. To that end, we have a ‘Recruitment and Selection of Staff Policy’ which has been produced in line with the statutory guidance: ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ – 2020, the Equality Act 2010 and the ‘Children Act 2004 – Information Sharing’ 2015. This policy aims to ensure both safe and fair recruitment and selection is conducted at all times. The full policy can be viewed on our website here.

The School is committed to attracting, selecting and retaining employees who will successfully and positively contribute to providing a valuable service. A motivated and committed workforce with appropriate knowledge, skills, experience and ability to do the job is critical to the school’s performance and fundamental to the delivery of a high quality service.

Applicants must be willing to undergo checks including child protection screening.

These include:

• verification of identity

• receipt of at least two satisfactory references, including one from the candidate’s most recent employer

• a check at DBS barred list and a satisfactory DBS disclosure

• verification of professional status and qualifications (where appropriate)

• the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom

• a check using the ‘NCTL Teacher Service Employer Check’

• a ‘Prohibition from Management’ check, carried out for new staff involved in the management of the school

• where a candidate has worked or been resident overseas, further checks may be made as the Headmaster and Governing Body consider appropriate

• verification of medical fitness

Applications

Completed application forms, together with a brief letter of introduction, should be sent to Mrs Nicola King by Wednesday 20th May 2026. A curriculum vitae is not required but may be included if you wish.

Candidates can apply via the TES Jobs website or the application can be emailed to nck@sprattonhall.com or posted to:

HR Recruitment
Spratton Hall
Smith Street
Spratton
Northamptonshire
NN6 8HP

Interviews will commence week beginning Monday 1st June 2026.

Click this link to download an application form - https://www.sprattonhall.com/job-vacancies/

j ob description

VISITING MUSIC TEACHER - DRUMS (SELF- EMPLOYED)

(Part-Time, Casual)

Start Date: Salary: Responsible to:

eptember 2026

£55.00 per hour

irector of Music

the post

Spratton Hall School is seeking to find an enthusiastic and inspiring drum teacher to join our large team of visiting music teachers. The job will involve teaching pupils from Year 3 to Year 8.

The position is on a self-employed basis, although the lesson fee is set by the school. The visiting music teacher will be responsible for invoicing parents, communicating directly with them regarding pupil progress and organising their own timetable.

The exact number of pupils is yet to be decided, however once in position there would be room to grow. We would encourage the successful candidate to be willing to suggest promotional ideas and ways to actively grow their pupil numbers.

• To plan and deliver engaging, structured drum kit lessons that motivate and inspire pupils of varying ages and abilities.

• To monitor pupil progress, set appropriate targets, and maintain clear records of achievement.

• Experience preparing students for graded music exams (e.g. ABRSM , Trinity).

• To develop pupils’ technical, musical, and rhythmic skills in preparation for performances, assessments, and graded exams where appropriate.

• To build and maintain positive relationships with pupils, parents/carers, and colleagues, communicating progress and expectations clearly.

• To contribute to ensemble coaching, including rehearsals for bands, percussion groups, or school performances where necessary.

• To support and contribute to concerts, showcases, and other school music events.

• To maintain and care for percussion instruments and equipment, reporting any issues as required.

• To differentiate teaching to support pupils with a range of abilities, including those with additional needs.

• To work collaboratively with the wider music department in support of its aims and curriculum.

• To contribute to the safeguarding and care of children in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE ) and school policies.

Desirable

• Ability to teach an additional instrument to at least Grade 5 standard (or higher).

• A recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, instrumental teaching certification, or equivalent experience).

• Familiarity with using technology to support music teaching (e.g. recording tools, backing tracks, practice apps).

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Nicola King, Director of Music – nck@sprattonhall.com