Visiting Music Teacher Contemporary/Pop

Welcome from theHeadmaster

Dear Candidate,

Barnard Castle School is seeking an outstanding Visiting Singing Teacher (Contemporary/Pop) for our thriving day and boarding school, which has remained at the forefront of girls’ and boys’ education for over 130 years. Whilst the school retains a strong academic record, its focus continues to be on developing life skills and nurturing each character. This is something that we as a school take great care and pride in, and our Music Department plays a significant role in this.

Barney is an exciting and hugely rewarding place to be, and I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours faithfully,

David Cresswell HEADMASTER

The History of Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle School has a rich and enduring history, deeply rooted in a tradition of learning and community. The school traces its origins back to the nearby Hospital of St John, an educational and religious community established by John de Balliol in 1229. John de Balliol also founded Balliol College, Oxford, and his passion for education and opportunity remains central to our philosophy today.

In 1883, with a generous gift from Benjamin Flounders, a Victorian philanthropist, and the proceeds of St John's Hospital, the present main school building was constructed. Since then, the school has grown and evolved, blending its historical foundations with a forward-thinking approach to education.

In 2024, David Cresswell was appointed as Barney’s 11th Headmaster, continuing the school’s tradition of combining timeless values with future-focused ambition. Today, Barnard Castle School remains a place where the lessons of the past inspire the innovations of tomorrow, as we prepare our pupils to shape a changing world with courage, kindness, and integrity.

Barnard Castle School: Shaping Tomorrow, One Step at a Time

"Parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus" When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things.

At Barnard Castle School – or 'Barney' as it is affectionately known – we believe that small steps lead to big strides. Our vision is to inspire a generation of young people with the courage and kindness to dare greatly and shape a changing world. We want them to shape the future while proudly standing on the shoulders of those who came before them.

Ambition – Daring to achieve, with the courage to innovate and the curiosity to explore.

Character – Forged in challenge, strengthened by kindness, and rooted in integrity.

Community – Honouring the past, strengthening our school and town, and building global connections that last a lifetime.

These principles guide everything we do – from our academic programmes to our vibrant co-curricular offering. Our down-to-earth and inclusive community provides a safe environment for pupils to embrace challenges, pursue passions, and develop a sense of purpose that will stay with them long after they leave Barney.

We are a school that blends tradition with forward-thinking ambition. Our origins trace back to the Hospital of St John, founded in 1229 by John de Balliol, who also established Balliol College, Oxford. That same love of learning and commitment to opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. As we look ahead to the 2030s, we continue to invest in modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and the wider world.

Barney is a place where connections are made and memories are formed. It is not unusual to see Year 11 pupils sharing lunch and conversation with younger peers or Sixth Formers mentoring new starters. Our pupils develop confidence, resilience, and humility as they grow – always encouraged to support and celebrate each other's successes.

Staff at Barney play a crucial role in this journey. We seek teachers who share our purpose and are proactive in immersing themselves in the life of the school. Through our extensive 'Mind, Body, and Soul' programme, which runs from 4pm to 5pm, staff have the opportunity to lead activities they are passionate about, fostering authentic relationships beyond the classroom.

We are also committed to helping teachers be the best versions of themselves. Our comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme offers opportunities to hone their craft, supported by regular teaching meets, peer collaboration, and other innovative initiatives. We want teachers who are ambitious about their own development and passionate about lifelong learning, recognising that their growth directly benefits our pupils.

Our location, on the edge of the historic market town of Barnard Castle – recently recognised as one of the safest in England – offers a unique combination of heritage, community spirit, and access to outstanding natural beauty. We also benefit from partnerships with world-class universities in Durham, Newcastle, and York, enhancing our pupils' educational experience and broadening their horizons.

At Barney, we believe that ambition, character, and community are not abstract ideals but lived experiences. Together, we take small steps every day – steps that build towards remarkable achievements and a future as bright as the generations of Barnardians who came before.

Our Vision

● To be viewed as the leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in the North of England.

Our Purpose

● Our purpose as a school is to inspire minds and build character, within a down-to-earth, inclusive community where everyone belongs, and hard work and good humour thrive.

Our aim

● Our aim is to create a safe environment where pupils love their school, embrace small steps toward great achievements, and are willing to dare greatly to shape a changing world.

Our Key Features

A Seamless Educational Journey

We are proud to offer a supportive environment where students can complete their entire educational journey. At every stage, we nurture their growth, ensuring smooth transitions and a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs, all within a close-knit, inclusive community that helps them flourish and prepares them for life beyond Barney.

Fully co-educational Boarding and Day School

We fully embrace co-education, ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. Our strong boarding community enriches the school, enhancing cultural literacy through our international students. The extended school day and week provide ample time to deliver a broad and varied educational experience.

Resilient Characters & Brave Minds

We have always offered an education that goes beyond exams, which is more crucial now than ever in a rapidly changing world shaped by globalism, AI, and evolving careers. Our students need strong character, adaptable soft skills, and a values-driven foundation to thrive in this uncertain future. With resilience and a supportive community, they are empowered to dare greatly and achieve beyond what they thought was possible.

A Broad Entry

Life is about engaging with people of diverse abilities and talents, celebrating personal growth rather than just top grades. As long as we can support individuals in accessing our education and they demonstrate the core character traits we value, we are committed to supporting them on their journey.

Traditional yet Innovative

Barney’s rich history and cherished traditions have shaped generations of strong, humble individuals. While we honour these beloved ‘Barneyisms,’ we remain focused on staying relevant and forward-thinking as we move further into the 21st century.

Job Description

Job Title: Visting Music Teacher of Singing – Contemporary / Pop

Reporting to: Director of Music

Role Type: Permanent, One day per week, term time only

Start date: As soon as possible

Overall expectation

Barnard Castle School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational singing teacher to help us develop and grow our provision for pop and contemporary singing. Alongside individual singing tuition, there will be the opportunity to establish and lead the School’s pop choir, as well as developing smaller vocal groups and ensembles.

This term-time position is offered for one day per week, with the potential for expansion.

Brief

We are looking for a teacher who combines excellent teaching skills with a broad knowledge of contemporary vocal repertoire and the ability to adapt their approach to individual pupils. They will be committed to ensuring that every pupil makes progress and develops a genuine love of music, whether they are a beginner taking their first steps, or an experienced musician looking to study at conservatoire.

The successful candidate will be an imaginative and engaging teacher who can inspire pupils of different ages and abilities and contribute positively to the wider musical life of Barnard Castle School.

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching

• Deliver high-quality individual singing tuition tailored to each pupil’s ability, needs and aspirations.

• Design structured learning programmes and appropriate repertoire, working towards clear and shared goals with each pupil.

• Monitor, assess and record pupil progress, maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation.

• Contribute to the wider vocal life of the School, including opportunities to direct groups and develop new vocal projects and performance opportunities.

• Encourage pupils to take advantage of wider musical opportunities within School, including ensembles, performances and other activities.

• Encourage and support pupils in pursuing appropriate opportunities beyond School, including courses, ensembles and competitions.

• Provide clear, constructive and helpful feedback to pupils and parents including written reports and attendance at our virtual annual Parent’s Evening.

• Attend the annual Visiting Music Teachers’ INSET day.

• Maintain awareness of current developments in singing pedagogy, repertoire and performance practice, applying these to teaching.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the School’s vocal music provision.

• Identify and support pupils with the potential to become future Music Scholars.

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Music and wider Music Department to support shared musical aims.

Support

The Teacher will be appraised by the Director of Music but routine communication will be ongoing. Professional development is expected and will be discussed as part of the Teacher’s Review and Development cycle.

Role Criteria

In order to meet the high standards expected of a teacher in our School, the Headmaster is seeking to employ a person with the following qualities, experience, skills, and abilities.

Essential Criteria

• Be an outstanding singer and musician with an active professional profile or equivalent experience.

• Have significant experience of teaching pupils across a wide range of abilities.

• Be able to inspire pupils through imaginative and well-structured teaching.

• Be a genuine team player who enjoys working collaboratively within a developing and ambitious department.

• Possess excellent communication, organisation and administrative skills.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of music education.

• Understand and support the ethos and values of Barnard Castle School

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. This individual may be required to carry out such other duties as the Headmaster may reasonably require from time to time.

Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change and development, the job description will be reviewed periodically and subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Terms and Conditions

Type: Permanent contract

Hours: One day per week, with potential for extension

Lesson rate: £16.05 for a 30 minute lesson, excluding holiday pay calculated at 12.07% per hour worked.

Pension: In accordance with current pension legislation, Visiting Music Teachers are automatically enrolled in The Pensions Trust Flexible Retirement Plan scheme unless they choose to opt out. More information is available on request.

Recruitment Process

Enquiries

If you have any questions about the role in advance of applying, please contact the current Director of Music, Matt Lowe, mxl@barneyschool.org.uk who willbe pleased to arrange a call for an informal discussion.

Applications

If you feel that you can meet the above requirements, then please submit a letter of application along with the Barnard Castle School application form to the Headmaster.Only applications containing the requested information will be considered.

Applications should be sent to:

Mr D J Cresswell

Barnard Castle School

Telephone: 01833 696098

Barnard Castle

Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk

County Durham

DL12 8UN

Information about Interviews:

Deadline for applications: 5.00 pm Thursday 10th September 2026

Shortlist Interviews at School: Tuesday 15th September 2026

Applicants should read carefully the application procedure – guidance for applicants,Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the Disclosure policy and the Safer Recruitment policy.

Barnard Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening,
including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service.

Barnard Castle School is an equal opportunities employer.