Music Consultant

We are looking to appoint a new Music Consultant to our central team of subject specialists. We want to hear from an experienced Head of Music with a strong track record of developing both curricular and co-curricular Music at departmental and whole school level. The successful applicant will join an established team of specialists, working to further raise standards and further drive improvement across the Harris Federation. The role of Music Consultant is an exciting post providing enormous scope for a talented and creative practitioner to work collaboratively across a group of academies.

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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The role will be multi-faceted and involve coaching and mentoring, sharing of best practice, developing robust improvement strategies, assisting Harris academies in recruitment and selection, helping to establish new departments or lead rapid recovery where required. Our central team consultants work strategically with Principals, senior leadership teams and support academy departments to improve standards and the outcomes for our students.

As a senior leader, you will have the opportunity to develop and advance your career within a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders. You will have unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQSL and NPQH programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. The Federation operates twin Teaching Schools as well as a number of highly successful CPD Networks, and the post holder would have the opportunity to play a key role in this work.

We are looking for an experienced teacher with a deep passion for their subject. Our consultant roles are suitable for those with management experience (ideally but not necessarily at Head of Department level or alternatively be an aspirant Leading Practitioner). The post would suit an ambitious middle leader looking either to broaden their subject expertise and responsibilities, or who may be considering a future leadership pathway to their first headship. Although based at the Harris Federation offices close to East Croydon Station (with fast access to central London and the M25), the role will mostly be located within the academies.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced Head of Music with a strong track record of developing both curricular and co-curricular Music at departmental and whole school level. We would like to hear from you if you:

• Have the ability to develop the KS3 curriculum, taking into account contextual understanding of diverse school settings. You will need to understand the implications of the Model Music Curriculum and Ofsted Research Review, Music.
• Have extensive experience both teaching and leading certificate courses at KS4 and KS5, with success at the highest level for both attainment and progress.
• Have built vibrant co-curricular programmes and are versatile in your musicianship, with the ability to lead a range of ensembles.
• Are engaged in developments within the area of music education, e.g. The National Plan for Music Education, Music Hub restructure as well as an up-to-date working knowledge of music technology.

The post would suit an ambitious middle leader looking either to broaden their subject expertise and responsibilities, or who may be considering a future leadership pathway to their first headship. Although based at the Harris Federation offices close to East Croydon Station (with fast access to central London and the M25), the role will mostly be located within the academies.

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful applicant will be resilient, creative and a dynamic practitioner, and must hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant degree. You will be fully supported through a comprehensive Induction Programme both within and across the Harris Federation.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme (up to 40% discount)
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.