Assistant Director of Music

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational Assistant Director of Music to play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Music at Forest and lead on academic matters as directed by the Director of Music. Championing the academic study of music, inspiring colleagues and pupils alike, and promoting the best possible musical pedagogy, he or she will also be expected to contribute to the exciting extra-curricular provisions of the department.   

The successful candidate will be 

• A first-class musician who is open-minded and enthusiastic in their approach to music education 
• An outstanding teacher, with a strong interest in, and knowledge of the latest music pedagogy 
• Innovative in their approach to teaching and learning, driving forward exciting educational initiatives that improve pupils’ learning experiences and maximise their progress 
• Proactive, flexible, forward-looking, and enjoy working in a collegial and reflective environment

Forest has a long-standing reputation for its outstanding Music Department.  The co-curricular programme, and in particular Music, is at the core of the educational provision.  There is an incredible array of musical ensembles and choirs and Forest is a school where music is not simply an additional activity but a subject where those pupils who wish to pursue it to the highest level regularly achieve that goal.  Many pupils attend conservatoire Junior Departments and are members of national organisations such as the National Children’s Choir and the National Youth Orchestra. Pupils regularly go on to study Music at university and conservatoire, often winning scholarships. 

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high.  It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.  There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

Excellence, Diversity, Community, Heritage

About Forest

Forest School is an independent school for boys and girls aged 4-18yrs established in 1834; benefiting from a tremendous location on the edge of North-East London. London’s only diamond structure school, Forest combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching on a single site as pupils move up the school. Our 1,395 boys and girls are taught together until the age of seven, separately from seven to 16, before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form. This diamond structure offers all the academic benefits of single-sex teaching with all the social benefits of a co-educational school. The best of both worlds.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station. 

Why work at Forest? 

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:

• Generous CPD budget

• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system

• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme

• 18 weeks holiday and our own salary scale with salaries above those paid in the maintained sector

• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day

• All teaching staff currently enrolled in the national Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• 50% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13

• Free membership of the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre during school hours and heavily subsidised membership outside those hours

• Free death in service cover and subsidised AXA PPP healthcare insurance

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Key Findings (November 2017):

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent…The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent”

For more information on our CPD, training and ethos please visit our career site. 

Applications close Sunday 24 March 2019 

Interviews will take place Thursday 28 March 2019

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.