Director of Choral Music (Croydon Minster and Whitgift School)

Croydon Minster and Whitgift School are looking to appoint a Director of Choral Music for January 2022 (this date could be flexible for the right candidate). This is an extremely exciting and unique opportunity for an outstanding person to lead and shape the choral provision and musical direction of a Major Parish Church and a leading Independent Boys’ School. This special partnership allows the candidate to benefit from a cathedral-style music programme and a large and vibrant music department.

We are looking for a well-qualified and inspirational musician with expert understanding of choral repertoire, and sensitivity and understanding of the Anglican choral tradition in a cathedral-like setting. Outstanding leadership, organisational and people skills will be essential.

At the School, the successful applicant will be expected to direct various choral ensembles and optimise performance opportunities at the School, the Minster and beyond. They should be passionate in celebrating every pupil’s choral effort and achievement, both in the classroom, regular choral services, and on the concert platform. It is expected that the successful applicant will teach music to the students at the School, but the precise nature of this teaching will be dependent on the skillset of the individual. Furthermore, the post-holder will have extensive support from senior colleagues, particularly the Director of Music; but considerable innovation and flexibility as to how choral provision could develop in the coming years will be encouraged.

At the Minster, the successful applicant will maintain the Minster’s celebrated choral tradition through working with the choirs of boys, girls and adult Lay Clerks (male and female). Our young choristers have benefitted from preparing for the RSCM Awards and we would want the postholder to continue this work. An excellent standard of organ playing, both liturgical and performance is required. An interest in curating recitals to display the recently refurbished Hill/Harrison organ would be an asset. Regular services take place throughout each week, and the postholder will be expected to be available for weekday evening and Sunday services as well as important dates in the Church calendar including Christmas and Easter; and for broadcasts (often in association with the School).

In return a salary and benefits package which includes nearby accommodation (3-bed house) will be offered.

We welcome a wide range of applications to reflect the social and cultural diversity of the School and Minster communities.

For further information and an online application form, please visit www.whitgift.co.uk/vacancies For any queries, please telephone the Human Resources Department on 020 8688 9222 or email SchoolHR@whitgift.co.uk 

For more specific queries please feel free to contact Mr A E Elsom (Director of Music) on aee@whitgift.co.uk at the School, or  The Rev’d Canon Dr Andrew Bishop (Priest in Charge) at the Minster on a.bishop@croydonminster.org. 

Closing date: Midnight on 31 October 2021

First round interviews: Week commencing 8 November 2021

Second round interview: Week commencing 15 November 2021

Applications will be reviewed on a daily basis and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received so we invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.  

Whitgift School and Croydon Minster are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.