Director of Music

St Paul’s Girls’ School is one of the country’s leading independent schools for girls aged 11-18, with approximately 800 students. It is an extraordinary school, offering a classical yet forward-thinking education, rooted in a love of academic discovery and enriched by a broad co-curricular programme, nurturing wellbeing provision and a strong commitment to partnerships and community initiatives. Aspirations and achievements go well beyond what one would normally expect from a school, making St Paul’s a very exciting, lively and stimulating place in which to work.

Students want to make a difference, and many go on to roles tackling some of the greatest challenges facing people and planet. Respect for environmental sustainability is expected of all staff, both in terms of minimising use of resources in daily operations and supporting the school’s aim of preparing students fully for life and work in the mid-21st century.

The post

The school seeks to appoint a Director of Music to take up post in September 2023. There can be some flexibility regarding full-time commitment, if required. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational musician to lead a high-profile and vibrant music department.

Following in the illustrious footsteps of Holst, Vaughan Williams and Howells, to name but three, the next Director of Music will build upon Leigh O'Hara's 11 years of exceptional leadership to take music at St Paul's Girls’ School onto the next stage of its development, so that it remains one of the beacons of school music in the UK. The post holder will also have the exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of music partnerships at SPGS.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with the following consultants:

• Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com   
• Jenny Aviss, Senior Advisor: jennyaviss@rsacademics.com   

RSAcademics are assisting St Paul’s Girls’ School with this appointment. Further information, and details of how to apply, can be found at the RSAcademics’ website: www.rsacademics.com  

Closing date: 10.00am on Tuesday 7 February 2023.

St Paul’s Girls’ School is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and overseas police checks

St Paul’s is a “registered body” under the Police Act 1997 because employment here involves access to children under the age of 18. This post will require an enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) before we can confirm an offer of employment. Unless you are a member of the DBS Update Service you will need to apply for a new disclosure, even if you already hold one. Former members of staff who are not on the Update Service who re-join us also require fresh disclosures, unless less than six months have passed between their leaving and their re-employment date. If you have lived or worked abroad for a period of six months or more during the past five years you will also need to provide appropriate paperwork, such as a police certificate of good conduct, from the countries you have lived in.

Safeguarding guidelines

The post-holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact, will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with our child protection policy statement at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children at St Paul’s, s/he must report any concerns to our safeguarding designated lead or to the High Mistress.

RSAcademics Ltd.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.