Director of Music

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and enthusiastic teacher to lead our Music Department.

This is a great move for a music teacher who is looking to step up into a diverse role where each day is different. The post holder will be responsible for a team of 3 colleagues and as many as 12 visiting teachers, covering everything from the saxophone to Chamber Choir. Our recent music trips have ranged from Don Giovanni to the Barber of Seville.

The primary focus for the Director of Music will be to create a department that has an outstanding reputation both locally and nationally. The Director will lead all aspects of performance and co-curricular music within the school, so that students of all abilities are actively encouraged to fulfil their musical potential to the maximum. The role also encompasses planning and organisation of the Department’s programme of trips, tours, workshops by visiting musicians and outreach within the local communities. 

A full job description is available, but the responsibilities of the Director (in association with the other members of the permanent and peripatetic music staff) will include:     

• Managing the staff within the music department, including all peripatetic staff and visitors to the music department     
• Arranging all instrumental, singing and theory teaching on an individual basis for students     
• Overseeing all aspects of appropriate external exams (Associated Board, etc)     
• Organising music for special occasions such as Christmas Carol services and assemblies, school concerts, school productions etc     
• Organising all the arrangements for the interviewing and awarding of music scholarships and to manage these scholars throughout their time at SWPS     
• Providing efficient and effective organisation and teaching of Music throughout the School     
• Being involved in the wider life of the school, supporting, and initiating co-curricular activities in the department and the school.     
• Undertaking any reasonable task as directed by the Senior Management Team     
• Being committed to the safeguarding of children and young people

We would like to hear from you if you:  

• Are a qualified teacher with experience of teaching music including exam courses     
• Have a relevant degree in the subject     
• Have evidence of continuing professional development     
• Are an accomplished musician who can play at least one instrument (or sing) to a high level     
• Are an outstanding classroom practitioner     
• Have the ability to lead a team and to be able to demonstrate a track record of success
• Have a track record of delivering excellent music lessons to KS3, GCSE and A Level students

Desirable  

• An ability to play the piano (keyboard) 

Sir William Perkins’s School is a high-performing independent girls’ school for approximately 600 students aged 11 – 18 years. The Head is both a member of HMC and GSA. It was founded in 1725 and is now on an attractive 12-acre site situated on the outskirts of Chertsey, a two-minute walk from the railway station and very near to the junction of the M3 and M25.

As well as a competitive salary, we offer attractive benefits, including closure over the Christmas holiday period and fee discounts for staff members.

How to apply 

If you would like to join our team, your covering letter and application should be addressed to the Head, Mr C Muller and are made by applying through the School’s website.  

If you would like to arrange to tour the School before making an application or if you have any questions then please contact Mrs J Field, Director of Human Resources, Compliance and Risk on 01932 574955 or at hr@swps.org.uk 

The closing date for all applications 24 January 2022

Applications will be considered on arrival so early applications are encouraged. 

Sir William Perkins’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).