Head of Academic Music

The School seeks to appoint a Head of Academic Music from September 2025. For the right candidate a January 2026 start date is possible.

The post comes with a generous package including the below:

• Rent-free accommodation;
• Health cover provided free of charge for you and at a reduced rate for any members of your immediate family that you may wish to add

The successful candidate will:

• have overall responsibility for the teaching and administration of Music as an academic subject at Harrow;
• teach at all levels throughout the School (Shell, Edexcel GCSE, Edexcel A level);
• lead the department in maintaining the highest academic standards and developing best practice in the teaching of Music;
• lead and develop the super-curricular provision of the department, which includes Electives, lectures and all other academic extension;
• teach ABRSM music theory;
• lead the department’s university/conservatoire preparation for boys applying for Music and other similar courses, including those for applying organ or choral awards alongside other academic subjects, or similar situations;
• manage the handling and analysis of data in the department, as it pertains to boys’ academic progress;
• write and manage the administration of internal exams and assessments;
• with the Director of Music, line manage relevant colleagues and assist in the recruitment of new colleagues;
• with the Director of Music, manage the Music budget and develop the overall provision of Music at Harrow;
• attend Chapel regularly and Speech Room (assembly) once a week;
• be a tutor in a boarding House, supporting the House Master in the pastoral care of a group of boys in that House;
• contribute to co-curricular activities, which are an important part of boarding school life. It is expected that the successful candidate’s co-curricular workload will be heavily biased towards the Musical life of the School, but will also include some non-musical components to be discussed at interview.

At Harrow School, Music is an important part of life. Forty percent of pupils take individual music lessons from the six full-time and 40 part-time staff. There is an impressive array of choirs, orchestras, chamber, jazz and rock groups, and these perform in concerts at School and elsewhere. 80 concerts, ranging from lunch-hour events at St Mary’s Church to the Choral Society Concert in Speech Room with over 300 performers take place in a typical year.

Over half of our pupils learn an instrument, and there are normally more than 60 Music Scholars at Harrow at any one time. We offer tuition in all orchestral instruments, as well as the piano, organ, guitar, bagpipes and singing, and prepare boys for practical examinations with the Associated Board and advanced diplomas such as the LTCL, DipABRSM and ARCO. Most musicians are involved in ensemble work through choirs, bands and orchestras; there are more than 80 concerts and productions each year, with many solo performance opportunities.

A detailed description of the job role can be found within the recruitment pack.

Please visit the School’s website at Vacancies - Harrow School

Or click on the 'Apply on School website' button for more detailed information about the role, and to complete an online application form

Closing date: 12pm, Monday 16 June 2025

Please note that applications will be considered as they are received. The School reserves the right to appoint at any time in the process.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with any past employer and the DBS.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are values that are important to us at Harrow. We believe in diversity of thought and actively welcome anyone regardless of their background to bring their valuable and relevant skills to our community.