Head of Academic Music

An inspirational Music teacher and practicing musician, you have the vision, talent and drive to provide dynamic academic leadership to this well-resourced and ambitious department.

As Head of Academic Music you will enjoy all the support you need to achieve your professional goals as part of the friendly and welcoming team here at Woldingham School. Close to London yet in an outstandingly beautiful rural setting, Woldingham is a happy and successful Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18.

Woldingham is a truly unique school with an equally unique culture and philosophy. Building on a proud heritage that stretches back 175 years, we’re now driving an exciting future that’s underpinned by fresh ideas, an innovative spirit and state-of-the-art facilities – all alive with the creative energy of over 500 young minds. Our goal is to develop confident and compassionate young women who are curious, ambitious and ready to take on the challenges of today’s world.

With very high expectations and standards, the Music department provides many and varied opportunities for our girls to perform across a diverse range of areas from choral singing, orchestral and chamber performance to musical theatre, popular music and jazz. Each term sees a large-scale concert, as well as a number of informal and formal recitals. Our choirs also lead the singing at the school Carol Service hosted in Westminster Cathedral, where we also perform at occasional Masses.

Woldingham musicians have been extremely successful in recent years, securing scholarships to Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music and RCM. Our girls have been Music for Youth Finalists on a number of occasions, and have toured with the National Youth Choir and the National Youth Wind Orchestra.

Music is of central importance to life at Woldingham. Leading the development of the Music curriculum throughout the school, you will need a successful track record of teaching at GCSE and A-Level. The enthusiasm and creativity to engage all of our pupils in the subject is equally important, both in the classroom and in the extra-curricular ensembles. Experience of supporting Oxbridge applications and strong piano skills would both be welcomed.

Salary: Woldingham Pay Scale. There are a range of benefits available including free lunch.

Please visit our website: http://www.woldinghamschool.co.uk/employment-2/teaching/ to download an application form.

Once completed, return it to headmistress@woldinghamschool.co.uk with a supporting letter no later than 9am on 24 April 2017. Please include the names of two professional referees, giving their addresses and telephone numbers.

Woldingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS report will be required for the successful candidate.

Professional development and staff welfare

Our professional team of staff is Woldingham’s greatest asset, and we want to ensure that everyone is supported to work in an effective, enjoyable and fulfilling way. Staff Development is a high priority, with induction and mentoring programmes for Newly Qualified Teachers and new colleagues, plus an annual cycle of Personal Professional Development planning for all colleagues. Each member of staff has their own Professional Development coach who encourages them to plan and undertake a range of developmental activities, both externally and internally.

We offer excellent benefits including free lunch. Staff are welcome to use our range of outstanding facilities including the gym, squash and tennis courts and the swimming pool. Our Staffroom Committee organises regular social events, and individual members of staff have even organised yoga classes and reflexology on site.