Head of Department for Music

Job title: Head of Department for Music

Location: Barnsley Academy, Farm Road, Kendrey Barnsley S70 3DL

Starting salary: Competitive Teacher Pay Scales - £35,000 - £51,000 plus a TLR allowance

Contract: Permanent

Hours of work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 08:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

Barnsley Academy is seeking to appoint a Head of Department for Music. The ideal candidate will be a committed, passionate and knowledgeable musician who can positively and actively contribute to our mission to become an ‘Outstanding’ school. 

Music is an integral part of our whole-school strategy. We work with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST), meaning every student at KS3 gets their own instrument and tuition. This is a significant part of our approach to improving the life chances of every student, whatever their background.

The department is a thriving hub, hosting concerts and events throughout the year. We run a range of ensembles, including an orchestra, a choir and string, wind and brass groups. MiSST gives our students opportunities to perform with other schools at residentials, as well as regional and national events.

We are looking for applicants who are able evidence a strong track record of student achievement and are able to make a significant impact on the lives and education of the children they teach. This will need to be demonstrated in your application and be clearly evident at interview.

The academy is part of United Learning, a national group of schools and academies. Barnsley Academy is an 11-16 secondary. As part of United Learning our aim is to bring out ‘the Best in Everyone’ and we continuously strive to ensure that students and staff have every opportunity to succeed, with their potential developed to the utmost. Please watch our Welcome Video to find out how our values of Ambition, Determination and Respect underpin everything that staff and students do here at Barnsley Academy: Barnsley Academy > Video

United Learning is one of the largest and most successful Trusts in the country who offers unrivalled Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training, including opportunities for nationwide networking.

What we would like from you:

• A highly effective professional with excellent knowledge in their area of expertise, who can deliver exceptional outcomes.
•  Someone who shares our moral purpose of ensuring that all of our young people receive the best education possible in a supportive environment from people who care about them.
• A talented musician, who is keen to share their passion.

We will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary. We pay an average of 5% above national scales, the best rates of pay in the sector.
•  Excellent facilities and resources.
• Access to an outstanding professional development programme.
• Exceptional curriculum resources.
• Expert subject advice.
• Three extra INSET days for planning.
•  At least one personal leave day a year.
•  Polite, respectful and dedicated students who want to learn and fulfil their potential.
•  Colleagues who are supportive, friendly and who are committed to each other’s professional development.
• A chance to become part of one of the largest groups of academies in the country.
•  Opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues in other schools within the Yorkshire cluster and across United Learning.
• Excellent employee benefits which include a highly sought-after pension scheme with high employer contributions.
• Access to training through the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Generous staff discount scheme.
• We are open to requests for flexible or part-time working; and we encourage open and regular conversations about work-life balance.

If you possess these qualities and share the academy’s vision, then we will be delighted to hear from you. Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details.

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of the advert on our website using the following link to our vacancies page: Barnsley Academy Vacancies and complete our online application form. Please note that CVs are not accepted. The closing date for this post is 23:59 on Sunday 30 March 2025. Interviews will take place soon after.

If you would like to discuss this exciting opportunity, please contact hr@unitedlearningyorks.org.uk

United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employees will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, right to work in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list.