Teacher of Music (Assistant Director of Music)

We are seeking to recruit for September 2019 an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher of Music to work full time to further build the high standard of music in the school. The successful candidate would be able to offer music in the Lower Prep (Reception to Year 4) and Prep School (Year 5 to Year 8) although we would consider candidates with teaching experience across older age groups up to GCSE.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an experienced, successful and collaborative Music department. The post could suit an experienced teacher looking to further their experience or an NQT starting their career. The St Edmund’s Music team currently consists of one full time member of staff (Head of Music) and a part time administrator. There are 12 peripatetic instrumental teachers who teach their lessons in a designated teaching block.

Alongside teaching responsibilities, the current post-holder directs two of the school choirs, an instrumental ensemble as well as supporting the music for productions, carol services and chapel services. It is anticipated the successful candidate would have heavy involvement in the extra-curricular music activities across all age groups. As a result of this strong keyboard skills would be advantageous, but not essential. 

St Edmund’s has an excellent reputation for its choral work and a high percentage of the children at St Edmund’s sing in a choir and/or have singing lessons.  Over the past 5 years the Chapel Choir have performed in various locations in Europe, most recently in St Marks, Venice (July 2018). They recently won a local county festival and in the past were one of six finalists in the BBC Choir of the Year competition. Across the school from Year 3 to Year 11 there are 5 Choirs, as well as ensembles in Strings, Wind and Brass. The Music department holds many concerts throughout the year across all age groups, including house competitions with visiting adjudicators as well as performances from the wider community.

St Edmund’s is an expanding and successful school for 400+ girls and boys aged 2 to 16. It is thriving with numbers the highest in its 140 year history.  Average class sizes are small, circa fourteen pupils (and often below ten in GCSE teaching groups).  The school was inspected by ISI in January 2014 and all academic and pastoral areas were graded “Excellent”.  Extracts included: … “pupils make a high rate of progress in relation to others of similar ability. Pupils with SEND make excellent progress and achieve as well as their peers … the progress of those identified as academically able is high”; … “small class sizes enable teachers to give pupils individual feedback and support as the lesson is progressing and helps the pupils to move their learning forward”; … “relationships amongst pupils, and between pupils and staff, are excellent with high levels of respect, understanding and regard for each other”; … “The teaching demonstrates the teacher’s secure subject knowledge, using clear learning objectives.  It exhibits fun, pace and challenge and an imaginative range of methods is used to keep pupils interested and engaged”; … “Pupils’ high levels of achievement are attained largely as a result of the excellent teaching that is highly effective in promoting pupils’ rapid progress.”  The full report is available via our website. 

A material change inspection by DfE in May 2015 rated the academic provision and planning for the senior years to be excellent.

This is an interesting and challenging opportunity to join a successful team. Further general information on the school may be found on the website www.saintedmunds.co.uk.  A combined information and application form may be obtained from Richard Taylor (Deputy Head Academic) by email at rmat@saintedmunds.co.uk or by phone on 01428 6 04808. The Director of Music, Miss Danielle Green is also happy to be contacted via d.green@saintedmunds.co.uk.   

The closing date is Friday 12th April 2019 although earlier applications are encouraged.  Applications by email are preferred and interviews will take place in April/May. 

Applications via TES are NOT accepted. 

Please note that the school takes very seriously its responsibility for safeguarding the children in its care and the successful applicant will be required to undergo enhanced CRB/DBS vetting.

www.saintedmunds.co.uk