Job Type: Head of Music
Location: Near Rye
Your new school
This school is an independent day and boarding school close to Rye, known for its inclusive ethos and commitment to supporting pupils with dyslexia and co‑occurring Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). The school places high value on creative subjects and sees music as a vital part of personal development, confidence‑building and community life.The environment is collaborative and supportive, with strong links between academic departments, learning support teams and co‑curricular provision.
Your new role
As Head of Music, you will lead and manage the delivery of music across the school in a part‑time role (3 days per week). You will take responsibility for curriculum design, teaching, and the wider musical life of the school, ensuring a high‑quality and inclusive provision for all pupils.
You will plan and deliver engaging music lessons tailored to learners with dyslexia, ensuring clear progression and appropriate challenge for all abilities. You will oversee assessment, monitor student progress, and prepare pupils for performances and, where appropriate, public examinations.
A key part of the role will involve leading co‑curricular music, including directing ensembles and organising concerts, productions, services and whole‑school events such as prize giving. You will also coordinate visiting peripatetic music teachers, managing timetables, quality of provision and communication with families.
You will inspire pupils of all abilities to engage in music‑making, plan and deliver adapted lessons suited to learners with dyslexia, and coordinate visiting peripatetic instrumental teachers. The role includes organising concerts, services and performances throughout the academic year, as well as contributing to the pastoral life of the school, including Form Tutor responsibilities.This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and organised music educator to take ownership of a department while maintaining flexibility across the working week.
In addition, you will contribute to the pastoral life of the school as a Form Tutor and play an active role in duties, PSHE delivery and the wider school community.This is a varied leadership position combining teaching, departmental management and performance coordination, offering the opportunity to shape and develop music provision within a supportive specialist setting.
What you'll need to succeed
Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in Music
Experience teaching music within a school setting
Strong subject knowledge and understanding of curriculum and assessment
Ability to plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons, particularly for students with additional learning needs
Experience leading ensembles and organising musical performances
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Ability to coordinate peripatetic music provision and manage multiple priorities
A commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing
Passion for music and a willingness to contribute to the wider life of a boarding school
Desirable:
Experience of curriculum or departmental leadership
Familiarity with examination specifications and music technology
Experience organising large‑scale performances or events
Leadership training or postgraduate qualifications
What you'll get in return
A leadership role within a supportive and specialist environment
The opportunity to shape and develop music provision across the school
Engaged pupils and small class sizes
A varied role combining teaching, performance and leadership
Competitive part‑time salary depending on experience
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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