DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
ITeacher of Music
Backwell School has a fantastic opportunity for a creative and passionate teacher of Music to join our Performing Arts Department. This is a full time, fixed term position from the 23 February 2026 (Start of Term 4) to cover a maternity leave, which will be for a maximum of 12 months.
The successful candidate will be able to teach Music across KS3 and GCSE (Edexcel specification). The ability to deliver A Level Music (EDUQAS specification) would be very beneficial.
Music at Backwell:
The Performing Arts team comprises 6 teaching staff, a department technician and 12 Visiting Music Teachers. At KS3 students have both Music and Performing Arts (Dance and Drama) lessons on their timetables and Music subjects are popular at both GCSE and A Level. We are the only school in the local area to offer Music Technology at A Level. Performing Arts at Backwell School has a strong reputation in the wider community.
The school has a thriving extra-curricular programme run by Music staff; our ethos is one of inclusivity – there is an activity everyone can join, regardless of perceived ability. Staff run multiple orchestras, bands and choirs during and after school hours for all ages. Concerts are held at least three times a year and these are well attended popular events enjoyed by the local community. Our school productions are incredibly popular, highly regarded and of very high standard. Recent productions include ‘West Side Story’, ‘School of Rock’, ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘The Sound of Music’.
Our students are polite, friendly and many are very enthusiastic and talented performers. Over 250 students receive a music lesson each week in school. We strongly believe that the skills and benefits gained by partaking in performance activities thoroughly enhance a young person’s sense of self and improve confidence. For example, all year 7 students take part in a concert within their first few weeks at Backwell School.
Backwell School is a large comprehensive school with over 1600 students of whom 300 are in the Sixth Form. Judged by Ofsted as Good in February 2025 the school has an excellent reputation in the local area and is oversubscribed in regard to student applications. Our latest Ofsted report can be read here.
Working at Backwell:
We offer our staff a vibrant and stimulating teaching environment and there is a broad range of professional support available for new members of staff both within the department and in the wider school. At Backwell School, we prioritise staff wellbeing; planning time is generous with full time teachers teaching a maximum of 52 lessons out of 60. There is considerable support available from other Curriculum Leaders as well as the Senior Leadership Team.
We are committed to providing a comprehensive education for all our young people and this ethos is summarised in the Backwell School Charter. We also provide a fantastic benefits package to our employees including a contributory pension scheme, a broad employee assistance programme and benefits (offering discounts on shopping), cycle to work scheme and on-site parking.
Backwell School is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership. This offers us curriculum collaboration and support opportunities with Chew Valley and Gordano School. We also have a Trust wide Professional Development Team organising a wide range of staff training and development.
All members of teaching staff are expected to act as tutors within the pastoral unit system. We have a 20-minute tutor period at the start of each school day which comprises of student wellbeing checks, administration and teaching of Personal Development (PSHE) materials as well as assemblies from the Heads of House and the School Leadership Team.
Application details:
Before making an application, candidates are asked to match their qualifications, experience, skills and abilities against the criteria listed on the job and person specification.
The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 7 December 2025. Those who are successful following shortlisting, will be contacted regarding interview arrangements.
Interviews will be held prior to the Christmas Holidays.
Safeguarding Statement
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership – Backwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in our community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check.
We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.