Head of Key Stage 3 Music - January 2026
Join to apply for the Head of Key Stage 3 Music - January 2026 role at Harrodian.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and passionate musician to take on responsibility for curriculum coordination and musical leadership at KS3, ensuring an engaging, progressive and inclusive programme for pupils in Years 7 - 9. The successful candidate will also teach GCSE and A Level Music, demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic and performance demands of public examination courses.
Responsibilities
* Coordinate the KS3 curriculum, manage resources, and organise performances and extra-curricular activities.
* Work closely with the Director of Music to strengthen links between Prep and Senior Music and maintain high teaching and performance standards.
* Lead and model excellent practice in teaching and learning; promote excellence in teaching and learning across the department.
* Deliver engaging, high-quality lessons across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 where appropriate.
* Lead by example in behaviour management and classroom leadership; contribute to the wider life of the school.
* Lead and conduct choirs and organise performances and musical events; develop and supervise ensembles and public performances.
* Demonstrate good piano/keyboard skills and confident vocal ability; drive the use of ICT in the music curriculum (e.g., GarageBand, Logic, Sibelius) and keep up to date with developments in music technology.
* Contribute to the broader musical and pastoral life of the school as part of a well-resourced department.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Strong subject knowledge and a genuine passion for music education.
* Ability to deliver high-quality lessons across KS3, KS4 and KS5 and a thorough understanding of GCSE and A Level Music.
* Proven organisational and leadership skills with a commitment to curriculum leadership and development at KS3.
* Confidence in organising and leading performances, ensembles and musical events; ability to lead and conduct choirs.
* Good piano/keyboard skills and confident vocal ability.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
* Working knowledge of music technology and digital resources (e.g., GarageBand, Logic) and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
* A willingness to contribute to the wider life of a vibrant independent school and an ability to think on one's feet with strong behaviour management.
Departmental Structure and Resources
This post reports to the Director of Music. The department includes four full-time music teachers, a music graduate/accompanist, a music technician, and a team of 20 visiting music staff. The Music Department is housed in its own building with 3 teaching classrooms, 7 practice rooms, an auditorium for concerts and recitals, and 12 iMacs running Logic Pro X, GarageBand and Sibelius.
Accommodation and Equipment
Harrodian, founded in 1993, is a co-educational school on 25 acres with facilities supporting small class sizes and high standards. Staff contribute to pastoral and co-curricular life, with a focus on holistic education and student engagement across ability levels.
Working Days and Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position. Working days and hours: Mondays 08:00–17:00; Tuesdays to Fridays 08:15–17:00. Five full staff training days are held during the Autumn, October half-term, and Spring terms. Term dates are published on the School's website.
Salary and Benefits
The agreed salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Harrodian offers benefits including a free car park (first come, first served), cycle-to-work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term time, access to some school sport and leisure facilities, access to talks and events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.
How to Apply
Please submit a fully completed application form, including a cover letter addressed to the Headteacher and a full CV accounting for gaps in employment.
Closing date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 9:00 AM.
Interview dates: Friday, 17 October and Tuesday, 21 October. As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach an academic lesson, lead a choir rehearsal, and work with a class on a short activity. Preparation work will be provided prior to the interview. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to sponsor a visa.
Safeguarding and employment checks: Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, checks with overseas criminal records as applicable, medical clearance, and proof of right to work in the UK. Online checks may be conducted as part of due diligence. Please read our Safer Recruiting Policy and Safeguarding policy. All positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. References will be checked and the School may contact previous employers for verification.
Downloads and Information: Job Description Subject Teacher; Job Description KS Coordinator
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