Description
* Ipswich Preparatory School
* Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
* Teacher of Music
* Salary: MPR
* Hours: Part Time (0.5 FTE)
* Contract: Maternity Cover, required from April 2026, initially for 1 year
* Reference: 8287
Ipswich Preparatory School are seeking to appoint a Primary Specialist Teacher with relevant experience of teaching across the Key Stages from EYFS to Year 6, with a specialism in Music.
You will have a proven track record in teaching to a high level with excellent results in attainment and achievement in your specialist area. An ability to teach a range of primary age groups and additional subjects would be an advantage.
Ipswich Preparatory School, for pupils aged 4 –11, is the primary aged stage of Ipswich School and close links are enjoyed with the Senior School. Generally, there are two classes per year group, Reception to Year 6 and a day care nursery (The Lodge) which cares for some 100 children aged 3 months to the time the children join Reception.
The Prep School operates as one unit, from Reception to Year 6 with lessons on Mondays to Fridays. Whilst there are organisational differences between the ways in which school life is structured for 'infants' in Lower Prep and 'junior' pupils in Upper Prep, there is no formal separation of the school into two sections.
Pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum. Academic achievement is high and the School has particular strengths in art, music, drama and sport. All classes, with the exception of Years 4 to 6 are generally taught by their Form Teacher, although some subjects, such as Languages, Art, Computing, Games, Music and Science are taught by teachers specially appointed to teach that subject, throughout the school. The School has Learning Support staff, a school counsellor and a good number of teaching assistants.
Music is a particular strength of the school; all pupils being taught to play a string instrument in Year 3, where a choice of cello, viola, violin and Double Bass are offered and instruments loaned by the School. Notation is taught through Stave House, from Reception. Musical opportunities abound, whether through choirs, orchestras, jazz groups, concert bands or chamber groups. The Prep is included in the Senior School Spring Concert, which is held at Snape Maltings each year. Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities for performance including the Christmas productions across the School, Chapel Services, the Music Competition and at Celebration Day. The Music Department is also heavily involved in the Year 6 Play each year.
Tuition is offered in a wide variety of instruments, and in singing, as well as LAMDA (Speech and Drama), at an additional cost. A large number of children take advantage of this opportunity. These lessons are taught by visiting staff on a weekly basis in regular lesson time or in breaks, following a rota system. Lessons are available for children from Year 2 upwards in music and Year 3 upwards in Speech and Drama. Children from Year 3 upwards are expected to catch up on the academic lessons missed.
The School enjoys a talented, committed and loyal teaching staff. The ratio of teachers to pupils is approximately 1:11. In addition to Form Teachers, there are specialist teachers for PE, Games, Music, Art, Languages, Science, Drama, Computing and Learning Support. Form teachers, in addition to subject specialists, take on subject leader roles.
All staff who teach at the School make contributions to school life outside their own specialisation as well as to our co-curricular programme. The School has a strong community feel and new members of staff invariably speak of the supportiveness and friendliness of their colleagues and the pupils.
The School ensures there is healthy non-contact time for teachers (typically 20%) and it has a main pay salary scale which mirrors but is more generous than that of the maintained sector. There is currently generous fee remission of fees for children (aged 5 and above) of teaching staff, providing there are vacancies and the children fulfil the usual entry requirements. Free lunch is provided in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation, and staff are able to use the School's swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations).
How to apply
We would encourage you to download an application form and a full job description for this role from our website or contact the HR team by calling or email
Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format please contact us.
Completed application forms, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees; along with a letter of application, explaining your educational philosophy, teaching strengths and relevant personal interests, should be sent to Lucy Southgate, Prep Head, Ipswich Preparatory School, 3 Ivry Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3QW or email:
Visits to the school are welcome and should be arranged with Head's PA, Mrs C Clarke via
Closing date: 12pm, 5 January 2026
Interview date: 12 January 2026
PLEASE NOTE
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.