Head of Music - Chorley Area
Lead with creativity. Inspire through excellence. Apply NOW.
Your new school
A well-established secondary school in the Chorley area is seeking to appoint an ambitious, enthusiastic, and highly skilled Head of Music. Music is central to the school's ethos and curriculum, playing a vital role in student development, worship, and community engagement. The school offers excellent facilities, including a dedicated music suite, recording studio, and practice rooms, and has a strong tradition of performance and musical achievement.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
Foster a love of music in every pupil, ensuring they experience the joy of playing, singing, and performing.
Deliver high-quality, engaging music lessons tailored to stretch, challenge, and inspire pupils.
Use a range of innovative teaching methods to engage pupils of all abilities.
Raise attainment and achievement within the curriculum area.
Continuously develop schemes of learning and ensure progression across key stages.
Lead the integration of ICT in music education and pupil progress tracking.
Coordinate cross-curricular initiatives including personal development, SEND, and support for higher ability pupils.
Liaise with external agencies such as exam boards, colleges, and industry partners.
Ensure pupils are thoroughly prepared for public examinations.
Plan department development, manage resources, and apply best value principles.
Create a classroom environment that promotes effective learning.
Prepare pupils for concerts, productions, and external music examinations.
Learning and Collaborating
Promote cross-curricular learning through collaboration with other departments.
Embed literacy and numeracy development within music lessons.
Develop resources and curriculum for the full ability range.
Share skills and support colleagues across the school.
Professional Requirements
Produce data reports and attend parents' evenings to discuss pupil progress.
Participate in performance management and school-wide policies.
Undertake risk assessments to ensure health and safety in music education.
Carry out additional duties as required by the Headteacher.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Passionate about music education and its power to enrich lives.
Strategic vision for the department, ensuring music remains central to school life.
Commitment to creativity and innovation in teaching and performance.
Effective team player and confident leader, including oversight of peripatetic staff.
Highly skilled musician with strong piano proficiency and ensemble leadership.
Energetic and proactive presence, ready to drive initiatives and traditions.
Skilled communicator with strong written and verbal abilities.
Confident user of music technology and digital platforms.
Excellent teaching skills and ability to engage and enthuse pupils.
Ability to create and monitor engaging schemes of learning for KS3 and KS4.
Understanding of current issues and curriculum developments in music.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to track and analyse pupil progress using data.
Commitment to continuous improvement through reflection and collaboration.
Experience and Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Honours degree in music or a related subject.
Minimum two years' teaching experience, ideally with leadership experience.
Proven success in delivering high-quality music education.
Expertise in music theory, composition, and performance.
Experience leading ensembles, choirs, and productions.
Record of professional development and commitment to learning.
Familiarity with digital music production and contemporary trends.
History of student success in music exams or competitions.
Professional Values
High expectations of all pupils, with respect for diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive education.
Willingness to promote the Catholic ethos of the school.
Positive role model who demonstrates the values and behaviours expected of pupils.
Enthusiastic about extracurricular music activities.
A good sense of humour and passion for working with young people.
Please note: This position does not offer sponsorship, so candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
What you'll get in return
A rewarding leadership role starting in September.
Competitive salary (MPS/UPS + TLR).
Access to high-quality CPD and leadership development.
Full holiday entitlement and pension scheme.
A supportive and inclusive school culture with a strong emphasis on the arts.
The opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school that values creativity, excellence, and community.
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 Damien Gardner 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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