Pangbourne College
West Berkshire
Salary:
Competitive
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
9 October 2025
Job overview
Bandmaster and Music Operations Manager - Required for January 2026, or sooner
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding musician to the role of Bandmaster and Music Operations Manager, a position at the very heart of College life. This is a unique opportunity to lead our well-established Marching Band—a central feature of our ceremonial events—and to play a key role in the musical traditions of the College.
The successful candidate will have proven experience in conducting and ensemble leadership, with the ability to inspire excellence and foster commitment among pupils. In addition to directing the Marching Band on College Sundays and other occasions, the Bandmaster will also establish and lead a Junior Band, ensuring the continued strength and development of this important area of College music-making. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ceremonial duties and traditions; a tri-service musical background is highly desirable, though not essential.
Alongside these ceremonial and performance responsibilities, the post-holder will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Music Department. This will include the leadership and coordination of Visiting Music Teachers, the organisation of timetables and events, and support for examinations and performances across the year. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills are therefore essential.
We welcome applications from candidates from a wide range of musical and educational backgrounds.
We offer excellent working conditions set in beautiful grounds. Our salary package will recognise your experience, qualifications and commitment. You will be expected to contribute fully to the wider life of the College by supporting the co-curricular activities and the boarding programme; this will necessarily involve some evening and weekend responsibilities. Please click on our Employee Benefits Page to find out more.
Applications should be sent to and must be received by 9.00am Thursday 09 October 2025. Please apply as soon as possible as applications will be considered upon receipt; we reserve the right to interview/appoint before the closing date. Applicants invited to interview will also be invited to attend the College Parade on the morning of Sunday 12 October 2025, to see the Marching Band in action; interviews will be held in the following week
In line with our recruitment policy and for the protection of our pupils, you will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and employment reference checks. Pangbourne College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You must be eligible to work in the UK.
For further information about the College, please visit our website
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music ) for an informal conversation about the role before applying.
Staff Benefits
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About Pangbourne College
Pangbourne College
Pangbourne, Reading
Berkshire
RG8 8LA
United Kingdom
Pangbourne College is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11-18 in West Berkshire.
About us
Pangbourne College is a small, independent boarding and day school with a unique history and a bright future. It's a community where everyone can flourish; our small size allows us to get to know each student individually, ensuring that they are nurtured as they grow academically and socially.
Our Flag Values of kindness, selflessness, moral courage, initiative, industry, resilience, respect and integrity underpin all we do as a College. They are rooted in our Christian ethos and go a long way to prepare our pupils for life's challenges and the responsibilities of adulthood. Our aim is to equip Pangbournians with the strongest possible foundations for their future.
Providing a challenging academic curriculum, we also offer plenty of co-curricular opportunities for sport, music, art, drama and adventurous training, so that each individual fulfils their potential and develops confidence, values and skills to make a positive difference to the world.
Ideally located
The campus is set in 230 acres of beautiful West Berkshire countryside, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and yet we are just 10 minutes from Junction 12 of the M4 motorway. We are also on the mainline rail network between Oxford (30 minutes) and London Paddington (45 minutes). Daily school transport services are available from Ascot, Basingstoke, Henley/Wargrave, Maidenhead, Newbury and Wantage.
Highly rated
In November 2019, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rated the college as 'Excellent' for both the academic and personal development of its pupils. It said: 'Pupils demonstrate exemplary attitudes to learning: they respond to academic challenge with energy and purpose.'
In June 2021, we were shortlisted for the 'Co-educational Independent School of the Year' category in the Independent Schools of the Year 2021 Awards.
The Good Schools Guide describes us as: 'A small, distinctive, grounded and family-oriented school that puts huge emphasis on self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Caring and supportive, Pangbourne buzzes with activity and encourages every pupil to have a go.'
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