Hampton is one of the country’s leading, most successful and best-resourced independent schools and has been helping boys to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations for over 460 years.
Established over 460 years ago, Hampton is one of the country’s foremost, highest-achieving and best-resourced independent schools. Our community is vibrant, dynamic and happy, making it a wonderful place to teach and learn. Members of the Common Room are talented and hugely supportive of one another and their pupils; they share their love of learning with young people who are bright, intellectually inquisitive and aspirational. Hampton is a lively, friendly and inclusive School community where we aspire to enable our boys to not only to make sense of the world, but also to want to go out and improve it. Above all, Hamptonians are encouraged and indeed expected to aspire to personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.
Situated on a green-field site in a leafy suburb of South West London, we are fortunate to have 28 acres of playing fields within our spacious grounds. Pupils and staff alike benefit from first-class facilities across all areas of School life. These include a state-of-the-art 3G sportsground, a large and well-appointed Sports Hall, and the remarkable Hammond Theatre for the Performing Arts, along with an excellent library and specialist facilities for Art, Music, Science, Technology, Computer Science and Languages (Modern and Classical). Our older pupils enjoy impressive Sixth Form private study and Careers provision in The Barry Martin Centre. The Millennium Boat House, shared with our neighbouring girls’ school, Lady Eleanor Holles, has a prime location on the nearby River Thames, and provides the focal point for our popular and successful Boat Club.
Hamptonians’ examination results and university entrance record consistently rank in the top echelon nationally and indeed internationally. Nearly all Hampton leavers go on to undergraduate courses at Russell Group or equivalent universities; around 25 pupils are offered places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, and a significant number move on to global top-10 universities. We also support pupils who wish to study at universities in North America, some of whom secure academic and/or sporting scholarships. Hampton’s notably diverse, socially inclusive nature is an especially cherished part of our DNA and we as far from being a stereotypical public school as any setting in the independent sector. Currently, 7% of our boys (around 100 in total) attend on means-tested, free places, many of which are funded by a separate but closely linked educational charity, The Fitzwygram Foundation. ‘One of the most genuinely inclusive, diverse independent schools in the London area’. Good Schools Guide
A copy of the full ISI report can found on the School website and a summary booklet of the inspection team’s key findings is linked here .
Please click here to view the Job Description.
Hampton is one of the country’s foremost academically selective independent schools and this is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant, well resourced and successful department in a happy, high-achieving setting.
A highly experienced, accomplished and committed Oboe Teacher is required from April 2026.
The current teaching requirement will be 2 lessons per week, so one morning or afternoon, but may be subject to termly changes depending on pupils enrolled to learn the oboe. There may also be the opportunity to contribute to the School’s extensive programme of Chamber Music.
Our exciting co-curricular programme is at the heart of School life and offers pupils countless opportunities to explore their passions.
Music is one of Hampton’s many strengths. Many pupils learn at least one musical instrument, and there is a wide variety of ensembles, choirs and orchestras for pupils to join. Academic music is strong with many of the School’s musicians choosing to study music at GCSE and with a good number continuing to A-level. The School has an impressive record for both Organ and Choral Scholars at Oxbridge.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our ethos and the School has a thriving partnerships programme. There is also a very strong commitment to supporting the continuing professional development of colleagues.
We encourage applications as soon as possible and the School reserves the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time prior to the closing date.
The Department
There are currently four full-time teachers in the Department, one part-time teacher and a full-time Music Administrator. Instrumental lessons and some ensembles are taught / coached by the 27 visiting music teachers, many of whom are distinguished performers in their own right.
Academic music
Music is a compulsory subject in the First and Second Year, each class having two periods a week. These classes are divided between two teaching spaces. The Music Hall is equipped with iMacs, Logic Pro and Sibelius software, and a large range of classroom percussion. The other lesson is taught in a fully equipped keyboard laboratory. In the Third Year music is an optional subject and there are three periods a week. In the First and Second Years music is taught as a practical subject, with all pupils being introduced to keyboard skills, which they can then take on into music technology-based projects. Teaching is based around half termly projects, introducing a wide range of musical topics, and in the first two years including class singing. Pupils are also taught about a wide range of music from around the globe.
GCSE music
A healthy number of pupils opt to take GCSE Music in the Fourth and Fifth Years (IGCSE specification). Most GCSE pupils are extremely competent performers and have been introduced to composition in the Third Year. The Department achieves very good results, the majority of grades awarded at 8 and 9, in some years achieving a 100% record at that level.
Sixth Form music
A significant number of pupils select A Level music, taking the Eduqas specification which allows pupils to include a popular music strand with elements of music technology. A number of pupils in recent years have gone on to study music at Conservatoire and at University.
Co-curricular music
There is a wide range of musical activities available to all pupils and in all genres. Ensembles are available in rock music, jazz, choral music, and chamber music. The school has four orchestras, five choirs including an adult Choral Society and two jazz bands. There are regular musical productions with our neighbouring girls’ schools, Lady Eleanor Holles and Waldegrave School. The Music and Drama departments work closely together on plays and musicals.
FACILITIES
Music is taught in the Garrick building, where there are four classrooms, three equipped for music ICT, and a keyboard laboratory. The state-of-the-art Hammond Theatre, a centre of excellence for performing arts, is a magnificent performance space for both music and drama. It can be converted into a concert hall with a built-in acoustic shell and is equipped with a Steinway Model D concert grand piano. It can also be configured to provide an orchestra pit.
There are five practice rooms for instrumental teaching in the Hammond Theatre, and another seven in the Garrick building.
One of the Garrick practice rooms is fully equipped with a number of percussion instruments. We also have a range of School instruments.
The Department also has extensive libraries of choral and orchestral music, CDs, DVDs and miniature scores. Hampton is an All-Steinway School.
The School has a strong reputation for the performing arts and the Music Department actively promotes performance to the highest possible standards. Pupils have many opportunities to perform, and increasingly are in demand in the local community as performers.
Main Responsibilities
* To teach the Music curriculum to an excellent standard and to promote and contribute to the overall provision within the Music Department e.g. trips, clubs and competitions, as well as to the School’s extra-curricular programmes
* To promote and maintain the high standards of pupil achievement and contribute to the development of outstanding teaching practice across the department
* To complete all student assessment requirements, including the regular marking of homework and coursework, as required
* To assess, record and track the progress of the students according to the expectations of the Director of Music, Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Academic Music and the School’s policies
* To use performance data for pupil target setting and progress monitoring
* To deliver teaching of a high standard and to work to promote and maintain standards of achievement across the Department
* To contribute to the pastoral care of pupils as a Form Tutor and the delivery of the PSHE curriculum
* To maintain standards of discipline in line with Hampton School policies
* To attend parent and pupil meetings, as required
* To attend whole school and departmental INSET and contribute to the evaluation and progress of the Music curriculum
Person Specification
The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and experience
Essential Criteria:
* Commitment to the paramount importance of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils
* Excellent instrumental skills and experience in teaching the Oboe
* An enthusiasm for Music and the ability to convey this to pupils
* The ability to exemplify the characteristics of outstanding teaching practice
* An enthusiastic commitment to all aspects of the Music Department programmes of academic and co-curricular activities
* The ability, as a performer, to lead by example
* An awareness of the demands of teaching bright students and a commitment to fostering high academic achievement
* The ability to work as part of a team
* A professional approach which inspires confidence in teachers, pupils and parents
* Excellent communication and ICT skills
* Calmness and efficiency, with the ability to work under pressure at times
* Fully aware of Health & Safety issues
* Commitment to continuing professional development through attendance at INSET
* Commitment to the all-round ethos of the School, including its co-curricular activities and pastoral approach
* The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community and outside agencies.
Desirable Criteria
* A higher degree or experience as performer
* Keyboard skills
* Experience of external examining.
Other:
* To act as Fire Marshal and First Aider as required. Training will be provided
* Any other reasonable tasks required by the Headmaster and/or Bursar in association with the above role.
Please note that there may be some changes and additions to the above, which will be discussed before implementation and changes may occur as the post develops. This document is designed to provide applicants with a “flavour” of the position and responsibilities.
Training
Where necessary, to attend INSET training or undergo other on the job training under the general direction of the Head of Department or training outside the school to increase competence, proficiency and safety awareness
Salary and Benefits
Lessons are remunerated at a rate reflecting 40-minute lessons and additional coaching is remunerated at an hourly rate.
The Attendance Register should be completed each day you are teaching, using the designated codes as indicated on The Register. It must be signed and returned to your register holder in the Music Administrator office at the end of each working day.
The Hampton School Trust Governors currently offer the following non-contractual benefits to staff, subject to any terms and conditions and the School’s eligibility requirements: private medical insurance; death-in-service benefit insurance policy; a Medicash healthcare cash plan; enrolment in appropriate Pension Scheme, personal accident insurance, School fee remission, cycle to work scheme, lunch, sports facilities and counselling.
Hampton School is pleased to be a London Living Wage employer.
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and non-contractual benefits are provided at the discretion of the Governors.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as Sponsorship is not available.
Equal Opportunities
It is the policy of Hampton School to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and to prohibit discrimination in employment on any basis protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, colour, religious creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition or disability. Hampton School promotes equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment through positive employment policies and practices.
If any special requirements are required to attend an interview, please inform the School.
Offers of employment will be made on merit and suitability of qualifications and experience, in pursuit of our policy of equal opportunities.
Safeguarding
The post holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School's Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the School's Safeguarding Designated Persons or to The Headmaster.
The School reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process. Further details of the School are available on the website.
Please note all appointments are subject to the Hampton School Trust Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure.
The School is legally required to carry out a number of pre-appointment checks which are detailed in the School's Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The information you are being asked to provide in this form is required so that the School can comply with those legal obligations should your application be successful. Please note that in order to be considered for a position at the School, you must complete this application form. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
Hampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment.