Abbotsholme School invites applications for the post of Lead Teacher of Music, effective 1st September 2026.
Abbotsholme https://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/ is a non-selective independent, co-educational, day and international boarding school, situated close to Uttoxeter, with buildings and grounds regarded as some of the most attractive of any school in England.
Abbotsholme was established in 1889 by the visionary Dr. Cecil Reddie, a leading educationalist in the progressive schools movement and the main building is a beautiful red-brick Arts & Crafts edifice, with many original features throughout. The Chapel, with its original jewel-like stained glass, is a significant historic asset, featuring many motifs and fascinating imagery which have become intrinsic to the Abbotsholme story.
Currently educating children aged 2-18, the school received an excellent report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate in April 2024: https://www.isi.net/reports.
Abbotsholme prides itself on a caring, familial atmosphere, where staff know each pupil and academic excellence is supported through outstanding, individualised pastoral care. Academic results are exceptional and pupils go on to enjoy great success at university and beyond.
Lead Teacher of Music we seek
An exciting opportunity exists for a full time Lead Teacher of Music to join our vibrant team. We are seeking an inspiring and creative teacher who is committed to developing individual strengths and a love of the subject in all pupils, alongside the ability to raise the profile of music throughout the school. The right candidate will create a thriving musical environment where pupils love playing, singing and performing.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to work in one of the most unique schools in the country.
Personal Qualities Required
* Experience in, and a passion for, delivering high-quality teaching and learning across the KS3, GCSE and A Level.
* Charisma, energy and enthusiasm.
* Optimism, can-do attitude and desire for continuous improvement.
* Thoroughness and commitment to supporting pupils.
* Honesty, humility, courage, respect and integrity.
Responsibilities & Duties as a Teacher
Academic
* To be responsible for the development and maintenance of the music curriculum and teaching strategies.
* To plan and deliver high quality and engaging lessons in line with the school’s curriculum.
* To foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
* To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of work and modify planning and teaching as appropriate for all students in the classes taught.
* To provide appropriate feedback for pupils on their work, including regular marking, periodic reports in line with the school’s schedule and attendance at parents’ evenings.
* To maintain appropriate records of pupils’ progress.
* To follow relevant school and departmental policies, for example the marking policy.
* To keep abreast of national educational initiatives, debates and best practice within the subject, through attendance at INSET courses, as appropriate.
* To oversee the provision of instrumental tuition within the school and also, promote the varied extra-curricular music activities offered by the school.
* To be responsible for the school’s concert series and also, support the music content of the school’s performing arts showcases and productions.
Pastoral
* To be aware of the physical and emotional wellbeing of the pupils.
* To promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils, liaising with other staff as necessary, including the Safeguarding Team.
* To understand and implement all welfare and safeguarding policies, such as health and safety, safeguarding, educational visits and attendance.
General
* To attend weekly staff meetings at times organised by the SLT.
* To share in the rota of break and lunchtime duties, as applicable.
* To share in the covering for colleagues on short-term absence.
* To contribute to the provision of enrichment and extra-curricular activities, including school trips, the annual school ‘Hikes’ and, if needed, participation in a camp, during the summer term.
* To contribute to the marketing of the school through attendance of periodic school open days and championing the school.
* To undertake any other reasonable requests of the Headteacher.
The job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to review in accordance with the evolving needs of the School. Any material changes will be made in consultation with the post-holder.
Application Process
* Please complete the application form and health questionnaire attached and return to the HR team by email, HR@abbotsholme.co.uk, including a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role. Alternatively, please email our HR team at HR@abbotsholme.co.uk to request an application form or for any additional queries.
We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are advised.
Safeguarding
Abbotsholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children’s barred list information. In line with safeguarding guidance, shortlisted candidates will also be subject to an online search as part of the school’s due diligence.
GDPR Personal Data Notice
In accordance with UK GDPR, the school will process personal data only where it is necessary and lawful to do so. Special category (sensitive) personal data will only be processed with your explicit consent or where there is another lawful basis for doing so.
You are asked not to include any sensitive personal data within your application form. Please also ensure that you have obtained the consent of your referees before providing their personal details.
Child Protection Statement
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and will follow our safeguarding procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate support and protection.
These procedures apply to all colleagues, volunteers and governors.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order (1975, as amended in 2013 and 2020). As such, applicants are required to disclose all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those that would otherwise be regarded as “spent”. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be considered only in relation to your suitability for the role.
Equal Opportunities
The school is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity and ensures that all staff are treated fairly and with dignity and respect. Abbotsholme welcomes applications from all backgrounds and will make all reasonable adjustments to allow for the equal treatment of all candidates at interview and when taking up the post. Candidates requiring any assistance at interview should request this after an offer for interview is confirmed by the school.
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