Clifton Hall School is a fully independent Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, accommodating children between the ages of three and eighteen. Situated in fifty acres of its own delightful countryside grounds on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, Clifton Hall has been educating children for over 90 years.
THE POST
Currently, there is one Music post available within the school and the successful candidate will be expected to teach engaging and inclusive music lessons across all age groups, from Nursery to S6.
Teach SQA courses including National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher Music, preparing pupils thoroughly for assessments and examinations.
The successful candidate will be directly responsible to the Lead Music Teacher.
Clifton Hall School Music Department
The Music Department at Clifton Hall School is a vibrant and integral part of the school’s Creative Arts offering, nurturing musical talent from Nursery through to Senior 6. With over instrumental lessons delivered weekly, the department provides extensive opportunities for pupils to develop their skills through individual tuition, ensemble participation, and performance. Pupils are encouraged to sit external music exams such as those from the Associated Board and Trinity College, and many go on to study at prestigious institutions including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The department plays a central role in the school’s cultural life, staging annual Junior and Senior musicals, concerts, and other co-curricular events that consistently draw large audiences. Music education at Clifton Hall is inclusive and dynamic, combining practical, theoretical, and technological approaches to foster a lifelong love of music. The department offers many opportunities for pupils to extend their love of music. We have weekly lunchtime recitals, Wind band, Senior String Quartet, Rock groups, Folk Group, Clifton Hall Singers, Schola Cantorum, Junior Strings (P4-7), Early Years Strings (Nursery – P3), Junior Choir and our Orchestra For All.
We are looking for experienced, enthusiastic, committed, appropriately qualified teachers who are registered, or eligible for full registration with the GTCS.
Among the key qualities which we will seek is evidence of:
• expert, dynamic teaching at all levels up to and including Advanced Higher
• the ability to work professionally in a team
• a willingness to learn through continuing professional development
• a commitment to the extra-curricular activities programme of the school
Person Specification
Qualifications
· A relevant degree in Music or Music Education.
· PGDE in Music (or equivalent).
· GTCS registration.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Attributes
· Experience of teaching music across a broad age range, ideally including SQA qualifications.
· Strong musical ability, with piano playing considered an advantage.
· Ability to lead music groups and direct school musicals.
· Ability to inspire and motivate pupils of all abilities.
· Knowledge of current curricular developments in music education.
· Commitment to inclusive and creative teaching practices.
· Excellent communication and organisational skills.
· Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school through performances and events.
· Self-motivated and collaborative team member.
· Lead school choirs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities and Duties - Music
· Deliver engaging and inclusive music lessons across all age groups, from Nursery to S6.
· Teach SQA courses including National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher Music, preparing pupils thoroughly for assessments and examinations.
· Develop and adapt schemes of work and resources to suit a wide range of musical abilities and interests.
· Foster a love of music through practical, theoretical, and technological approaches.
· Encourage and support pupils in performance, composition, and listening skills.
· Provide instrumental support where appropriate; including accompany pupils (piano playing will be considered a strong advantage).
· Lead and direct music groups, ensembles, and school musicals, encouraging pupil participation and performance.
· Organise and contribute to musical events, concerts, and co-curricular activities.
· Assess, record, and report on pupil progress in line with school and SQA requirements.
· Collaborate with colleagues to promote interdisciplinary learning and whole-school initiatives.
· Maintain GTCS registration and engage in ongoing professional development.
· Always promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
All teachers at Clifton Hall should accept responsibilities for the following:
• Careful planning and preparation for effective delivery of the curriculum throughout the academic year.
• Setting high expectations for standard of work and behaviour in the classroom.
• Regular assessment of work.
• Writing constructive and informative comments on reports to parents.
• Keeping abreast of curricular developments and teaching methods.
• Arranging stimulating displays of children’s work, including occasional contributions to assemblies.
• Attendance at assemblies, staff meetings, parents' meetings and supporting school functions.
• Being available from time to time to talk formally and informally to parents when they are in school.
• Ensuring their own punctuality.
• Taking an active pastoral interest in the lives of all children at Clifton Hall and contributing to extra-curricular clubs.
• Contributing to the formation of school policies.
REMUNERATION
The salary offered is in accordance with the national recommended pay scale.
HOLIDAYS
Teachers are entitled to normal school holidays. Currently the school operates for full days and two in service days per annum.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please send your curriculum vitae with accompanying letter of application, explaining what particular strengths you could bring to Clifton Hall, and the names, addresses and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer (if applicable):
by e-mail to
The closing date for applications is 12noon on Friday 21st November. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and will be called to an interview at the earliest opportunity.