Director of Music

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE; Charlton Kings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in the United Kingdom is looking for a Director of Music to shape the musical life of the institution. This pivotal role involves providing strategic leadership and inspiring a culture of excellence across all musical activities. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in performance, conducting, and teaching music to A Level. This is a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional educator to foster creativity and participation in music, contributing significantly to the school's vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Proven excellence in performance, conducting and leadership.
• Experience teaching Music to A Level.
• The ability to inspire pupils and staff across a wide range of musical styles.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• A commitment to inclusive participation and musical excellence.
• The confidence to lead, innovate and promote music.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the quality of students' music-making.
• Lead the team of highly skilled Visiting Music Teachers.
• Teach up to 14 academic lessons per week.
• Involve in the co-curricular and wider life of the College.

Skills

Proven excellence in performance

Teaching Music to A Level

Inspiring pupils and staff

Organisational and administrative skills

Commitment to inclusive participation

Confidence to innovate and promote music

Job description

Overview

For September 2026, Cheltenham College invites applications for the role of Director of Music. The appointed candidate will be responsible for leading one of the College's most vibrant and ambitious departments. This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional musician, educator and leader to shape the musical life of a leading independent school where music sits at the very heart of the community. The Director of Music holds a pivotal position within the College, with overall responsibility for both the academic and co-curricular music programme. Reporting to the Head via the Deputy Heads (Academic and Co-Curricular), the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, inspire excellence across all musical activity, and promote a culture of high achievement, creativity and inclusion. As a member of the Heads of Departments' Committee, the Director of Music will play a key role in the wider academic life of the College while acting as an ambassador for College music locally, nationally and internationally. The department Music is central to life at College, and all members of the community are involved in some way. This ranges from singing hymns in Chapel, to performing concertos with the College Symphony Orchestra and everything in-between. Musical life is rich and varied, and all genres and styles are celebrated.

Responsibilities

• The Director of Music is responsible for the quality of students' music-making at College and for leading the team of highly skilled Visiting Music Teachers.
• Equal attention is given to the excellence of the most talented musicians and to creating a culture of wide participation.
• The Director will teach up to 14 academic lessons per week, alongside involvement in the co-curricular and wider life of the College.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proven excellence in performance, conducting and leadership
• Experience teaching Music to A Level
• The ability to inspire pupils and staff across a wide range of musical styles
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• A commitment to inclusive participation and musical excellence
• The confidence to lead, innovate and promote music within and beyond the College

Additional Information

A full list of duties and further information on the department can be found in the job description. Timeline: Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 11 February 2026; Interviews: long list in the week commencing 23 February 2026; short list in the week commencing 2 March 2026.

How to apply: Please click on the application button below. Candidates should download an application form and, once complete, send with covering letter electronically to: [e-mail].

Safeguarding, Equality and Recruitment

Cheltenham College and Cheltenham College Preparatory School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out, references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from suitably qualified individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We encourage all candidates to ensure that we are aware of your particular requirements should you be invited to interview.