Head of Academic Music

Brighton College; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Brighton is seeking a Head of Academic Music to start in January or April 2026. The role requires a talented musician and educator who can provide inspirational teaching and leadership. The candidate will oversee curriculum delivery, manage the music department's activities, and support students with academic progression. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about music education and pedagogy.

Qualifications

• Talented musician and educator with an excellent track record in the classroom.
• Passionate about pedagogy and able to inspire students.
• Ability to collaborate with pupils and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational teaching and leadership within the academic music department.
• Promote the study of music and act as a role model.
• Oversee and manage the delivery of curriculum music lessons for all year groups.
• Liaise with the Director of Music and Deputy Head (Academic) regarding pupils’ progress.
• Develop and update schemes of work for an inspiring curriculum.
• Support graduate and ECT’s to promote outstanding pedagogy.

Job description

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Head of Academic Music to start in January or April 2026.

The Music Department at Brighton College is a vibrant and dynamic part of school life, staffed by four academic teachers and four Heads of Instrumental Sections. We foster a joyful and inclusive approach to music, where academic and co-curricular strands are closely integrated.

Music is a popular choice at both GCSE and A-level, and in recent years has been one of our fastest growing departments at GCSE. Results are outstanding: 100% of pupils achieved A*-A at A-level in 2025, and we regularly achieve over 95% 9-7 at GCSE. The department follows the Edexcel specification for GCSE and Eduqas for A-level.

Brighton College has a proud musical tradition and exceptional facilities. In 2015, the school opened a purpose-built Music School at the heart of the campus. This includes a Recital and Rehearsal Hall, percussion/rock room, individual practice and teaching rooms, and a professional grade recording suite.

Our extensive co-curricular programme includes a Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Choral Society, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Concert Band, Swing Band, and a variety of instrumental ensembles such as Flute, Brass, and Saxophone groups. We also run a growing Music Production Club using our dedicated Mac suite.

The Chamber Choir sings at weekly Chapel services and major events such as Remembrance and Carol Services. They have performed as visiting choirs at prestigious venues including St Paul’s Cathedral, St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and Westminster Abbey.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Provide inspirational teaching and leadership within the academic music department.
• Promote the study of music and be a role model for both pupils and colleagues as an outstanding classroom practitioner.
• Oversee and manage the delivery of curriculum music lessons for all year groups.
• Liaise with the Director of Music and Deputy Head (Academic) in matters of setting and monitoring of pupils’ progress in Music.
• Develop and update schemes of work to ensure that a varied and inspiring curriculum is always maintained.
• Observe and support graduate and ECT’s to promote outstanding and inspiring pedagogy in the music classroom.

Role Specification

We are seeking a talented musician and educator who can deliver inspiring teaching in the classroom, and work collaboratively with pupils and colleagues to both maintain and develop the overall academic provision of the department.

The post holder will take the lead in all matters related to music within the curriculum and supporting pupils with university and conservatoire admissions. The post would particularly suit a music educator with an excellent track record in the classroom who is passionate about pedagogy.