Head of Bexley Music

Music Mark; Dartford, Bexleyheath; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bexley Music, part of London South East Academies Trust, is recruiting an inspiring Head of Music. Based at Belmont Academy, you will lead strategic vision, artistic direction and operational management to deliver high-quality music education for all children and young people across the borough.

You will cultivate strong partnerships with schools, cultural organisations and funders, advocate for inclusion, and work with the regional music hub to raise standards and participation.

Qualifications

• Passionate about high-quality music education for all children and young people.
• Experienced leader with a strong background in music education.
• Committed to raising standards and widening participation in music.
• An excellent communicator who builds positive relationships with schools, partners, and colleagues.
• Equipped with strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• A resilient and innovative professional who enjoys working collaboratively to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, diverse, accessible and inclusive music education.
• Lead the strategic vision, leadership and operational management of Bexley Music.
• Foster strong partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, funders and communities.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with schools and regional partners to create clear pathways for achievement.
• Champion excellence, inclusion and progression in music education.

Skills

Leadership

Music education

Partnerships

Strategic planning

Communication

Resilience

Job description

We are seeking an inspiring and experienced leader with a passion for high-quality music education, a commitment to raising standards and participation, and the vision, resilience and collaboration skills to build strong partnerships and drive excellence.

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Employer

Location

Belmont Academy, Belmont Road, DA8 1LE (office and music centre). Mobile throughout London Borough of Bexley and south-east London.

Contract Type

Full-Time Permanent

Start Date

January 2027

Closing Date

20th November 2026 at 17:00

The Head of Bexley Music is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategic vision, leadership and operational management of Bexley Music, part of London South East Academies Trust and a principal partner in South East London Music Hub.

The postholder will ensure the delivery of high-quality, diverse, accessible and inclusive music education for all children and young people across the borough. The role integrates executive leadership with artistic direction, operational rigour, financial sustainability and high-profile advocacy.

As the primary spokesperson and advocate for Bexley Music, the postholder will foster strong partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, the five other principal partners in South East London Music Hub, funders and local communities.

This is a full-time permanent position. We are seeking a candidate who is:

• Passionate about high-quality music education for all children and young people.
• An experienced leader with a strong background in music education.
• Committed to raising standards and widening participation in music.
• An excellent communicator who builds positive relationships with schools, partners, and colleagues.
• Equipped with strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• A resilient and innovative professional who enjoys working collaboratively to drive continuous improvement.

Working with a talented and committed team of music educators, leaders and partners, you will have the platform to champion excellence, inclusion and progression in music education. You will develop and strengthen relationships with schools, cultural organisations, communities and regional partners, ensuring that children and young people have access to exceptional musical opportunities and clear pathways for achievement.

Please note that if a suitable applicant is identified, we may close the advert before the published closing date.

London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.

If you have accessibility needs or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.

As the Trust supports children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. The Trust’s DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on request.

All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Bexley Music, part of London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT), is the music service for the London Borough of Bexley and a Principal Partner in the South East London Music Hub (SELMH).

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