Head of Bexley Music

Schools Week; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Toil policy

Flexible/hybrid working

Concerts and tours

Job summary

London South East Academies Trust is seeking a Head of Bexley Music to drive a bold vision for music education in Bexley. You will lead a team across the music service, shape partnerships with schools and cultural organisations, and advocate for inclusion and progression in music education.

The post combines executive leadership with artistic direction, requiring strong communication, financial oversight and collaborative problem-solving to deliver high-quality opportunities for children and

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.
• Excellent communicator who builds positive relationships with schools and partners.
• Strong leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Resilient and innovative, able to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic vision and operational management of Bexley Music.
• Deliver high-quality, diverse, accessible and inclusive music education borough-wide.
• Foster partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, funders and communities.
• Act as primary spokesperson and advocate for Bexley Music and SE London Music Hub.
• Ensure financial sustainability and align with academy trust priorities.

Skills

Music education leadership

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Collaborative resilience

Job description

About the role:

Head of Bexley Music

Salary: H45 to H48 on the LSEAT Harmonised Payscale

Location: Belmont Academy, Bexleyheath (office and music centre).

Mobile throughout London Borough of Bexley and SE London. Flexible working is supported including home working 1-2 days per week.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working pattern: Monday to Friday (full time, 52 weeks)

Regular evening and weekend work, for which TOIL may be available. Attendance at concerts, holiday courses and national/international tours is a requirement of the post

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.

For more information regarding the vacancy please refer to the job description or contact [e-mail]

About Us

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). The organisation delivers music provision to thousands of children and adults every week, in Bexley schools during the day and at the Music Centre at Belmont Academy, on weekday evenings and all-day Saturday. The provision at the Music Centre consists of individual and group lessons in all musical instruments and singing, as well as opportunities for playing in bands, orchestras, alternative ensembles and singing in choirs. Concerts are a regular part of the provision, taking place locally in churches, schools and other key venues in the borough and further afield, in the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, the Fairfield Halls, Croydon and in various European venues during our annual music tours. New initiatives this year are 'Endangered Instruments' and Chamber Ensembles support programmes.

About the Trust

London South East Academies Trust is a growing and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust, currently comprising mainstream, special and alternative provision academies, alongside an outreach service and a music hub. Our schools are located across Bromley, Bexley, S ussex, Lambeth and Surrey, serving a wide range of communities and educational contexts.

Across the Trust, our schools share a strong commitment to raising attainment, encouraging aspiration and supporting social mobility for every pupil, throughout their educational journey and beyond. We take a holistic but personalised approach to education, recognising that children thrive when their individual strengths, needs and circumstances are properly understood and supported. This enables pupils to flourish and achieve their full potential, whatever their starting point.

We believe that great schools are built by great people. As a Trust, we invest in our staff through strong professional development and leadership opportunities, clear expectations and supportive structures. We actively encourage collaboration and the sharing of best practice across schools, supported by high-quality, cost-effective central services that allow leaders and teachers to focus on what matters most: improving outcomes for pupils.

London South East Academies Trust sits within the Elevare Civic Education Group, which also includes a multi-campus further and higher education college, London South East Colleges and a charitable foundation, Elevare Education Foundation. This unique structure provides meaningful progression pathways for pupils and families, as well as broad development and career opportunities for staff across the wider Group.

Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to change lives. By continuing to grow our Trust and welcoming new expertise and perspectives, we aim to strengthen our schools further and extend the positive impact we have on our communities.

Equal Opportunities

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.

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

If you have any specific queries about the role, please contact us at [e-mail].

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.