Head of Key Stage 3 Music

The Harrodian School; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in London seeks a passionate Music Teacher to coordinate curriculum and lead performances. The ideal candidate will have strong subject knowledge, proven leadership skills, and experience with GCSE and A Level Music courses. This is a full-time permanent position, offering a collaborative environment. A commitment to high standards and enthusiasm for music education are essential.

Benefits

Free car park

Cycle to work scheme

Free refreshments and lunches during term time

Access to sports and leisure facilities

Qualifications

• Ability to deliver engaging, high-quality lessons across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
• A thorough understanding of the demands and structure of GCSE and A Level Music courses.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the KS3 curriculum and manage resources.
• Organise performances and extra-curricular activities.
• Work closely with the Director of Music.

Skills

Strong subject knowledge

Proven organisational and leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Good piano/keyboard skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant qualifications in music education

Tools

Music technology (Garageband, Logic)

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a well-organised, dynamic and committed teacher to join our thriving Music Department, which plays a central role in the creative and cultural life of Harrodian. Music holds a high status at Harrodian, with frequent performances and concerts that showcase our commitment to the arts and to fostering students’ expressive and creative development.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and passionate musician to take on responsibility for curriculum coordination and musical leadership at KS3, ensuring an engaging, progressive and inclusive programme for pupils in Years 7 - 9. The successful candidate will also teach GCSE and A Level Music, demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic and performance demands of public examination courses.

Responsibilities

The role includes responsibility for the coordination of the KS3 curriculum, management of resources, and the organisation of performances and extra-curricular activities. The role includes working closely with the Director of Music to strengthen links between Prep and Senior Music, to maintain the department’s high standards of teaching and performance and, and support the department’s extensive extra-curricular programme.

Lead by example, consistently modelling excellent practice and promoting excellence in teaching and learning. Contribute to the wider musical and pastoral life of the school. Organise and lead performances, ensembles and musical events, and manage the use of ICT within the music curriculum.

Key qualities and requirements

• Strong subject knowledge and a genuine passion for music education
• The ability to deliver engaging, high-quality lessons across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5
• A thorough understanding of the demands and structure of GCSE and A Level Music courses
• Proven organisational and leadership skills
• A commitment to curriculum leadership and development at KS3
• Confidence in organising and leading performances, ensembles and musical events
• Ability to lead and conduct choirs
• Good piano/keyboard skills and confident vocal ability
• A commitment to high standards and enthusiasm for contributing to the wider life of a vibrant Independent school
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A good working knowledge of music technology and digital resources in music education (Garageband, Logic, etc.)
• Proficiency in working with different software applications, including the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and productive relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues
• A good sense of humour

Departmental structure

This post reports to the Director of Music.

Accommodation and Equipment

There are four full-time music teachers at Harrodian, a music graduate/accompanist and a music technician, as well as a team of 20 visiting music staff teaching a variety of instruments. The Music Department is housed in its own building and incorporates 3 teaching classrooms, 7 practice rooms and an auditorium space for concerts and recitals. There are 12 iMacs in the department, each running Logic Pro X, Garageband and Sibelius software.

About the School

Founded in 1993, the Harrodian is a co-educational school set on 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Providing staff and students alike with a welcoming and exceptional learning environment, where small class sizes and high standards foster academic excellence, we value enthusiasm, adaptability and a commitment to student engagement across all ability levels. Staff are also expected to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, ensuring a holistic and enriching educational experience for all pupils.

Working days and hours

This is a full-time, permanent position. Full-time working days and hours at Harrodian are Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00 and Tuesdays to Fridays from 08:15 to 17:00. Five (full) staff training days are held over the year, at the start of the Autumn, October half, and Spring terms. Term dates are published on the School's website.

Salary and Benefits

The agreed salary will depend upon qualifications and experience.

Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term time, free access to some of the School’s sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.

How to apply

Please visit our website via the Apply button to submit a fully-completed application form, to include a cover letter addressed to the Headmaster, and full CV, accounting for any gaps in employment.

Closing date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025 at 9am.

Interview dates: Friday, 17th and Tuesday, 21st October. As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach an academic lesson, lead and conduct a choir rehearsal, and work with a class on a short activity. Preparation work in advance of the class lesson will be required and details will be provided prior to interview.

Please note: We intend to appoint as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be held ahead of the closing date. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.

Right to work and safeguarding

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.

Safeguarding and employment checks: Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, checks with any applicable Overseas Criminal Records body, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations, online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks. Please read our Safer Recruiting Policy and Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy by selecting from our list of policies. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.

All positions within the School are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Enhanced DBS check will give details of all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available from HR. References will be taken up and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.