Head of Learning, Centre for Young Musicians

GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious music education institution is seeking a dynamic Head of Learning to lead curriculum design and ensure high-quality learning experiences for young musicians. This senior role includes line-managing staff and overseeing educational provisions while championing inclusion and student wellbeing. The ideal candidate will possess significant leadership experience in music education, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering progression for diverse learners. This role offers a strategic position within a distinguished center for young musicians in London, with opportunities for collaboration across networks.

Benefits

Great pension scheme

Season ticket

Cycle to work scheme

Free access to museums and galleries

Discounts on retail and healthcare

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in a music education or specialist learning setting.
• Experience in curriculum or programme design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Experience line managing staff, including recruitment, induction, and appraisal.
• Commitment to inclusion and supporting progression for underrepresented students.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and educational leadership across CYM.
• Lead curriculum and programme design, review, and development.
• Line manage Heads of Department and support staff development.
• Lead quality assurance and use data for improvement.
• Oversee timetabling and student learning pathways.

Skills

Leadership experience in music education

Curriculum design expertise

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Understanding of safeguarding

Job description

We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic leader to join CYM as Head of Learning. This is a key senior role, working closely with the Head of CYM to help shape and deliver the Centre's educational vision and strategy for a community of over 500 young musicians, while supporting CYM's continued development, ambition and growth. The post-holder will be responsible for the curriculum, the quality of teaching and learning, and the impact of CYM's educational provision across the Centre, ensuring a coherent, inclusive and high‑quality learning experience for every student. The Head of Learning will line‑manage Heads of Department, oversee areas of provision not led by a department, take responsibility for timetabling and learning pathways, lead on quality assurance and data‑informed improvement, and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for CYM. This role offers the chance to shape learning at one of the UK’s leading specialist music centres and to play a central role in supporting progression and achievement for young musicians from all backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and educational leadership across CYM, contributing to the Centre's educational vision and priorities.
• Lead curriculum and programme design, review and development.
• Line manage Heads of Department and support staff development.
• Lead quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and use of data.
• Oversee timetabling and student learning pathways across the Centre.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Work collaboratively across CYM, the Guildhall Young Artists network and the wider Guildhall School.
• The post-holder will be a key member of CYM's senior leadership team and will deputise for the Head of CYM as required.

Schedule

Tuesday to Saturday during CYM term time; Monday to Friday outside term time. This role requires flexibility to attend occasional rehearsals and concerts on evenings and weekends, with time given in lieu.

Ideal Candidate

• Have significant leadership experience in a music education or specialist learning setting.
• Demonstrate strong experience of curriculum or programme design, delivery and evaluation.
• Have experience line managing staff, including recruitment, induction and appraisal.
• Show a clear commitment to inclusion, widening participation and supporting progression for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate sound understanding of safeguarding and student wellbeing.

About the Centre

Part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, Centre for Young Musicians offers music provision to talented young people from all backgrounds in a thriving musical environment. As a Centre for Advanced Training under the Department for Education's National Grant for Music and Dance, CYM is a key provider of instrumental, vocal and ensemble tuition in London.

Our Saturday school and holiday courses offer a sustained and progressive route from the early stages of learning through to music college entrance. Children start on our primary years programme (age 5 upwards) progressing to the Full Programme (aged 8 to 18). CYM also manages the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and London Youth Wind Band holiday courses, which combine a rich history and legacy with bold, forward‑thinking ambition.

Benefits

• A great pension scheme.
• Season ticket.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free access to museums and galleries.
• Discounts on retail, healthcare and on‑site cafés and restaurants.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First Aiders and City of London as well as Barbican staff networks.