Head of Music

Catmose College; Oakham; On-site; GBP 9,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Oakham is seeking a Director of Music to lead and develop the music program across schools. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality lessons and organizing a range of extracurricular activities. Candidates should have a degree in music and a proven track record in teaching. Flexible working arrangements and numerous staff benefits are offered, including a funded Master's scheme and priority admission for staff children.

Benefits

Funded Master’s scheme

Staff laptops

Priority admission for children of staff

Subsidised restaurant/refectory

Free parking

Staff gym access

Opportunities for extracurricular trips and activities

Qualifications

• Experience leading music education and extracurricular programmes.
• Ability to encourage passion for music in students.

Responsibilities

• Lead Music department, delivering lessons across KS3, GCSE and A level.
• Organise a broad range of extracurricular music events.
• Manage external peripatetic staff and oversee music examinations.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of music to degree level

Strong keyboard and performance skills

Proven track record of excellent teaching

Strong classroom management

Passion for playing music

Leadership experience

Education

Degree in Music

Job description

Overview

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MAIN PAY SCALE PLUS RESPONSIBILITY POINT 12 - £8250 Per Annum. Full Time Equivalent to start January 2026. The post can be full or part time (0.8).

Music in all its forms is highly valued at Catmose College and Harington School, which co-exist on the same campus. Music is taught as a discrete subject in Key Stage 3 and enjoys strong numbers at GCSE, with A level planned from September 2026. The college offers an extensive range of opportunities through whole school productions, concerts, trips and visiting workshops, and a broad range of individual instrument tuition.

We are looking for an experienced music teacher to lead and develop our offer across both schools. The Director of Music will lead performances, organise a broad range of extracurricular trips to hear live music, and oversee a thriving ensemble and performing arts programme.

Catmose College and Harington School are judged Outstanding by Ofsted in all categories. The campus features extensive facilities including a purpose-built theatre, music rooms and practice spaces. The federation offers a range of staff benefits and supports flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Music department to deliver high-quality lessons across KS3, GCSE and A level, and to oversee the extracurricular music programme (ensembles, choirs, bands, orchestra).
• Inspire students to become confident performers, lead performances, and organise a programme of events (Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, Remembrance, open evenings, assemblies, competitions).
• Lead on development of schemes of work in performing arts and contribute to curriculum design and review; develop own practice through action research and collaboration, using appropriate technology.
• Manage and quality-assure external peripatetic staff delivering instrumental lessons, with support from administrative staff; oversee external music and drama examinations.
• Work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to secure commitment to the federation's ethos and aims.
• Collaborate with the Director of Drama to provide high-quality extracurricular opportunities within the federation and the wider community.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety policies are implemented in line with federation policy and current legislation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent knowledge of music to degree level with strong keyboard and performance skills.
• Proven track record of excellent teaching and strong classroom management; appropriate rapport with students.
• Passion for playing music and ability to encourage that passion in students.
• Experience leading music education and extracurricular programmes; leadership experience desirable.

Working Arrangements and Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements including part-time or job-share options.
• Staff benefits include a funded Master’s scheme, staff laptops, priority admission for children of staff, subsidised restaurant/refectory, free parking, staff gym access, and opportunities for extracurricular trips and activities.
• Holidays outside the usual term-time pattern, including a two-week autumn break and an early summer.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

The Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Safeguarding training is provided annually. This post is a regulated position involving contact with children and young people; it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer.

How to Apply

• Application forms and information are available by emailing [e-mail]; CVs are not accepted.
• Write a letter of application on no more than 2 sides of A4 and complete all sections of the application form.
• Provide referees and be prepared for references before shortlisting/interviews.
• Provide proof of identity and qualifications; willingness to undergo safeguarding checks.
• Further information is available in our Staff Recruitment Policy at https://www.rutlandfederation.com/policies.

Note: The closing date is 9am on Thursday 25 September 2025. Applications should be addressed to: Stuart Williams, Principal, Catmose College. Applications can also be emailed to [e-mail].