Head of Music (Boys’ Preparatory School)

TES FE News; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive boys' preparatory school in London is searching for a Head of Music to lead their dynamic music department. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience, a passion for music education, and the ability to inspire both students and staff. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young musicians, fostering creativity and collaboration in a vibrant school environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive school community

Career progression options

Qualifications

• Passionate music educator with deep subject knowledge.
• Leadership experience in educational settings.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging students and parents.

Responsibilities

• Lead outstanding learning and teaching in music.
• Support and coach teachers and Visiting Music Teachers.
• Drive pupil progress through strategic planning.

Skills

Music education experience

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Strategic planning

Job description

Overview

Head of Music (Boys’ Preparatory School)

Start Date: January 2026

Tenure: Permanent, Full time

Salary: Competitive, based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale, plus TLR

Are you ready to lead a dynamic and passionate Music Department where creativity, collaboration and excellence are at the heart of everything we do?

We’re looking for an inspiring Head of Music to join our Boys’ Preparatory School and bring energy, innovation and leadership to our thriving music programme. If you’re a confident educator, a skilled musician, and a natural mentor who loves seeing pupils flourish through music, this could be your next exciting chapter.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading by example in outstanding learning and teaching across curricular and co-curricular music.
• Coaching and supporting a talented team of teachers and Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs).
• Driving pupil progress through strategic planning, feedback and performance tracking.
• Championing digital learning and innovative pedagogy.
• Overseeing the Music Scholarship programme and instrumental lessons.
• Planning and delivering unforgettable performances – from Year 4 & 6 productions to our annual Carol Service and Prize Giving.
• Collaborating with the Director of Music and Head of Instrumental Music to shape a rich and inclusive music curriculum.
• Supporting pastoral care and upholding the School’s values: May Love Always Lead Us and The Best in Everyone.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate music educator with deep subject knowledge and leadership experience.
• Someone who thrives on teamwork, creativity and continuous improvement.
• A confident communicator who can engage pupils, parents and colleagues alike.
• A strategic thinker who can manage resources, budgets and performance with flair.
• A role model who embodies fairness, respect and professionalism.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a vibrant, supportive school community.
• Lead a department that values innovation, collaboration and pupil voice.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Make a lasting impact on young musicians and performers.

If you’re ready to lead with heart and harmony, we’d love to hear from you.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email [e-mail]