Head of Prep Music

Girl's Schools Association; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in London seeks an accomplished Head of Music to inspire students from EYFS to Year 6. You will lead dynamic lessons, manage ensembles, and oversee community events while promoting the importance of music education. The ideal candidate will hold QTS and have a strong music background, along with leadership and teaching experience. This full-time permanent role offers competitive benefits and ample professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and pay progression

Access to extensive professional development

Discounts on fees for children

Free lunches during term time

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Accomplished musician, confident in the classroom and performance.
• Experience leading concerts, productions, and other musical events.
• Strong academic background and proven teaching record.

Responsibilities

• Inspire pupils with lively and inclusive music lessons.
• Lead choirs, ensembles, and productions.
• Coordinate concert programs and events within the community.

Skills

Passion for music

Teaching experience

Confidence in performance

Leadership skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree in Music

Job description

Detail

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Required from: January 2026 (or soon after)

About the role

The Head of Music will be an accomplished and versatile musician with an infectious passion for their craft, equally confident in the classroom and in performance. They will inspire pupils of all abilities from EYFS to Year 6 through lively, inclusive lessons and lead choirs, ensembles and productions with flair.

Working closely with a team of visiting instrumental and vocal teachers, they will deliver an ambitious programme of concerts, trips and community events, while also building partnerships across the Senior School, local community and the wider GDST network, championing the importance of music in every child’s education.

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified graduate with QTS and a strong academic background in Music. We are seeking an exceptional educator with a proven record of high-calibre performance and teaching, who has experience of delivering engaging lessons and the confidence and vision to lead concerts, productions and other major musical events.

Music at SCPS

Music at SCPS is central to school life. Every girl has the opportunity to perform, compose and listen, with whole-class violin in Year 3, recorder and ukulele groups, piano duets, and theory and musicianship clubs.

Our flourishing choirs, orchestra and ensembles perform regularly in school and beyond. Highlights of the year include ambitious productions, our annual Carol Service, and joint ventures with the Senior School and GDST-wide events, giving pupils the thrill of performing on larger stages. Recent collaborations have included large-scale concerts, workshops, and concerto opportunities with senior ensembles.

About Streatham & Clapham Prep School

Streatham & Clapham High School is an independent, academically selective school for girls, aged 3 to 18 with over 870 pupils across both the Prep and Senior Schools. The Prep School is located in spacious buildings with outstanding facilities in Streatham Hill.

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• Free life assurance benefit
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Free lunches for all staff during term time
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Good transport links
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and should be received no later than midday on Thursday 2 October 2025 with interviews taking place shortly thereafter.

We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged. References for shortlisted candidates will be taken before interview.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.

42 Abbotswood Road, Streatham Hill, London, SW16 1AW