School Organist

Sherborne School; Sherborne; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherborne Schools Group seeks a dynamic School Organist to provide organ music, choral and hymn accompaniments at Abbey or Chapel Services for Sherborne Boys, with rehearsals as directed by the Director of Music.

The role includes supervising pupil organists, teaching organ lessons, and deputising for the Director of Music at rehearsals. Hours are 8–10 per week with specific evening and Sunday slots; contract is fixed-term from 1 September 2026 to 7 July 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience playing organ at church or school services.
• Ability to teach organ to various abilities.
• Willingness to deputise in rehearsals as required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Provide organ music, choral accompaniments and hymn accompaniments at Abbey or Chapel Services and rehearsals.
• Supervise pupils or Organ Scholars during services when delegated.
• Teach Organ instrumental lessons at Sherborne Boys to a range of abilities.
• Deputise for the Director of Music or Choral Director at rehearsals as required.

Skills

Organ playing

Choral accompaniment

Hymn accompaniment

Music teaching

Pupil supervision

Tools

Organ

Job description

Sherborne Schools Group is seeking a dynamic and creative School Organist who will be responsible for organ playing duties at Sherborne Boys. Duties to include:

• To provide organ music, choral accompaniments and hymn accompaniments at all Abbey or Chapel Services, and associated rehearsals as directed by the Director of Music and Choral Director.
• To supervise pupils or Organ Scholars playing in the Abbey for School services on occasions when they have been delegated to play.
• To teach Organ instrumental lessons at Sherborne Boys to a range of abilities
• To deputise for the Director of Music or Choral Director at rehearsals as required

Hours of work 8-10 hours per week. Likely to be Mondays 6.30pm to 7.15pm, Wednesdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm, Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.15pm, Fridays 8.00am to 8.25am & 6.30pm to 7.15pm and Sundays 7.15-8.30pm, in addition to a practice and preparation allowance. Flexibility in hours will be required on occasion to meet the demands of the post for additional services and rehearsals. These will be agreed with the Director of Music and Choral Director in advance.

Contract: Fixed Term, 1 September 2026 to 7th July 2027

Closing date for applications: 9.30am - Monday 24 August 2026 Early applications are strongly encouraged, as we are keen to make the right appointment at the earliest opportunity. Sherborne Schools Group reserves the right to interview suitable candidates as applications are received and may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if a successful appointment is made.

Sherborne Schools Group Recruitment and Selection Policy Statement Sherborne Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers, criminal record check and social media checks. All positions within the schools are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.