Head of Key Stage 3 Music - January 2026

We are looking for a well-organised, dynamic and committed teacher to join our thriving Music Department, which plays a central role in the creative and cultural life of Harrodian. Music holds a high status at Harrodian, with frequent performances and concerts that showcase our commitment to the arts and to fostering students’ expressive and creative development.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and passionate musician to take on responsibility for curriculum coordination and musical leadership at KS3, ensuring an engaging, progressive and inclusive programme for pupils in Years 7 - 9. The successful candidate will also teach GCSE and A Level Music, demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic and performance demands of public examination courses.

The role includes responsibility for the coordination of the KS3 curriculum, management of resources, and the organisation of performances and extra-curricular activities. The role includes working closely with the Director of Music to strengthen links between Prep and Senior Music, to maintain the department’s high standards of teaching and performance and, and support the department’s extensive extra-curricular programme.

Applications are welcomed from both experienced teachers and ECTs with the enthusiasm and ambition to take on a leadership role.  Applicants must demonstrate their considerable experience and passion for delivering music to groups of children, alongside proven behaviour management skills and the ability to think on their feet!  They will lead by example, consistently modeling excellent practice and promoting excellence in teaching and learning. Experience in the use of ICT within the music curriculum and a willingness to keep up to date with development in this area would be highly advantageous. 

This is a superb opportunity for an energetic, creative and collaborative teacher to shape the musical journey of pupils at a formative stage, developing their confidence and love of performance while playing an active role in the continued success of a well-resourced and dynamic department. A willingness to contribute to the wider musical and pastoral life of the school is essential.

Key qualities and requirements:

● Strong subject knowledge and a genuine passion for music education

● The ability to deliver engaging, high-quality lessons across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5

● A thorough understanding of the demands and structure of GCSE and A Level Music courses

● Proven organisational and leadership skills

● A commitment to curriculum leadership and development at KS3

● Confidence in organising and leading performances, ensembles and musical events

● Ability to lead and conduct choirs

● Good piano/keyboard skills and confident vocal ability

● A commitment to high standards and enthusiasm for contributing to the wider life of a vibrant Independent school

● Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

● A good working knowledge of music technology and digital resources in music education (Garageband, Logic, etc.)

● Proficiency in working with different software applications, including the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.)

● Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and productive relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues

● A good sense of humour

Departmental Structure 

This post reports to the Director of Music. 

Accommodation and Equipment 

There are four full-time music teachers at Harrodian, a music graduate / accompanist and a music technician, as well as a team of  20 visiting music staff teaching a variety of instruments. The Music Department is housed in its own building and incorporates 3 teaching classrooms, 7 practice rooms and an auditorium space for concerts and recitals. There are 12 iMacs in the department, each running Logic Pro X, Garageband and Sibelius software.

Founded in 1993, the Harrodian is a co-educational school set on 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Providing staff and students alike with a welcoming and exceptional learning environment, where small class sizes and high standards foster academic excellence, we value enthusiasm, adaptability and a commitment to student engagement across all ability levels. A sense of fun, responsiveness to individual learning needs, and an open approach to teaching are qualities we regard highly. Staff are also expected to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, ensuring a holistic and enriching educational experience for all pupils.

Working days and hours

This is a full-time, permanent position.  Full-time working days and hours at Harrodian are Mondays from 08h00 to 17h00 and Tuesdays to Fridays from 08h15 to 17h00. Five (full) staff training days are held over the year, at the start of the Autumn, October half, and Spring terms.  Term dates are published on the School's website.

Salary and Benefits

The agreed salary will depend upon qualifications and experience.

Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term time, free access to some of the School’s sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.