A high-performing secondary school in Southampton is seeking an ambitious, highly accomplished Head of Music to lead its flourishing Music & Performing Arts department on a full-time, permanent basis starting in January.

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a dynamic director of music or experienced subject lead passionate about driving academic excellence, expanding ensemble performances, and fostering an inclusive culture of performance across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5.

Job Overview

Music occupies a prominent position within this school’s academic, cultural, and extra-curricular identity. The successful applicant will take strategic and operational leadership over classroom music education, peripatetic instrumental tuition, vocal ensembles, orchestras, jazz bands, and major seasonal concert productions starting this January.

Working alongside senior leadership, peripatetic tutors, and the expressive arts team, you will teach academic Music across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE / Eduqas / AQA), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Music / Music Technology), while directing an extensive extra-curricular schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and regional festival entries. This is a full-time, permanent contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, curriculum development, and operational management for the Music Department and peripatetic instrumental staff

• Teach inspiring academic Music lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Music / Music Technology)

• Direct whole-school ensembles, including orchestra, concert choir, jazz ensemble, and chamber groups for termly showcases and community events

• Organize, program, and produce the school’s annual concert calendar, recitals, inter-house music competitions, and production musicals

• Oversee the scheduling, quality assurance, and recruitment of visiting peripatetic music teachers (VMTs)

• Prepare ambitious pupils for music scholarship auditions, ABRSM / Trinity practical examinations, and conservatory or university admissions (UCAS/Oxbridge)

The School & What’s on Offer

• January Start: Full-time, permanent employment contract directly with the school starting in January

• Academic Excellence: High-achieving secondary environment with strong student uptake, dedicated practice suites, and modern digital recording technology

• Facilities: Purpose-built music suite, acoustic practice rooms, recital space, and digital audio workstations (DAWs running Logic Pro / Sibelius)

• Location: Prime Southampton location with excellent transport links and on-site staff parking

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognized UK teaching credentials (PGCE / SCITT)

• Honors degree in Music, Musicology, or Composition from a recognized university or music conservatory

• Proven track record of strong GCSE and A-Level academic outcomes alongside successful departmental or ensemble leadership

• Accomplished practical musicianship with strong keyboard/piano accompaniment skills and choral/orchestral conducting capabilities

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

How to Apply

Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this full-time, permanent Head of Music position in Southampton for a January start.