Head of Music

Location: Tower Hamlets

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

An Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ secondary school in Tower Hamlets is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and accomplished Head of Music to lead, shape, and innovate their high-performing Expressive Arts faculty. This is a premier leadership opportunity for an ambitious, highly skilled music educator, whether an established department leader or an exceptional Second in Department ready to step into leadership, to drive musical excellence, foster artistic ambition, and lead a vibrant performance culture across the entire school community.

About the Role

As Head of Music, you will hold strategic oversight of the music curriculum, pedagogical standards, extra-curricular provisions, and instrumental tuition programs across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 (GCSE & A-Level / Level 3 Music). Utilizing state-of-the-art music technology suites, recording facilities, practice rooms, and performance halls, you will lead a dedicated team of specialist teachers and visiting instrumental tutors to ensure every student accesses an extraordinary music education.

• Start Date: Immediate or upcoming term

• Environment: A flagship inner-London secondary school celebrated for academic ambition, rich creative arts, and strong community engagement

• Culture: A collaborative, high-trust, and well-resourced working environment supported by an encouraging Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and dedicated creative arts technicians

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and management for the Music Department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement across all key stages.

• Design and deliver an ambitious, inclusive, and rigorous music curriculum that spans classical traditions, contemporary production, world music, and music technology.

• Oversee and evaluate pupil progress, examination results (GCSE, A-Level/BTEC), and departmental self-evaluation routines to continually raise academic attainment.

• Direct and expand a world-class extra-curricular music program, overseeing school choirs, orchestras, contemporary bands, production ensembles, and showcase recitals.

• Lead, mentor, and line-manage departmental staff and visiting instrumental teachers, fostering continuous professional development and best practice.

• Manage departmental budgets, equipment maintenance, and partnerships with local London music hubs, conservatoires, and arts organizations.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree in Music, Music Performance, Composition, or Music Education.

• Proven track record of outstanding Music teaching across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 with evidence of driving high academic outcomes in national examinations.

• Demonstrated leadership capability or middle management experience (e.g., 2iC, Key Stage Coordinator, or Head of Department).

• Exceptional instrumental and/or vocal skill, with strong competence in conducting, arranging, and directing diverse student ensembles.

• Expert knowledge of national curriculum standards, examination board specifications (e.g., Edexcel, AQA, Eduqas), and music technology software (e.g., Logic Pro X, Sibelius).

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Inner London MPS/UPS pay scale + generous TLR 2b/2c (commensurate with leadership experience).

• Comprehensive executive leadership mentoring, structured SLT pathway development, and dedicated administrative support for extra-curricular events.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious, inspirational music leader ready to head a world-class music department at an Outstanding school in Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.