Head of Music

Posting date:	27 August 2025
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	10 September 2025
Location:	Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 3LS
Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	4718771_1756281165

Summary

Head of Music - Chorley Area

Lead with creativity. Inspire through excellence. Apply NOW.

Your new school

A well-established secondary school in the Chorley area is seeking to appoint an ambitious, enthusiastic, and highly skilled Head of Music. Music is central to the school's ethos and curriculum, playing a vital role in student development, worship, and community engagement. The school offers excellent facilities, including a dedicated music suite, recording studio, and practice rooms, and has a strong tradition of performance and musical achievement.


Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Foster a love of music in every pupil, ensuring they experience the joy of playing, singing, and performing.
• Deliver high-quality, engaging music lessons tailored to stretch, challenge, and inspire pupils.
• Use a range of innovative teaching methods to engage pupils of all abilities.
• Raise attainment and achievement within the curriculum area.
• Continuously develop schemes of learning and ensure progression across key stages.
• Lead the integration of ICT in music education and pupil progress tracking.
• Coordinate cross-curricular initiatives including personal development, SEND, and support for higher ability pupils.
• Liaise with external agencies such as exam boards, colleges, and industry partners.
• Ensure pupils are thoroughly prepared for public examinations.
• Plan department development, manage resources, and apply best value principles.
• Create a classroom environment that promotes effective learning.
• Prepare pupils for concerts, productions, and external music examinations.

Learning and Collaborating

• Promote cross-curricular learning through collaboration with other departments.
• Embed literacy and numeracy development within music lessons.
• Develop resources and curriculum for the full ability range.
• Share skills and support colleagues across the school.

Professional Requirements

• Produce data reports and attend parents' evenings to discuss pupil progress.
• Participate in performance management and school-wide policies.
• Undertake risk assessments to ensure health and safety in music education.
• Carry out additional duties as required by the Headteacher.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Passionate about music education and its power to enrich lives.
• Strategic vision for the department, ensuring music remains central to school life.
• Commitment to creativity and innovation in teaching and performance.
• Effective team player and confident leader, including oversight of peripatetic staff.
• Highly skilled musician with strong piano proficiency and ensemble leadership.
• Energetic and proactive presence, ready to drive initiatives and traditions.
• Skilled communicator with strong written and verbal abilities.
• Confident user of music technology and digital platforms.
• Excellent teaching skills and ability to engage and enthuse pupils.
• Ability to create and monitor engaging schemes of learning for KS3 and KS4.
• Understanding of current issues and curriculum developments in music.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to track and analyse pupil progress using data.
• Commitment to continuous improvement through reflection and collaboration.

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Honours degree in music or a related subject.
• Minimum two years' teaching experience, ideally with leadership experience.
• Proven success in delivering high-quality music education.
• Expertise in music theory, composition, and performance.
• Experience leading ensembles, choirs, and productions.
• Record of professional development and commitment to learning.
• Familiarity with digital music production and contemporary trends.
• History of student success in music exams or competitions.
  
  

Professional Values

• High expectations of all pupils, with respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive education.
• Willingness to promote the Catholic ethos of the school.
• Positive role model who demonstrates the values and behaviours expected of pupils.
• Enthusiastic about extracurricular music activities.
• A good sense of humour and passion for working with young people.

Please note: This position does not offer sponsorship, so candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

What you'll get in return

• A rewarding leadership role starting in September.
• Competitive salary (MPS/UPS + TLR).
• Access to high-quality CPD and leadership development.
• Full holiday entitlement and pension scheme.
• A supportive and inclusive school culture with a strong emphasis on the arts.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school that values creativity, excellence, and community.
  
  

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or Damien Gardner now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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