Assistant Director of Music (Head of Academic Music)

About the job

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Assistant Director of Music (Head of Academic Music) from September 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to shape learning and Musicmaking within our warm and dynamic community. 

The Assistant Director of Music (Head of Academic Music) will have responsibility for the academic Music curriculum and classroom teaching across the senior school from year 7 up to A level and the International Baccalaureate. As such, they will be a member of Academic Policy Committee, the forum for heads of departments within the senior school. The Assistant Director of Music (Head of Academic Music) will also lead the co-curricular provision of Music in the lower school (years 7&8), as well as play a full role in the broader life of the Music department, supporting the Director of Music. King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum.  Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

Person specification

The post will suit someone who:

• is, or aspires to be, a strong, dynamic and inspirational middle leader
• has excellent subject knowledge (including a degree in Music or a related subject)
• has an interest in shaping the musical life of pupils academically and in the lower school
• is eager to share in the joy of learning inside and outside the classroom, and is committed to academic and musical excellence
• wishes to actively promote the school’s ethos and values, including curiosity, academic excellence and enrichment, among the pupil body
• has a desire to be involved in a wide range of extracurricular Music, which may include taking rehearsals, organising concerts, directing a choir or orchestra and running aural and theory classes
• is an experienced and confident pianist, able to play in assemblies and provide accompaniment in concerts and competitions
• has a personal commitment to ongoing professional development
• has strong pastoral instincts and a commitment to excellent pastoral care and safeguarding for all pupils
• has a desire to contribute to the school’s thriving cocurricular programme
• has the highest aspirations for both pupils and staff
• is capable of efficiently managing and responding to the needs of the department, acting as an inspiring leader in academic and lower school Music
• will maintain a sharp and efficient grasp of syllabus requirements and curriculum development
• will help the team to lead every pupil through their musical studies
• communicates well with the ability to inspire others
• is able to lead and work as part of a team, with excellent communication skills
• is able to prioritise and manage their time effectively, and demonstrate resilience
• can think flexibly, and possesses excellent skills of organisation and problem solving
• promotes a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion among pupils and departmental colleagues so everyone feels they fully belong

The following would be advantageous:

• prior experience of leadership within Music in a secondary school environment

To apply for this role, please register your details online via our website www.kcs.org.uk (under useful information / career opportunities).   Once you have registered your details with us, you can apply for vacancies by logging into the candidate area using your email address and chosen password.  You will be asked to fill an online application form, upload a CV and provide a cover letter.  

Closing date:  Monday 24^th March 2025 at 9am

Interview dates:  Tuesday 27th March 2025

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. 

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.