Director of Music

The WLFS has been a music specialist school since its foundation, and Director of Music is one of the most valued roles within the school. At Key Stage 3 pupils have two hours a week of classroom music teaching, and around half the pupils participate in either an after-school music club or instrumental lessons. Our proportion of pupils taking music GCSE in Years 10 and 11 is among the highest for any secondary school in the country. At A-level we offer both Music and Music Technology, and former pupils often go onto study music at the country’s most prestigious universities, with some recent alumni winning choral scholarships. The music department run a school orchestra, a string group, a wind group, and choirs in every year group. Each year, the music department put on two formal concerts, three residential trips, and multiple performances of pop and contemporary music. As such, music is central to the life of the school. Fundamentally we believe that music makes our pupils’ lives, and our school community, richer in spirit. In this the music department is fully supported by all of our senior leadership team.

Key characteristics of the role of Director of Music include:

• to imbue the school and its pupils with a love for and appreciation of music, making music central to the life of the school.
• To manage a full time music team, as well as a team of part-time peripatetic music teachers.
• to impart your passion for music to the pupils you teach, whilst also ensuring their mastery of the subject.
• to oversee the planning and delivery of music schemes of work for Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and monitor their effectiveness.
• to monitor the progress of pupils according to the department and school assessment policy.
• to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the department by taking part in collaborative planning, sharing resources, mentoring and observing teachers, and participating in continuing professional development.
• to be a form tutor, and work collaboratively with your year group team.

The successful candidate will have:

• strong subject knowledge, a passion for music, and an ability to communicate that passion to others;
• an ability to teach music at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 to all ability levels, including pupils with SEND;
• a proven track record of excellent music teaching and, where relevant, outstanding outcomes for pupils at both GCSE and A-level;
• an understanding of the ethos of the West London Free School, and a commitment to teaching a knowledge-based curriculum;
• high expectations of pupil conduct and behaviour;
• excellent team working skills;
• excellent communication skills with both pupils and staff;
• a willingness to contribute to the school’s co-curricular programme. 

The closing cate for applications is 23rd February 2025. If you would like a conversation about the role, or a tour of the school, any time prior to that date, please contact Robert Peal at r.peal@wlfs.org.

 Please apply either via the jobs portal through which you found this advert, or by completing the application form on the WLFS website and returning it to the Joint Headteachers Ben McLaughlin and Rob Peal via r.peal@wlfs.org. The School reserves the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time prior to the start date.