Director of Music

The Role

The King’s School, Gloucester has an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated and inspiring teacher to take on the pivotal leadership role of Director of Music. As one of the nation’s leading choir schools, the Music Department is a core element in The King’s School’s identity. An experienced, dynamic and dedicated practitioner is sought to lead the musical life of the school.

As an historic yet forward-thinking Cathedral School, the successful candidate will need to balance an appreciation of the musical traditions at King’s with the ambition and drive to write the School’s next musical chapters, and the ability to uphold its reputation for excellence. You will combine an inspiring approach to teaching at KS3, GCSE and A-Level with a clear vision for the strategic direction of the Music Department, and will work alongside the Junior School Director of Music to shape a deep musical provision that aligns with the School’s educational ambitions and forward-thinking ethos.

Thanks to the School’s long-standing, close ties with Gloucester Cathedral, this role also offers the unique opportunity to lead performances in one of the most magnificent venues in the country, whilst our provision of education for the Cathedral’s choristers ensures that the highest calibre of musicians are to be found in every year group.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher and talented musician to make a significant contribution to the life of one of the country’s leading HMC Schools.

The School

The King’s School, Gloucester is a registered charity which has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541, and to this day maintains strong links with Gloucester Cathedral through the provision of education for its choristers; the School is a member of the Choir Schools’ Association and our 32 choristers are integral to the life of the School. The Cathedral itself also serves as the School Chapel and provides an ideal location for high quality orchestral and choral music. King’s houses the longest-serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and being Highly Commended again in 2022 and 2023. Following the 2022 ISI Inspection, King’s was proud to be declared ‘excellent in all areas’.

The Department

Nestled in the shadows of the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, The King’s School Music Department is housed in its own self-contained Music School building, comprising of a variety of rooms suitable for class teaching. The Department consists of a full-time Director of Music, the Assistant Director of Music, and a large team of VMTs, each bringing their own specialism; the Department is ably supported by the Performing Arts Administrator, ensuring the provision of musical education at King’s is high-quality, wide-ranging and bursting with co-curricular opportunity.

We are in the privileged position of being able to teach some outstandingly talented musicians; with four choral groups, numerous instrumental ensembles and a huge range of instrumental tuition, pupils have the very best opportunities to discover and to develop their musical talents.

Main Duties

• First-class, innovative teaching throughout the School in a manner appropriate to students' ages and abilities;
• Leading on all aspects of Music delivery in the Senior School;
• Working with the Junior School Director of Music to ensure cohesive provision of Musical education and high standards of teaching and learning throughout the School;
• Being responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Music Department, including performance management of staff, target-setting, curriculum development, budget management and assisting with the recruitment of new staff as required;
• Bringing new and innovative ideas to further develop the School’s Musical offering;
• Establishing a clear understanding of how Music contributes to pupils’ creative, emotional and spiritual development, in order to promote uptake at GCSE and A-Level;
• Taking responsibility for direction of the School groups (instrumental/choral);
• Assessing and recording students' progress in accordance with departmental and School policies;
• Administering, coaching and, where necessary, accompanying pupils for ABRSM / TRINITY examinations and concerts;
• Working in collaboration with the School’s team of VMTs with regard to entering pupils for practical examinations, assisting with pupils’ preparation and organising exam timetables;
• Leading departmental meetings;
• Developing and sharing teaching and learning resources;
• Monitoring the work and progress of pupils, including those with specific learning needs and Musical Scholarships;
• Maintaining professional skills through INSET and the School’s Continuing Professional Development programme;
• Helping promote partnerships and links with educational organisations outside of King’s, thus demonstrating public benefit and meeting the school’s charitable objectives;
• Promoting the awareness of relevant career opportunities and experiences for students;
• Assisting with Musical / Drama / Stage productions;
• Contributing to the extra-curricular life of the School through the Activities and Academic Enrichment Programme or other appropriate commitment;
• Taking part in the pastoral life of the School as a Form Tutor or Cover Tutor;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Any other tasks or responsibilities that may reasonably be assigned by the Headmaster.

Personal Profile

• A first-rate musician with a degree related to Music or experience in the field of Music;
• Ability to play piano and organ is highly desirable;
• Experience of first-class teaching and raising attainment at KS3-5;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, the School and the pupils;
• Dynamic, effective teaching strategies that engage all learners;
• Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills, able to build appropriate relationships with staff, pupils and parents;
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
• Willingness to undertake further professional development;
• Further post-graduate qualifications, experience relating to Music and Leadership, and PGCE / QTS are desirable.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work / Car scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Thursday 14th November 2024 at 12:00 noon, with a two-day interview process taking place during the week commencing Monday 25th November 2024.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.