Director of Music 

Closing date: Friday 19th March 2026 @ 09:00am 

• Interview date: W/C 23rdMarch 2026
• Start Date: 1st September 2026 
• Salary:  MPS/UPS - Leadership dependent on Experience (£40,389 - £62,560) per annum

• About the role 

  This is the best music job in London's (possibly the UK) state school system! Music sits at the centre of life at Hatcham College and this role is for someone who is an experienced head of department and is passionate about their subject but ready to undertake a larger project that will develop their leadership skills and understanding of whole school responsibilities as part of the Extended Leadership Team. The department delivers high quality performance and composition experiences across a wide range of genres, and a broad, rigorous academic music offering. Students receive at least 100 minutes of Music each week at Key Stage 3 (7-8) and fortnightly in Yr 9, with strong uptake at GCSE and post 16. Extra curricular Music runs throughout the week and is supported by classroom teachers, a dedicated Music Technician, a part time administrator, and a large team of peripatetic staff. Around 10 percent of each year group are Music scholars who receive free instrumental or vocal lessons through a competitive audition process. The College operates across three sites in New Cross and maintains strong links across the Haberdashers' network and the wider community.​

  ​This role offers a rare opportunity for a passionate music education leader to lead a thriving and ambitious programme within a diverse school community. You will lead on curriculum and assessment across three key stages including A level, RSL Music and GCSE, and line manage, coach and mentor a small team of classroom music teachers including a 2ic. Curricular Music at Hatcham is broad, structured, and valued. Students study Music throughout Years 7 to 9, with well enrolled GCSE, BTEC, RSL, and A Level pathways. At Key Stage 3, we have an ambitious and sequential Kodaly-inspired curriculum that centres singing. ​

  ​Our students value Music and participate widely. In addition to over 400 peripatetic lessons each week, pupils access a wide range of ensembles, choirs, orchestras, and clubs. Regular trips, workshops with local partners, monthly Teatime concerts, and large-scale performances each term form a core part of the offer. The classroom team works closely with an Instrumental Music Coordinator, Music Technicians, and over 30 peripatetic teachers to deliver this provision. This vast array of music concerts, trips, and events means that event management and budget / equipment management of music spaces and materials is also a central part of the role. Strength as an administrator is required in order to steer the large ship that is the Hatcham Music department. ​

  ​The successful candidate will lead on both curriculum and co-curricular Music. You will work collaboratively with the Music team to plan and deliver lessons, program and deliver performances, and play an active role in the wider musical life of the College. Strong communication with staff, students, and parents is essential, alongside a commitment to high standards of musicianship, inclusive practice, and continuous professional learning. The appointed candidate will be an outstanding musician as well as a leading teacher; a diverse musical skill set with the ability to lead ensemble rehearsals (instrumental and vocal), functional keyboard skill, experience programming and arranging music of diverse genres (including contemporary and Classical styles), and conducting capacity is necessary for day-to-day success in the role. ​

  You will work closely with other leadership colleagues across the academy to support student progress and development. Data analysis and an ongoing focus on raising standards of student outcomes and pedagogy informs our day-to-day. The role also includes promoting equal opportunities, supporting the Trust’s equity and inclusion priorities, and meeting safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities. This post suits an enthusiastic and committed Music leader who values collaboration, enjoys performance led education, and wants to contribute to a department with strong identity, high participation, and clear ambition.​

  Please note: This role is most suited to someone who has experience of being a head of department.

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  Reporting​

  ​This role will be reporting to the Executive Principal.​

• Staff Development ​

  ​Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our children will not be as successful. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported by the College and Trust staff, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential.​

  ​We have an extensive professional learning calendar with widespread opportunities for colleagues at all stages of their career. We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer. ​There are other significant benefits to working here, not least a two-week October half term and the opportunity to work with colleagues across the Trust.

  We actively encourage applicants from colleagues from underrepresented groups.

  To apply for this vacancy please submit your application to hatchamhr@habstrustsouth.org.uk.  For confidential chat  please contact k.wheble@habstrustsouth.org.uk to arrange a time to talk to the  Executive Principal or to attend our Spring Concert on Tuesday 17^th March at  18.30

• Recruitment Pack Application Form Self-Declaration Form Staff Incentives 

  Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form