Head of Music
Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School, London, SW16 2HY14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2025
Closing date
26 March 2025 at 8am
Date listed
11 March 2025
Job details
Job role
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Subject
- Music
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPS/UPS depending on experience plus TLR 2C
Additional allowances
TLR 2C (currently £8,279)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Due to the retirement of our longstanding Head of Music, Bishop Thomas Grant School is seeking an inspirational and dedicated teacher to lead Music across the school. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to curriculum design and recognise the vital role of extra-curricular music in enriching students' education.
As Head of Music, you will:
- Lead and manage the Music Department, setting high standards for teaching and learning.
- Develop a broad and engaging curriculum that inspires students of all abilities.
- Organise and promote exciting musical events, performances, and extra-curricular opportunities.
- Foster a culture where students are excited to participate in music-making and performance.
- Manage departmental resources effectively to maximise students’ educational experiences.
- Have a proven track record of success in delivering high quality music lessons.
- Have a vision for delivering an exceptional curriculum.
- Have a dedicated music form class known as St Cecilia’s.
What the school offers its staff
Why Join Bishop Thomas Grant School?
- Outstanding Ethos and Learning Environment – Our school is rooted in strong values, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving atmosphere.
- Excellent Music Facilities – The department has dedicated teaching rooms, interactive whiteboards, and a wealth of resources to support high-quality music education.
- Passionate and Talented Students – Many of our students actively participate in musical activities, with some going on to study Music at university, conservatoires, or pursue careers in the industry.
- Supportive and Collaborative Staff – You will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who value collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Vibrant Extra-Curricular Programme – Music plays a central role in school life, with regular concerts, performances, and opportunities for students to showcase their talents.
- Exceptional Student Behaviour and Attitude – Our students are respectful, motivated, and eager to learn, creating a rewarding teaching environment.
- Commitment to Staff Development and Wellbeing – We invest in our staff through high-quality CPD, career progression opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
Joining Bishop Thomas Grant means becoming part of a thriving, supportive, and inspiring school community where music is truly valued.
Further details about the role
The Music Department at Bishop Thomas Grant School is a thriving and well-established part of school life, with a strong tradition of excellence in both curricular and co-curricular music. We offer a rich and varied musical experience, supporting students’ creative and spiritual growth through music-making at every level.
Key Stage 3 Music
At KS3, we focus on developing a strong foundation in musicianship through practical, hands-on learning. Students gain theoretical knowledge with a clear practical focus, including:
- Vocal training and building a repertoire of songs.
- Basic and advanced keyboard skills.
- Composition and arranging in groups and individually using acoustic instruments and music technology.
- Exploring a range of musical styles including folk, classical, jazz, world, and pop.
We do not set homework at KS3, encouraging students to practice during lunch breaks or after school using the music facilities.
GCSE Music
At KS4, we offer the Eduqas GCSE Music course, known for its breadth and rigor. Students develop skills in:
- Traditional notation and music theory.
- Independent composition and performance.
- Weekly one-on-one performance lessons with a tutor.
- Regular half-termly assessments through performances.
Students are expected to practice daily on their instrument or voice.
A Level Music
At KS5, we offer Eduqas GCE A Level Music, which provides two years of intensive study and performance opportunities. Students:
- Compose using Sibelius software, with performances by peripatetic staff.
- Develop solo and ensemble performance skills, assessed by a visiting examiner.
- Receive half-hour lessons with expert tutors as part of the course.
Many of our students go on to study music at university, conservatoires, or pursue music industry careers.
Instrumental and Singing Lessons
We offer tuition in all orchestral and rock instruments, including voice. Students taking lessons are expected to sit at least one ABRSM or Rock School grade exam per year and maintain a daily practice routine, recorded in a practice notebook signed by parents.
Co-Curricular Music
Our co-curricular program is central to school life, including:
- Choral Singing – The Chapel Choir plays a key role in school worship.
- Instrumental Ensembles – Developing our orchestra and showcasing a high-level Jazz Band.
- Student-Led Bands – Encouraging advanced students to form rock bands and other groups.
- Musical Theatre – A highlight of the school year, with professional-standard productions such as Les Misérables and Beauty and the Beast put together over a six-week period.
The Music Department at Bishop Thomas Grant School nurtures talent, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Please download the application form using the link below, and once completed send to jsylvia@btg-secondary.lambeth.sch.uk
CVs are not accepted.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, Roman Catholic, ages 11 to 19
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1175 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School website
- Email address
- jsylvia@btg-secondary.lambeth.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 02087693294
Catholic Secondary School
Arranging a visit to Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jsylvia@btg-secondary.lambeth.sch.uk.
School location
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