Head of Music
The Byrchall High School, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 9PQ17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
16 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
27 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Subject
- Music
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPS + TLR2B
Additional allowances
TLR2B
What skills and experience we're looking for
1. INTRODUCTION
MAIN PURPOSE
- Under the reasonable direction of the Headteacher, carry out the professional duties of a school teacher as set out in the current School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD).
- Implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students and support a designated curriculum area as appropriate.
- Monitor and support the overall progress and development of students as a teacher/ Form Tutor
- Facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
- Contribute to raising standards of student attainment.
- Share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Line Management
Reporting to – Head of Faculty
Responsible for Responsible for Music Teachers / Peripatetic Teachers
Liaising With
Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, teachers and support staff, LA representatives, external agencies and parents.
Salary Scale
MPS + TLR2B
Working Time
Full time as specified within the STPCD
DBS Disclosure Level
Enhanced
2. TEACHING
2.1 Undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a standard scale teacher.
3. STRATEGIC/ OPERATIONAL PLANNING
3.1 Lead the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, scheme of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching and learning strategies in the department.
3.2 Be responsible for the day-to-day management, control and operation of course provision with the department, including effective deployment of staff and physical resources.
3.3 Monitor actively and follow up student progress.
3.4 Implement school policies and procedures, e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety, COSHH, accommodation strategy, etc.
3.5 Work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and strategic plans for the department which have coherence and relevance to the needs of students and to the aims, objectives and strategic plans of the school.
3.6 Lead and manage the planning function of the department, and to ensure that the planning activities of the department reflect the needs of the students within the subject area, SDP/DDP and the aims and objectives of the school.
3.7 In conjunction with the E-Learning Manager, foster and oversee the application of ICT in Music, including the development of materials for Open Learning.
3.8 Ensure that health and safety policies and practices, including risk assessments, throughout the department and are in-line with national requirements and are updated where necessary, therefore liaising with the school’s Health and Safety Manager.
4. CURRICULUM PROVISION
4.1 Liaise with the Deputy Head Teaching & Learning to ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective curriculum programme which complements the school self-evaluation and the School Improvement Plan.
4.2 Be accountable for the development and delivery of Music
5. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
5.1 Lead curriculum development for the whole department.
5.2 Keep up to date with national developments in the subject area and teaching practice and methodology.
5.3 Actively monitor and respond to curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels.
5.4 Liaise with the Deputy Head Teaching & Learning to maintain accreditation with the relevant examination and validating bodies.
5.5 Be responsible for the development of key skills in Music.
5.6 Ensure that the development of Music is in line with national developments.
6. STAFFING
6.1 Work with the Deputy Head Teaching & Learning to ensure that staff development needs are identified and that appropriate programmes are designed to meet such needs.
6.2 Continue own professional development as agreed with Deputy Head.
6.3 Be responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of the Department’s technicians/support staff.
6.4 Undertake Performance Management Review(s) and to act as reviewer for a group of staff within the designated department.
6.5 Make appropriate arrangements for classes when staff are absent, ensuring appropriate cover within the department liaising with the Cover Supervisor/relevant staff to secure appropriate cover within the department.
6.6 Participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to ensure effective induction of new staff in line with school procedures.
6.7 Promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relations.
6.8 Participate in the school’s ITT programme.
6.9 Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the designated department and act as a positive role model.
7. QUALITY ASSURANCE
7.1 Ensure the effective operation of quality control systems.
7.2 Establish the process of the setting of targets within the department and to work towards their achievement.
7.3 Establish common standards of practice within the department and develop the effectiveness of teaching and learning styles in all subject areas within the department.
7.4 Contribute to the school procedures for lesson observation.
7.5 Implement school quality procedures and to ensure adherence to those in the department.
7.6 Monitor and evaluate the curriculum area/department in line with agreed school procedures including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria.
7.7 Seek/implement modification where required.
7.8 Ensure that the department’s quality procedures meet the requirements of self-evaluation and the Strategic Plan.
8. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
8.1 Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information concerning the department on the management information system.
8.2 Make use of analysis and evaluation of performance data provided.
8.3 Identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports; setting deadline where necessary and reviewing progress on the action taken.
8.4 Produce reports within the quality assurance cycle for the department.
8.5 Produce reports on examination performance, including the use of value-added data.
8.6 In conjunction with the relevant Deputy, manage the department’s collection of data.
8.7 Provide the Governing Body with relevant information relating to the departmental
performance and development.
9. COMMUNICATIONS AND LIAISON
9.1 Ensure that all members of the department are familiar with its aims and objectives.
9.2 Ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents of students.
9.3 Liaise with partner schools, higher education, industry, examination boards, awarding bodies and other relevant external bodies.
9.4 Represent the Department’s views and interests.
9.5 Contribute to the planning and delivery of school liaison activities.
9.6 Lead the development of effective subject links with partner schools and the community, promoting subjects effectively at liaison events in school, partner schools and the wider community.
9.7 Promote actively the development of effective subjects links with external agencies.
10. MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
10.1 Manage the available resources of space, staff, money and equipment efficiently within the limits, guideline and procedures laid down; including deploying the department budget, acting as a cost centre holder, requisitioning, organising and maintaining equipment and stock, and keeping appropriate records.
10.2 Work with the Deputy Head Teaching & Learning in order to ensure that the Department’s teaching commitments are effectively and efficiently time-tabled and roomed.
11. PASTORAL SYSTEM
11.1 Monitor and support the overall progress and development of students within the department.
11.2 Monitor student attendance together with students’ progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual, ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
11.3 Act as a Form Tutor and to carry out the duties associated with that role as outlined in the generic job description/staff handbook.
11.4 Contribute to PSHCE, citizenship and enterprise according to school policy.
11.5 Ensure the behaviour management system is implemented in the department so that effective learning can take place.
12. SCHOOL ETHOS
12.1 Play a full part in the life of the school community, supporting its distinctive mission and ethos and encouraging staff and students to follow this example.
12.2 Support the school in meeting its legal requirements for worship.
12.3 Promote actively the school’s corporate policies.
12.4 Comply with the school’s health and safety policy and undertake risk assessments as appropriate.
What the school offers its staff
The Music and Performing Arts Faculty at Byrchall High School offers a vibrant, inspiring and creatively rich curriculum that celebrates artistic expression in all its forms. We believe that the performing arts are essential to developing confident, creative and resilient young people, and our curriculum is designed to support and challenge every student as they explore music, drama, dance and performance.
At Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, students engage with a broad and ambitious programme that combines practical performance, composition, appraisal and dramatic work. Our lessons are highly interactive and inclusive, encouraging students to explore a wide range of musical styles, theatrical genres and performance techniques. Through this curriculum, learners not only build technical skills but also develop critical thinking, collaboration and artistic confidence that enriches their overall education.
In 2024 Byrchall opened a brand new eco school building that boasts state of the art facilities to enrich the experience of every student. Music has two teaching spaces, fully equipped practice rooms, radio and recording facilities and access to a full sound and lighting rig for performance of every kind. A large video screen upgraded to live stream allows for broadcast in our amphitheatre outdoor performance venue. We have an active and exciting presence across all media platforms and we encourage the sharing and celebration of work as widely as possible.
The faculty’s extra-curricular offer is extensive and diverse and renowned in our area. This exciting work allows students countless opportunities to perform, create and grow beyond the classroom. Students can join the choir, ukulele ensemble, brass group, steel pans ensemble, rock groups, keyboard club and a range of performance workshops. Instrumental lessons are available across a wide variety of instruments, and students regularly take part in school productions, concerts, carol services, local festivals, open mic nights and community events.
Our students also benefit from links to professional venues and wider music and theatre events. Performers have showcased their work beyond the school stage, and the faculty actively seeks opportunities to connect learners with local and regional arts organisations, enhancing their exposure to live performance and creative networks. Recognised as an Artsmark Gold school, professional partnerships, industry experience and Arts at the heart of our community is celebrated here.
Central to the success of our provision is an enthusiastic, supportive and effective faculty team who champion artistic excellence across Music, Drama, Dance and performance. Staff work collaboratively to develop interdisciplinary projects, annual musicals and enrichment activities that spark imagination, nurture talent and build a strong sense of community and artistic identity. Students of all abilities are encouraged to participate, be creative and enjoy the thrill of live performance and working together.
At Byrchall, the Music Department and Performing Arts Faculty not only equips students with valuable artistic skills but also fosters lifelong confidence, creativity and a deep appreciation for the expressive arts.
Further information about the job
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
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Byrchall High School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1075 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Byrchall High School website
- Email address
- delkin@byrchall.wigan.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01942 728221
Formerly the Ashton Grammar School, Byrchall High School is now an 11-16 co-educational Comprehensive School of 1000 students. The school takes its name from Robert Byrchall, the original founder of the school in 1588.
The school is governed by the Makerfield Academy Trust, which is a charitable company. The members of the Trust agree its visions and values. The Board of Directors set the strategic direction of the organisation, ensure the vision and values are upheld and ensure financial probity. The school has a Local Governing Body who oversees the leadership and management of the school.
The current Byrchall High School is a modern, forward looking establishment. We aim to be at the forefront of teaching and learning developments and are highly committed to CPD. Our emphasis on learning and achievement is allied to a strong moral and ethical dimension that reflects our founding principles.
The school was judged as ‘Good’ in all areas by OFSTED in September 2022. They noted that the school has high expectations of what pupils should achieve, and it has a clear and ambitious strategy for school improvement. It said the pupils behave well around the site and that they have positive attitudes to their education.
Byrchall High School has a truly comprehensive intake, ranging from students who will go on to study at top universities to those who require additional support. All students are valued equally. Byrchall High School has a strong academic record. In 2022, 75% of students achieved grade 4-9 passes in both English and maths. Across all subjects Attainment 8 was 49.62. Both these figures are well above the Wigan and national averages.
Our students participate and achieve in a wide range of academic competitions including Debating and Public Speaking, the UK Maths Challenge, The Big Book Quiz, Engineering and Stem Challenges.
The school is situated on a very pleasant site on the outskirts of the small town of Ashton-in-Makerfield in the Wigan Local Authority. The school is opposite Haydock Park Race Course and very close to the junction of the A580 and the M6 motorway; it is, therefore, easily accessible from any number of directions and within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool.
The school is having a substantial new build programme, which is scheduled to open in September 2024. This includes new sports facilities, drama studios, classrooms, dining facilities, Learning Resource Centre, Administration offices, SEN suite and specialist teaching rooms for Science, ICT, Product Design, Food, Art and Music
Arranging a visit to The Byrchall High School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email delkin@byrchall.wigan.sch.uk.
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