Head of Music

The Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0QJ

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  13 March 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  23 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Music
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2B
• Additional allowances:

  MPS/UPS + TLR 2B

Head of Music job summary

HEAD OF MUSIC

Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2B
Start Date: September 2026

The Norton Knatchbull School is a selective grammar school with a proud history dating back to 1630. We combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where students are nurtured to become considerate, confident, and well-rounded individuals. Our Music Department plays a central role in the creative life of the school, supporting students from Year 7 through to A Level and contributing significantly to whole school events and performances.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Music to lead our small but well-established and ambitious department. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced practitioner to shape the strategic direction of Music at NKS.

You will be responsible for

• Leading and developing the Music curriculum across all key stages, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience.
• Teaching high quality lessons up to and including A Level, with a proven track record of examination success.
• Driving high standards of teaching and learning to ensure excellent progress and outcomes for students.
• Overseeing and expanding extracurricular provision, including ensembles, concerts, and wider performance opportunities.
• Managing departmental resources and supporting the professional development of colleagues.
• Contributing to the wider cultural life of the school and promoting Music beyond the timetabled curriculum.

What We’re Looking For

• An inspiring and innovative practitioner with strong subject knowledge and leadership potential.
• The ability to teach A Level Music to a high standard and motivate students of all abilities.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and team leadership skills.
• A commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and musical appreciation in young people.
• Experience in leading ensembles or directing performances would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive and collaborative environment with excellent CPD opportunities.
• Access to staff wellbeing initiatives, including free Benenden Health membership and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Opportunities to contribute to a school community that values diversity and inclusion.
• Dedicated Music facilities and strong support for performance based enrichment.

For applicants currently serving as teachers, one of the referees should be your current Headteacher or Acting Headteacher.

Deadline for applications: 9 a.m. Friday 13th March.

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.

We reserve the right to interview prior to this date depending on applications received.

NKS is committed to the continuing Professional Development and Equal Opportunities for all our staff. We support our employees in career development and respect initiative and ambition. As such we are committed to using Performance Management; formal and informal training; coaching and mentoring; and peer support to ensure the progression of our staff. In return we expect commitment and a desire to improve and excel from our colleagues. It is important for our students to understand and experience the strength and depth of a diverse community and we aim to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards, and promotes staff based on merit. To show our commitment to this, the school has achieved the Race Charter Mark.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Norton Knatchbull School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About The Norton Knatchbull School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1289 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Norton Knatchbull School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-norton-knatchbull-school

The Norton Knatchbull School is a popular and highly regarded selective school for boys aged 11-18 which admits a growing number of girls into its sixth form. Having proudly served the local community of Ashford in Kent since the 17th century, they combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where young people are nurtured to become considerate, confident and well-rounded individuals.

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