Teacher of Academic Music and Musicianship (Commercial and Jazz Specialism)

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning in a world-leading specialist music school.

In September 2022, The Purcell School was the first specialist music school in the UK to open a commercial music department, which sits alongside the long-established and highly successful jazz department. In another exciting and forward-looking expansion of our provision, we have recently announced our intention to offer a new vocational pathway (RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industry) for students in the sixth form. It is within this context and to reflect the increasing need and demand for commercial and jazz classes in our timetable, that we are now looking to appoint a music teacher with a specialism in these areas. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of music history, analysis, composition and general musicianship programmes, largely in relation to this specialism.

The Academic Music Department offers a unique programme of study, which forms an important part of every Purcell student's specialist musical education. Analysis and aural awareness are at the heart of everything we do and high-level training in these areas is a core component of the School's curriculum for every student. Purcell students achieve exceptional grades in Music and nearly all go on to study the subject at either conservatoire or university.

In Years 7 to 9, students study a series of topics, which form the basis of creative and analytical projects, designed to expand their general musical knowledge and inform their practical instrumental studies. In year 10, students follow the AQA GCSE music syllabus and in Year 11, they prepare for Sixth Form study through an in-depth study of larger scale works. In the Sixth Form, students work towards the OCR A Level in Music and have lessons in analysis, music history, harmony and composition. Students who intend to apply to university to read Music are prepared for entrance examinations and interviews. Each year, a number of students go on to read Music at university, with recent school leavers taking up places at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and SOAS.

At each stage of the School, we offer tailored pathways for students on classical performance, composition, jazz and commercial music programmes as part of our extensive musicianship provision. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will work closely with our first study commercial and jazz musicians in this context, whilst also taking on a varied timetable of Key Stage 3, GCSE Music, A Level Music and Diploma classes. Depending on expertise, experience and qualifications, there may also be opportunities to contribute to the delivery of performance classes and/or our music technology programmes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a full time or 0.8 post to start on 1st September 2026.

The salary will be based on the School's salary scale, according to the successful candidate's experience, with a contributory pension scheme.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.

The post is subject to a probationary period. All posts are subject to regular appraisal.

All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School's extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.

Lunch can be taken free of charge at school during term time.

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to apply, please complete the School's Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 25th February 2026. Interviews on Thursday 5th March 2026.

Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you to create inspirational lessons. The Personal Statement is your opportunity to tell us how your skills and experience, both within your subject and beyond, can contribute to an outstanding student experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff and to lead a short lesson. Interviews will explore subject knowledge, pastoral experience, and the ability to relate appropriately to students. Candidates will be required to produce evidence of identity and qualifications prior to the interview.

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email or by letter to Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: TEACHER OF ACADEMIC MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.

Your line manager is the Head of Academic Music.

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

TEACHER OF ACADEMIC MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP:

• To teach music history, analysis, harmony, composition and general musicianship classes
• To assess students' work regularly and provide feedback in line with departmental policies
• To supervise the completion of music coursework
• To contribute to the marking and moderation of coursework for GCSE, A Level and vocational programmes
• To attend weekly music department and academic music department staff meetings
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments in the music industry

FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF:

• To plan, implement and deliver an appropriate programme of learning
• To participate in the School's appraisal scheme
• To support and implement the School's behavioural policy
• To monitor students' attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal when difficulties arise
• To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues
• To supervise students during internal and external examinations. To supervise students during a break on a duty rota
• To attend assemblies
• To attend relevant meetings by arrangement
• To attend Parents' Evenings
• To participate in school inset meetings
• To contribute to the School's extra-curricular and/or boarding provision
• To assist occasionally at whole school events

FOR ALL STAFF:

• To promote the aims and values of the School
• To support and protect the interests of the students
• To support colleagues in their work
• To ensure the smooth-running of the School and the well-being of the School community
• To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, school policies and guidance on the safeguarding of children and young people
• To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required
• To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook
• To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination
• To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice.