Please apply by downloading an application form from The Purcell School website and submit with your supporting statement. CVs will not be accepted. ROLE DESCRIPTION We are a secondary school and home to 200 young musicians for 34 weeks a year. Students live and breathe music, living and learning in a community that is unique, open and inspiring. Staff are equally energetic, passionate and committed. The Head of Department role is crucially important, enjoying close interaction with students and staff. You will personally manage your students’ musical programme, assess their progress and help to look after their wellbeing; you will develop artistic and creative projects and experiences; forge close strategic partnerships with other relevant institutions and individuals; proactively recruit students through networking and outreach activities; manage an outstanding team of teachers; and enhance good relationships with parents and colleagues. As in a conservatoire setting, Heads of Department are senior members of school staff and will need to have the necessary skills and profile to command the respect of students, potential students and colleagues both within school and the music industry more generally. Heads of Department play a leading role in shaping the School’s strategic ambitions and are afforded autonomy over how they run and manage their own departments, under the oversight of the Director of Music. This year our students have performed romantic and contemporary string orchestra pieces with Dmitry Sitkovetsky, baroque projects with Lucy Russell and played Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire, Berio Folk Songs and Ravel Tzigane at the Wigmore Hall. We have plans for the Enescu Octet and a Bartok String Quartet. Recent masterclasses have been given by guests including Robert Cohen, Tasmin Little, Tom Goodman, Philippe Graffin, Craig Ogden and Donglei Hou. There is almost no limit to what we can achieve artistically, with the right balance of ambition and support. A Head of Department who has imagination, vision, an ability to plan strategically, a lot of energy and a joy in music-making will find it the most rewarding job. We are looking for an inspiring individual who has a clear vision of the purpose and direction of a music school in the 21st century and the skills to deliver it throughout their department and beyond. The successful candidate will be a distinguished performer and/or teacher in any relevant instrumental discipline, with a national or international reputation. You will have access to an extensive network of professional colleagues and organisations and be happy to draw upon these for the benefit of students. You will instinctively bring people together, motivate and inspire others, have excellent organisational and communication skills, and be decisive when necessary. Most of all, you will exude a passion for working with young musicians, you will demonstrably enjoy their company and will take pleasure and pride in their achievements. In return, we offer the opportunity to work with truly outstanding students and colleagues within an ambitious but caring environment. Whilst term time is busy and often absorbing, we encourage and support your other professional work where this doesn't compromise your students’ experience. Many current Heads of Department use the generous holiday periods to contribute to international summer schools, act as jury members and performers and pursue their own musical and creative ambitions. Some also act as external examiners for conservatoires across the country. All such work is supported by the School. 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: HEAD OF STRINGS DEPARTMENT Promote the Schoolʼs ethos of safe, happy, healthy students Inspire an ambitious department Create positive relationships between students, music teachers, pastoral and academic staff Act as first point of contact for parents of first study students Set clear expectations, assessment criteria and varied, appropriate repertoire Oversee continuous assessment of students, providing feedback to students and parents at appropriate times Manage the team of teachers and their teaching allocations, with good communication, high expectations and generous support Set and maintain healthy musician practices for students and staff, both physical and psychological Observe teaching and evaluate progress of department on a regular basis Set a vibrant curriculum and artistic programme Teach students One-to-one, in chamber music, small ensembles, orchestral sections, department classes and seminars Organise guest masterclasses Assist with hiring adjudicators and guest assessors where appropriate Assist with programming students in internal and external concerts Recruit students and nurture the reputation and profile of the School Maintain external profile, teaching, adjudicating, coaching, performing (where this does not compromise your contribution to Purcell studentsʼ experience) Attend Open Mornings and run departmental open days Assess all applications, and audition shortlisted candidates Liaise with potential feeder schools, bands, junior conservatoires, outside hirers, hubs and wider networks Instruments Oversight of the Schoolʼs string instruments Inventory, advice on repair/hire/purchase/renewal of stock Events and concerts Help to staff some evening and weekend classes, rehearsals and concerts, sharing the load with other instrumental HoDs Attend instrumental HoD planning meetings EDI: Diversify the repertoire, training students and teachers in accessing work by under-represented composers Influence futures Give impartial advice about HE, consultation lessons and careers; write references TERMS AND CONDITIONS This is a full time post to start in September 2025. Competitive salary according to the candidateʼs experience. Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process. All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular and/or boarding provision. Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at School during term time. The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All applicants should read the School’s Child Protection policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including records checked and processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Purcell School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes application from appropriately qualified people regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, religion, disability or age. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.