Director of Music (Whole School)
Barnard Castle School is seeking to appoint an inspirational, dynamic and innovative Whole School Director of Music to lead the department from September 2025 or January 2026. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced musician to continue to develop and elevate the school’s musical culture and provision across both our Prep and Senior Schools (ages 4-18).
At the heart of our Music Department is the belief that every child is a musician. Our vision is to foster a love of music for all pupils, ensuring that music-making is a vibrant and integral part of school life. Every pupil participates in weekly singing sessions, and a high proportion learn an instrument. Music is taught from Reception through to A Level, with a wide range of instrumental and choral ensembles, regular concerts, performances, and musical productions.
The Director of Music will provide strategic leadership for music across the school, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring musical experience for all pupils. They will teach a reduced academic timetable all age groups, including the youngest pupils in Reception to Year 2, embedding a love of music from the earliest years. They will oversee the academic curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning at all levels, including GCSE and A Level. In addition, they will lead and develop the co-curricular music programme, which includes a diverse range of ensembles such as choirs, orchestras, chamber groups, and bands. The successful candidate will play a key role in organising and directing school concerts, musical productions, and major performances, ensuring that music remains a central part of school life.
As the head of a talented team of full-time and visiting music teachers, the Director of Music will provide strong leadership and support, fostering a culture of joy, high expectations and excellence. They will also play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing community engagement, developing links within the local area and beyond to further enrich the school’s musical life. The Director of Music conducts the school’s Community Choirs, which are made up of the Choral Society and Youth Choir.
We are looking for a highly skilled musician and educator who can inspire and motivate pupils of all abilities. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and teaching experience and demonstrate a passion for engaging and inclusive music education. They should have high expectations of themselves and their students, alongside excellent classroom management and pastoral skills. A willingness to teach across all age groups, including our youngest pupils, is essential.
Barnard Castle School offers a competitive salary on its own pay scale, alongside a generous pension scheme and a reduction in school fees.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 14th April 2025. Online longlist interviews will take place on Wednesday 23rd April 2025 and shortlist interviews will take place on Tuesday 29th April 2025.
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