To start in September 2025, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Music who is able to develop and inspire our pupils, and who wishes to participate in and contribute to the life of the School as a whole.
The Role
We are seeking a committed and highly competent Director of Music who is also able to contribute their own particular strengths and skills to the future development of the department.
The appointed candidate will be expected to build on the reputation of the school as a centre of musical excellence both within and beyond the community. The appointed candidate will work closely with colleagues in the department in the delivery of the school’s music programme.
Music is taught in classes to all First and Second Forms (Years 7 and 8). Pupils in the Third Form choose to study the subject and GCSE and A Level Music is delivered to good numbers, along with a 6th Form Diploma course option. The Music School has good facilities for technology in music and these play an important part in studio work and compositional work for GCSE/A Level. There are popular, weekly classes in theory and aural training.
The Department
The Music Department presently consists of the Director of Music, Head of Academic Music and School Organist, 5 Heads of Instruments specialising in Wind & Brass, Strings & Alexander Technique, Keyboard, Singing, and Music Production (with Guitars & Percussion), supported by a team of over 40 part-time visiting music teachers and two Administrators.
About 900 lessons are given each week. All pupils are encouraged to play in instrumental groups and to sing in choirs as soon as they reach a reasonable standard. Ensembles are tiered in terms of ability. At present, the largest ensembles include the CCF Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Concert Band. Other significant ensembles include two Jazz Orchestras, Schola Cantorum, the Pipers and Drum Corps. Many smaller ensembles flourish in addition to these through all instrumental families, such as Chamber Choir, Junior Choir, rock bands, ukelele group, via percussion, wind, and brass ensembles, through to string quartets and a host of chamber music making.
The School
Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent.
A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.
The Town
Oundle is a historic market town in Northamptonshire, famous for its beautiful Georgian streets and impressive limestone buildings. The town has a spirited cultural life, with an annual international festival, literature festival, and frequent performances of nationally touring shows at the School’s Stahl theatre. The town has a range of independent shops, coffee houses, pubs and eateries. Encircled by the river Nene, the town is also blessed to be surrounded by beautiful countryside with many picturesque villages nearby.
Queries relating to the specifics of the role should be directed to the Music Administrator music@oundleschool.org.uk .
For more information about the role and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please note CV submissions cannot be accepted.
Closing date: 9.00am on Friday 10 January 2025.
Interviews: First Round, Friday 17 January 2025 with the second round, Thursday 23 January 2025.
Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Recruitment Agencies
The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate, will not be acknowledged or considered.