Job Description
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Full-Time, Permanent Position
Start Date: September 2025 (or January 2026 for the right candidate)
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
About St Cedd's School:
St Cedd's School is an independent co-educational preparatory school in Chelmsford, Essex, for pupils aged 3-11. For over 90 years, we have provided a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to work and play with enthusiasm and commitment. Our school motto, "Hold Fast That Which Is Good," embodies our dedication to fostering excellence and continuous improvement in every aspect of school life.
The Role:
This is an exciting opportunity for someone to join us at St Cedd's School and lead the next chapter of our musical journey.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Director of Music to lead our thriving Music Department. This is a fantastic opportunity for an excellent teacher and musician to build upon the high-quality and renowned musical education at St Cedd's School. Our department boasts over 150 individual music lessons each week and a broad range of ensembles led by visiting music teachers. As a singing school with close links to Chelmsford Cathedral, we are committed to providing an inclusive musical education for all our pupils.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Music Department, ensuring the delivery of an engaging and comprehensive music curriculum across all year groups.
- Oversee and coordinate a diverse range of musical ensembles and performances, fostering a culture of musical excellence and participation.
- Maintain and strengthen our strong choral tradition, nurturing our relationship with Chelmsford Cathedral and supporting pupils in their choral commitments.
- Manage and support a team of visiting music teachers, ensuring high standards of instrumental and vocal tuition.
- Encourage and facilitate opportunities for pupils to participate in external musical events and examinations.
The Ideal Candidate:
- An accomplished musician with a passion for teaching and inspiring young learners.
- Proven experience in leading a music department or significant experience in music education.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a dynamic department.
- A commitment to fostering a love of music in all pupils, regardless of their starting point.
- Some experience in choral direction and a willingness to uphold and develop our singing traditions.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be dependent on skills and experience. Staff fee remission of 50% for any children attending St Cedd's School. The successful candidate will have the option of membership in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) or enrolment in a defined contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 22% and other ancillary benefits.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a completed application form, along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the role, via: https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/director-of-music-essex-2204265
Closing Date for Applications: Noon on Wednesday 30 April
Interview Date: Friday 9 May
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.
All employees of St Cedd's School have a responsibility for, and must be committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and for ensuring that they are protected from harm. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Information about the School
St Cedd's School is an independent co-educational school in Chelmsford for pupils aged 3-11. For more than 90 years, boys and girls at St Cedd's School have been enjoying a quality of education that is among the very best you will find both locally and nationally.
We offer pupils the opportunity to aspire and achieve in a caring environment that nurtures talent and supports individual endeavour whilst also developing a sense of community and key collaborative skills to equip young learners for the demands of the 21st Century.