Director of Music
Required for September 2025
We are seeking an inspiring, adventurous, and expert musician and teacher to lead this key area of school life. This is an excellent opportunity to shape our musical future as we continue building a national reputation for music.
Overview of role
The successful candidate will have the thirst and vision to grow and enhance our musical provision, harnessing the talents of all our pupils and giving them opportunities to perform as well as enjoy music of all genres.
The Director of Music has overall responsibility for all music provision between the ages of 11-18 but will work closely with the Director of Music at our Prep School in line with our ‘One School’ strategic priority.
The post holder will be academically well-qualified with a degree in music, as well as having performance-level proficiency in at least one instrument and advanced keyboard skills as an accompanist. The successful post holder will also have experience of leading and conducting orchestras, choirs and ensemble groups.
Co-curricular
The Director of Music works closely with their counterpart at Ashford Prep School on joint performances, collaborative events as well as the transition of pupils to the Senior School. The Director of Music also works with key SLT colleagues on further development of the School’s partnership work, including a close relationship with the Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra (AYJO).
The department is responsible for numerous learning, composition and performance opportunities including workshops, masterclasses, three major termly concerts, and up to twelve smaller ensemble recitals and scholar showcases. The volume of choral singing is increasing with our choirs performing at all major school services as well as at churches in the local community.
We have two orchestras, two jazz bands, a whole school choir and numerous ensembles covering all musical disciplines. Rehearsals take place before, during and after school with performances across the year. Please note that the Director of Music will be able to engage a Composer/Musician in Residence in the department during their first year in post.
Through the Instrumental Scheme, our Year 7 students can take up a new instrument (Brass, Guitar or Strings) for that academic year, with the aim of discovering what aspect of musicality each child is good at and the hope that students develop a passion for their instrument. Years 8 to 13 also benefit from the
Music Technology Suite (MTS) , enabling students to compose, compile and refine creative Garageband projects. Currently around 50% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument and the major termly concerts regularly involve participation from over 150 individuals. The department regularly works on partnership activities with local primary schools’ running workshops for between 60-100 young children at a time. Academic Heads of Department at Ashford School are responsible for completing an annual Department Review in the subject and also attend an annual Mock Review meeting. The postholder will also run an annual budget and maintain the resources in the department, and will show a strong understanding of the importance of data tracking. Furthermore, the successful candidate will show an interest in the School’s Strategic Priorities and a commitment to the importance of academic rigour, line managing the Assistant Director of Music accordingly in order to meet department objectives. The Director of Music will know how to draw the best out of pupils across all Key Stages and will have the ability to make positive student connections by encouraging risk taking and experimental approaches to practical work. In addition, the successful candidate should be capable of guiding students of all abilities and also those whose first language is not English. Personal engagement is essential, and responding to the needs of the individual is at the heart of the faculty’s ethos. The department is an ABRSM and Trinity College, London music centre. Edexcel exams are taught for both GCSE and A Level. Lessons take place in two dedicated classrooms, including the MTS which has 21 Apple computers. Individual music lessons are accommodated in one of ten practice rooms. All curriculum teaching rooms are equipped with permanent internet access and interactive whiteboards; all students in KS3 and KS4 have access to a Microsoft laptop in their lessons with which to access a variety of learning platforms. Teachers at Ashford enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and well-resourced environment. There is a dedicated Performing Arts Administrator working in the Arts Faculty, and also a Theatre and Events Technician to support Music and Drama. The Director of Music role is full-time but flexibility on hours may be available. The successful candidate for this position will receive remission for the role and will also be expected to be a form tutor. For those applicants who express an interest, a boarding responsibility and accommodation may be available for this role. Salary by negotiation and dependent on skills, attributes, and qualifications of the successful candidate. Note
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We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications as soon as possible. Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education across England. As a group, we achieve more by sharing than any single school could. Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.
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Music Technology Suite (MTS) , enabling students to compose, compile and refine creative Garageband projects. Currently around 50% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument and the major termly concerts regularly involve participation from over 150 individuals. The department regularly works on partnership activities with local primary schools’ running workshops for between 60-100 young children at a time. Academic Heads of Department at Ashford School are responsible for completing an annual Department Review in the subject and also attend an annual Mock Review meeting. The postholder will also run an annual budget and maintain the resources in the department, and will show a strong understanding of the importance of data tracking. Furthermore, the successful candidate will show an interest in the School’s Strategic Priorities and a commitment to the importance of academic rigour, line managing the Assistant Director of Music accordingly in order to meet department objectives. The Director of Music will know how to draw the best out of pupils across all Key Stages and will have the ability to make positive student connections by encouraging risk taking and experimental approaches to practical work. In addition, the successful candidate should be capable of guiding students of all abilities and also those whose first language is not English. Personal engagement is essential, and responding to the needs of the individual is at the heart of the faculty’s ethos. The department is an ABRSM and Trinity College, London music centre. Edexcel exams are taught for both GCSE and A Level. Lessons take place in two dedicated classrooms, including the MTS which has 21 Apple computers. Individual music lessons are accommodated in one of ten practice rooms. All curriculum teaching rooms are equipped with permanent internet access and interactive whiteboards; all students in KS3 and KS4 have access to a Microsoft laptop in their lessons with which to access a variety of learning platforms. Teachers at Ashford enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and well-resourced environment. There is a dedicated Performing Arts Administrator working in the Arts Faculty, and also a Theatre and Events Technician to support Music and Drama. The Director of Music role is full-time but flexibility on hours may be available. The successful candidate for this position will receive remission for the role and will also be expected to be a form tutor. For those applicants who express an interest, a boarding responsibility and accommodation may be available for this role. Salary by negotiation and dependent on skills, attributes, and qualifications of the successful candidate. Note
-
We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications as soon as possible. Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education across England. As a group, we achieve more by sharing than any single school could. Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.
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