Head of Music

HEAD OF MUSIC

Full time; permanent position

Main Pay Scale/Upper Pay Range, TLR: £5,872

REQUIRED: September 2026

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and outstanding Head of Department, to further develop our ongoing commitment to Music and the Arts at St Mary’s RC High School, Hereford.

Music is central to the life of our faith community, through both our curriculum and enrichment offer. St Mary’s is a Lead School for Music in Herefordshire, and we enjoy annual representation and success in the county’s Performing Arts Festival. In school, pupils take advantage of a host of musical clubs and activities including orchestra, choir, band and many more. Music is also integral to our faith celebrations and whole school mass at St Mary’s. Annual school productions and our Eisteddfod festival provide further opportunities for pupils to perform and share their musical talents with the wider school. We also support and accommodate peripatetic music lessons, working closely with local providers.

All pupils in Years 7-9 study Music as part of their curriculum, and we have strong uptake at KS4 for GCSE Music. Standards of achievement are high in Music, with pupils at St Mary’s performing consistently and significantly above national averages.

This post represents an ideal opportunity for the right candidate to develop their leadership skills and experience, in a school which places great value on music and the arts. The candidate should be an outstanding practitioner in the classroom and possess the skills to deliver music on a wider scale to enrich our pupils’ experiences and complement our spiritual ethos.

The successful candidate will bring creativity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a love of music in our pupils.

Why Join St Mary’s?

• A Catholic community educating its pupils in the gospel values and where the contribution that all staff bring is valued.
• Outstanding (Ofsted, Dec 2024): A school recognised for excellence and high academic standards.
• Oversubscribed: A popular school with a strong reputation and committed community.
• Strong partnership and association with Heart of Mercia Trust: Offering support, collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth.
• A positive culture where pupils value their learning opportunities.
• Strong enrichment provision including trips, visits, and cultural experiences 

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Catholic ethos and values of St Mary’s are positively promoted through leadership, relationships, and the wider curriculum.
• To lead and inspire colleagues in Music.
• To oversee curriculum design, assessment, and development across the department.
• To drive consistently high-quality teaching and learning.
• To monitor support and report on pupil progress and attainment at KS3 and KS4 in Music.
• To implement strategies to raise standards and achievement.
• To enhance the department’s enrichment and extracurricular offer, including clubs, performances, trips and visits.
• Manage the department budget, resources and oversee examination processes.
• Contribute to whole‑school development as part of the school’s wider leadership team.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to supporting and promoting the Catholic ethos of the school, contributing positively to its mission and values.
• Is an exceptional classroom practitioner with strong pupil outcomes.
• Has a clear vision for the growth and development of Music.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
• Can inspire both colleagues and pupils through enthusiasm, expertise, and high expectations.
• Values enrichment, cultural experiences, and global learning opportunities.

What We Offer

• A supportive, experienced, and forward‑thinking Music department.
• Opportunities to shape the future of Music at an oversubscribed, Outstanding school.
• High‑quality CPD and leadership development both within the school and via our association with the Heart of Mercia Trust.
• Excellent facilities and resources in purpose‑built teaching spaces.
• An enthusiastic pupil body and a culture that celebrates academic ambition.

 St Mary’s High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As part of our due diligence an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates. 

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with KCSIE. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. 

All documents relating to this post can be accessed through the school’s website under Contact Us > Vacancies. 

How to Apply:

Please submit completed application forms and supporting statement to cbryan@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk

Deadline for applications:     12midday on Thursday 16^th April 2026

Interviews to be held:            week commencing 20^th April 2026

If you would like to visit the school prior to applying, please contact cbryan@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your application.