Permanent – Full Time – September or January start
This is an exciting opportunity for a Head of Music to lead a vibrant music department at The Paragon Junior School, Bath. The successful candidate will be an inspiring and passionate musician with a genuine enthusiasm for working with young children. They will demonstrate creativity, patience, and flexibility, alongside a strong commitment to nurturing a love of music in every pupil, regardless of ability. An excellent communicator with a collaborative approach, they will be able to foster positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community. A sense of humour, warmth, resilience, and a proactive attitude are essential, as is a willingness to contribute fully to the busy life of a thriving prep school.
A school that values music as well as being an embedded feature of the curriculum, outside of the classroom we offer four choirs, samba bands, African drumming clubs, instrumental ensembles and an orchestra. The school participates in Young Voices events, Voices for Life concerts projects in Bath Abbey, competes at the Midsomerset festival, presents 2 musicals every year and often collaborates with Prior Park College.
The department comprises of 8 visiting music teachers. A music administrator also manages all weekly timetabling, pay administration and exam bookings. Music is housed in a purpose-built ‘swiss chalet’ in the grounds of Lyncombe House with one large classroom and three individual practice rooms. The larger room is often used for small recitals and has a Kawai baby grand piano. The smaller rooms are all equipped with clavinova-style pianos.
The Paragon is an independent, co-educational day school based in a beautiful Georgian house a mile from the centre of Bath. Catering for more than 250 children aged three to 11, we offer a broad curriculum taught in small classes by teachers with a real passion for their subject. The school comprises Squirrels Pre-School, a Pre-Prep and Prep School. The Paragon is the junior school of Prior Park College and part of the Prior Park Schools family which also includes Prior Park School in Gibraltar.
Prior Park College music department comprises of a Director of Music, 2 Teachers of Music, 20 visiting Music Teachers and a Music Administrator. Music is integral to life at Prior, the department being situated in the main Mansion building. Performance spaces include our ornate Georgian recital room – the John Wood Chapel, the awe-inspiring acoustics of the school Chapel, as well as the purpose-built Theatre. Our Peripatetic Staff deliver a total of approximately 200 1:1 lessons per week, our 15 school ensembles and soloists perform in over 60 concerts per year. Whole year group brass schemes are run for 2-year groups (Lower 3, Form 3) on trumpet and trombone, for one term per year.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Lead and manage a team of 8 peripatetic music staff, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
- Oversee recruitment, induction, and professional development for peripatetic staff.
- Monitor and manage staff performance, maintaining accurate records of timetabling, attendance, and lesson reports.
- Assist in the administration and coordination of the peripatetic lesson timetable.
Departmental Administration
- Manage departmental budgets, including the ordering and procurement of resources and sheet music.
- Ensure timely maintenance, servicing, and inventory management of school instruments and equipment.
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding lessons, progress, events, and instrument care.
Curriculum and Teaching
- Deliver an engaging and progressive music curriculum across Early Years, Pre-Prep, and Prep School levels.
- Differentiate teaching to meet the needs of pupils with varying abilities and interests.
- Lead whole-school singing assemblies that inspire joy, participation, and musical development across all year groups.
- Foster a lifelong love of music in all pupils.
Extra-Curricular and Performance
- Lead a rich and varied programme of extra-curricular music, including choirs, orchestra, and instrumental ensembles.
- Plan and deliver a calendar of concerts and performance opportunities throughout the academic year.
- Encourage wide pupil participation and celebrate musical achievements within the school community.
Community and Partnerships
- Coordinate opportunities for pupils to perform at community events and collaborate with local musical organisations.
- Develop partnerships with external venues, musicians, and ensembles in the Bath area.
- Represent the school positively in the wider musical and educational community.
Person Specification
- Able to play piano.
- Experience coordinating public performances and community events.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills, with experience managing staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A commitment to inclusive and child-centred musical experiences.
Desirable:
- Proven experience in leading music education in a primary or prep school setting.
- Familiarity with music technology and digital learning tools.
- Established connections within the Bath musical community.
- A degree in Music or a related field, with QTS or equivalent teaching qualification.
The Schools’ Mission is to steward a thriving family of communities with love for the young people they serve at their heart. These vibrant communities cultivate creativity, foster integrity, and transform lives.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This 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.
We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic Head of Music who is dedicated to nurturing talent and promoting a vibrant musical culture within our school.
For further details, please contact Emma in HR on 01225 835353 or recruitment@priorparkschools.com
To apply for a position with Prior Park Educational Trust, we ask that the candidates download an application form and full job details, available from our website https://www.priorparkcollege.com/pps-vacancies and return to the above email address.
