Teacher of Academic Music & Musicianship, Purcell SCHOOL

Teacher of Academic Music and Musicianship

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning in a world‑leading specialist music school.

The Academic Music Department at the Purcell School offers a unique programme of study, which forms an important part of every student’s specialist musical education. Analysis and aural awareness are at the heart of everything we do and high‑level training in these areas is a core component of the curriculum for every student.

In Years 7 to 9, students study a series of topics which form the basis of creative and analytical projects, designed to expand their general musical knowledge and inform their practical studies. In Year 10, students follow the AQA GCSE music syllabus and in Year 11, they prepare for Sixth Form study through an in‑depth study of larger scale works.

In the Sixth Form, we currently offer A Level Music (OCR) and, in an exciting expansion of our provision, we have recently announced our intention to offer a new vocational pathway (RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industry) from September 2026. Students opting for the vocational programme will complete a broad music course, equivalent in size to three A Levels, with tailored classes designed for those in our classical performance, jazz, commercial, music production and composition departments.

The school’s Musicianship Programme runs in tandem with the above. In Years 7 and 8, pupils attend three Musicianship classes per week: these small‑group classes include opportunities to explore music theory and analysis from aural and practical perspectives. From Year 9, students can choose from a range of electives (including advanced analysis, grades 6–8 music theory, keyboard skills, music technology and conducting), all designed to complement their instrumental studies and their core aural, analysis and exam classes.

All students attend a weekly composition class and choir rehearsal.

Purcell students achieve exceptional grades in Music and nearly all go on to study the subject at either conservatoire or university. Students who intend to apply to university to read Music are prepared for entrance examinations and interviews, with recent school leavers taking up places at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and SOAS.

Music teachers at the Purcell School have a varied timetable and the successful candidate should expect to contribute to the delivery of music history, analysis, composition and general musicianship programmes and to work with students from across the age range. This will include classes linked to GCSE, A Level and Diploma programmes. In addition, we encourage our teachers to develop their own projects and courses, as related to their own musical specialisms and interests.

Depending on expertise, experience and qualifications, there may also be opportunities for the successful candidate to contribute to the delivery of performance classes and/or our music technology programmes.

This is a full-time post to start on 1st September 2026
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The salary will be based on the School’s salary scale, according to the successful candidate’s experience, with a contributory pension scheme.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.

The post is subject to a probationary period. All posts are subject to regular appraisal.

All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School’s extra‑curricular and/or boarding provision.

Lunch can be taken free of charge at the School during term time.

If you wish to apply, please complete the School’s Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th March 2026. Interviews week of 23rd March 2026.

Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you…