Teacher of Music

We are seeking a dynamic, talented and well qualified individual to teach Music in our thriving boarding school from September 2025.

Our stunning, state of the art Music School and Concert Hall opened in June 2022, so this role comes at a particularly exciting time. The successful applicant will be an outstanding teacher at KS3, KS4 and possibly, but not necessarily KS5. Their timetable will also include some 1:1 teaching of an instrument, singing or Music Theory.

They will have a strong desire to be fully involved in the multi-faceted life of the department. In addition to teaching, areas of responsibility or collaboration may include:

• Ensemble leadership/coaching
• Concert planning
• Outreach for primary, secondary and feeder Prep Schools
• Developing our use of music technology
• Music practice planning and supervision
• Recordings
• Promotion of Benenden Music across all platforms

The post would suit:

• an experienced KS3/4 teacher seeking an exciting challenge in a highly supportive school
• An ambitious early career teacher in secondary music
• a talented practical musician looking to move into teaching

You will be working in a very supportive team and learning environment and will be given every opportunity to develop your own ideas, lead department initiatives and to put them into practice.

Benenden has supported a number of new teachers with gaining their QTS.

Information about the Music Department

Music holds a privileged place at the heart of Benenden with countless opportunities for girls of all ages. There is activity in the Music Department each day from early until late. With a staff of 32 teachers and with more than 400 weekly individual lessons involving over two-thirds of the School, a full class teaching timetable and a wide array of ensembles, there is very much the feel of a ‘school within a school’.

All students from Fourth (Year 7) to Lower Fifth (Year 9) receive one hour of class-based music teaching each week as part of an enquiry-based curriculum. In these sessions we aim to give them a secure grounding in the skills of listening, analysis and composition that they will need if they decide to opt for Music GCSE in the Fifth (Year 10). The appraising of a wide variety of music is balanced with the development of the students’ skills as performers and composers.

The curriculum is supplemented by a busy programme of large and small-scale concerts, masterclasses and talks in school, as well as trips to concerts and other external events.

The academic side of the Music Department is complemented by a thriving practical element – further information can be found on the School’s website.

For an informal conversation about this role, contact Edward Whiting, Director of Music, on ejw@benenden.school

For a full job description and to apply, please click apply.

Deadline for applications: Midnight Wednesday 16 April 2025.

Interviews likely to be held on Thursday 24 April 2025.

The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times, this appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. Whilst Benenden isn’t accredited to the Living Wage Foundation, we do look to the Living Wage for guidance and our starting pay is currently in line with this.