Music Teacher | Secondary School in Waltham Forest

Teacher of Music & Performing Arts (January Start)

Location: Waltham Forest, East/Outer London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational, Ages 11–18)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent or Fixed-Term

Start Date: January 2027

A creative, community-minded secondary school and Sixth Form in the London Borough of Waltham Forest is seeking a passionate, versatile, and inspiring Teacher of Music to join their vibrant Performing Arts faculty this January. Situated in a culturally rich Outer London borough celebrated for its artistic heritage, grassroots music scene, and strong educational aspirations, this January appointment offers an exciting opportunity for a Music specialist—whether an experienced practitioner seeking a fresh setting or a confident Early Career Teacher (ECT)—to nurture musical fluency, creative composition, and ensemble performance across all key stages.

About the Role

Joining a collaborative team of creative arts educators and visiting peripatetic instrumental tutors from January, you will lead students through a balanced, hands-on curriculum spanning performance, composition, music technology, and critical listening. You will deliver engaging, high-rigor lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE Music / BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Music / Level 3 Music Technology). Beyond the classroom timetable, you will play an active role in championing co-curricular ensembles, whole-school concerts, and borough-wide musical showcases.

• Environment: A modern Outer London campus featuring acoustic practice rooms, a dedicated recording studio, Mac-based music technology suites (Logic Pro, Sibelius, GarageBand), and a main performance auditorium

• Culture: An expressive, inclusive, and supportive learning community dedicated to musical diversity, student confidence, ensemble collaboration, and high academic standards

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver vibrant, practical, and academically rigorous Music lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE / Vocational), and Key Stage 5, covering diverse musical traditions, Western classical repertoire, popular music, and digital production.

• Prepare examination candidates thoroughly for solo/ensemble performance assessments, original composition coursework, and listening/appraising written papers through targeted coaching and constructive feedback.

• Coordinate and lead extracurricular musical provisions—including school choirs, instrumental ensembles, bands, and annual showcase concerts—working closely with peripatetic instrumental staff and Waltham Forest Music Service.

• Track and monitor student musical progress systematically, providing tailored scaffolding for beginners while designing performance and compositional stretch for gifted musicians.

• Maintain instruments, practice studios, and music technology equipment responsibly, ensuring safe, orderly, and welcoming creative workspaces.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a recognized equivalent secondary teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree in Music, Music Production, Performing Arts, or a closely related discipline, alongside strong practical musicianship (keyboard/piano proficiency or strong instrumental/vocal skills).

• Proven track record or demonstrated capability of delivering high-quality Music instruction across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (Key Stage 5 Music or Music Technology teaching experience is highly desirable).

• Solid working knowledge of major UK national examination board specifications (e.g., Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Pearson BTEC) and music production software (e.g., Logic Pro, Sibelius, BandLab).

• Exceptional classroom management, infectious musical enthusiasm, and the organizational flair to direct ensembles and live school events.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Main / Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS Outer London, commensurate with experience), with potential TLR opportunities available for suitable candidates (e.g., Ensemble & Enrichment Coordinator).

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), structured mentoring and middle leadership pathways, collaborative planning time, and staff health and wellbeing initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are an inspiring Music educator ready to join a vibrant, creative school community in Waltham Forest this January, we encourage you to apply promptly. Please send your updated CV and completed application form for consideration.