Director of Music (Senior School)

Please read the details below and download the PDF candidate pack in the documents tab before applying. We are expecting a lot of interest in this post and know how much time it can take to put in an application.

We will only be able to interview experienced candidates who meet the person specification and criteria.  Thank you for your understanding.

Director of Music (Senior School)

Overview

This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring and visionary musical leader to serve as Director of Music, playing a foundational role in shaping the musical identity and curriculum at SPGS International School Bangkok, bringing the academic rigour, artistic excellence, and intellectual ambition of St Paul’s Girls’ School to our new Senior School. Suitable for an experienced practitioner with a proven track record, this post offers the scope to formulate and articulate an ambitious vision for music education across all age groups, spanning from Year 7 through to the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form. The postholder will oversee classroom music, instrumental tuition, and co-curricular performance, working in close collaboration with Junior School music educators to ensure seamless cross-phase continuity and build a vibrant, whole-school musical culture.

Reporting to the Deputy Head Pastoral, the postholder will design and deliver a rigorous music curriculum while demonstrating mastery in directing a broad range of ensembles. Possessing deep proficiency across a wide spectrum of genres, the postholder will weave musicology, composition, and practical performance into daily learning. The right candidate will excel at creating an inspiring, high-expectation environment that fosters technical fluency, creative risk-taking, and intellectual curiosity, empowering students of all abilities to achieve artistic maturity and confidence.

Beyond the classroom, the postholder will possess proven capability in planning and staging major calendar events that define the life of the school. Serving as a dedicated Form Tutor within an embedded pastoral ethos, the successful candidate will combine personal drive and organisational agility with the resilience to thrive under pressure while consistently maintaining a warm, positive, and encouraging atmosphere. This rare opportunity will suit an extraordinary educator and musician of great energy and dedication, eager to build a world-class Music Department and performance tradition from its foundations.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are not exhaustive but give an indication of the scope and accountabilities of the role. In consultation with the post holder, this will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the school.   

During the opening stage, duties may be more wide-ranging and require significant flexibility.

Although the post officially begins in August 2027, we anticipate some preparation time with the appointee prior to their start date in order to ensure everything is set up for the start of term. Early engagement will be vital to help shape the Music curriculum.  

Curriculum and Pedagogical Leadership

• Devise and execute a three-year departmental strategic plan aligned with the school’s goals

• Design and continuously refine schemes of work across all key stages

• Track and champion the academic growth of every student, framing academic excellence as the natural byproduct of deep scholarship

• Deliver the bespoke School Directed Course alongside the IB Diploma Higher Level Music pathway 

• Oversee internal assessments, coursework, and entrance assessments

• Articulate the Music department’s academic vision, ethos, and student outcomes with clarity and enthusiasm to both current and prospective families

• Provide high-level subject mentorship for university pathways, preparing students for elite global university admission through mock interviews, specialised workshops, and stretch reading

• Lead subject-specific research and innovation, incorporating emerging scholarship, global best practices, and new technologies into the curriculum

Co-Curricular Leadership

• Develop a three-year strategic development plan for the co-curriculum in music that is both inclusive and offers opportunities for stretch and challenge to the most experienced musicians

• Devise a meaningful programme of performances throughout the year which give opportunities to all students 

• Organise, maintain, deliver and promote co-curricular activities as part of the school’s programme including but not limited to music clubs, orchestra, instrumental lessons, performances and events

• Be the principal conductor of the major ensembles  

• Ensure that student involvement is seen as part of their holistic education 

• Be responsible for establishing participation and excellence in choir, orchestra, bands and ensembles

• Take an active role in the wider life of the school, supporting students to develop a rich depth of experience beyond classroom learning

• Empower students to establish and lead their own societies, building confidence, agency, and leadership skills

• Work closely with the Head of Music in the Junior School to ensure consistency and to create opportunities for students in both parts of the school to work together

Staff Leadership 

• Inspire departmental colleagues around a shared vision of scholarly excellence ensuring all members carry out their academic responsibilities with professional agency 

• Cultivate a culture of continuous pedagogical development through peer observations, learning walks, self-reflection and shared lesson planning

• Support the professional growth of colleagues facilitating research initiatives, leadership pathways, and continuous learning

• Oversee the quality of academic reporting within the department, ensuring written feedback provides prospective, individualised guidance 

• Lead the seamless induction of new colleagues, embedding them into the school's unique pedagogical and pastoral ethos

• Facilitate purposeful departmental meetings 

Administration 

• Oversee departmental finances with integrity and foresight, strategically deploying resources to maximise academic impact and student engagement

• Collaborate with the school librarian to curate extensive reading lists and academic research in their discipline

Learning and Teaching

• Deliver forward-thinking, innovative, well-sequenced lessons aligned with the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IBDP, and SPGS ethos, reflecting our international context in Thailand

• Embed school values into daily teaching to cultivate a vibrant culture and genuine love of learning among students

• Foster a stimulating classroom environment that inspires intellectual risk-taking, open debate, and articulate self-expression

• Drive every student's progress through responsive teaching and targeted scaffolding, ensuring all learners engage with and master demanding material

• Lead student-centred interventions to support personal academic goals, maintaining transparent communication with parents and staff

• Work hand-in-hand with parents through attentive listening and open dialogue to support each student’s academic and personal growth

• Collaborate across departments to design interdisciplinary projects and share innovative pedagogical expertise

• Celebrate diverse student accomplishments across academic and co-curricular life, building an inclusive culture grounded in mutual encouragement and shared success

• Integrate educational technology with clear pedagogical intent to elevate critical thinking, deepen inquiry, and enrich student self-expression

Music Scholars

• Select music scholars as part of the school programme by interview and audition

• Devise a programme to challenge and develop music scholars

• Ensure that music scholars are contributing to the musical life of the school

• Oversee the wellbeing of music scholars and maintain good relationships with parents

Visiting Music Teachers

• Monitor the quality of the VMT programme and deal with parent enquiries or feedback

• Appoint suitably qualified and experienced VMTs to the school

• Ensure that VMT timetables are correctly administered and do not disrupt learning 

Safeguarding and Wellbeing 

• Be responsible for the safeguarding culture in the music department

• Create a safe, inspiring environment where students feel secure to take intellectual risks and flourish, keeping student wellbeing at the centre of every decision

• Take a genuine personal interest in each student’s growth, ensuring they feel known, valued, and cared for across all aspects of school life

• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection by actively adhering to school policies, participating in mandatory training, and staying updated on policy changes

• Share responsibility for health and safety, exercising due care and complying fully with school procedures and Thai legal requirements

• Understand that compliance with safeguarding expectations is mandatory, with any non-compliance subject to disciplinary action and allegations managed under statutory procedures in consultation with Thai authorities and international standards

Marketing and Admissions

• Demonstrate the energy, skills, and desire to promote a new school and actively engage in a range of events and activities which promote the school

• Be an ambassador and advocate for the school and SPGS International

General

• Act as a Form Tutor 

• Uphold the SPGS International School Bangkok values and ethos

• Regularly review own practice, set personal development targets

• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive relations with students, parents and colleagues

• Work within the school’s health and safety policies to ensure a safe working environment for all staff, students and visitors

• Take part in assemblies and other whole school events

• Perform ad hoc duties as they arise from time-to-time

• Meet deadlines. 

Responsibilities as part of general faculty expectations

• Plan and prepare lessons according to school policy and departmental guidance

• Teach classes assigned by the School 

• Set, mark, and assess work according to the school’s and department’s homework policy

• Record and monitor student progress and produce personalised reports as required

• Prepare students for internal and external assessments as necessary

• Contribute to departmental curriculum development, resource creation, displays, societies, trips, and enrichment activities.

Professional Development

• Drive your own growth through the school’s professional learning cycle, setting ambitious targets and refining your practice via coaching with the Deputy Head Pastoral

• Participate fully in all required INSET days and training sessions, including mandatory safeguarding

• Commit to continuous professional development by engaging with educational research, reflecting on practice, and sharing pedagogical insights across the school

• Embrace a culture of open classrooms and pedagogical exchange, actively participating in peer observations to share best practice and elevate teaching across the school

THE PERSON

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Required

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in music or a related field

• Qualified Teacher Status (UK), PGCE, or equivalent teaching certification

• A minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience within a Senior School setting

• A minimum of 3 years’ leadership or management experience 

• Proven track record as a practising musician 

• An innovative and imaginative approach to music teaching, with the ability to deliver inspirational and inclusive lessons to students across a range of age groups and learning needs

• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly and from a range of perspectives

• A strong understanding of how students’ learning is influenced by their physical, emotional, and social development

• Thorough understanding of the English National Curriculum 

• Ability to design and implement engaging and developmentally appropriate learning activities

• Experience using assessment tools to track and support students’ progress

• Excellent organisational and time management skills for managing day-to-day classroom responsibilities

• Demonstrated experience using technology with clear intent to enhance learning experiences and support student achievement

• Positive approaches to fostering positive behavior and maintaining a respectful classroom culture

• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of students

• Strong interpersonal skills for building positive, collaborative relationships with students, parents, and staff

Desirable

• Recent background in UK secondary school education with experience overseas

• Familiarity with assistive technologies and learning support software

• Experience as a conductor or ensemble leader

• Experience contributing to international accreditation or inspection processes

• Experience delivering and developing IGCSE and IBDP curriculums

Personal Attributes

• Deep alignment with the values and mission of SPGS International School Bangkok

• Creative, energetic, and able to inspire both young learners and adults

• Strong leadership grounded in collaboration, integrity, and sound judgment

• High ambitions for the School and each individual child

• Culturally aware, respectful, and able to build positive relationships in a diverse community

• Reflective, proactive, organised, solution-focused, adaptable, and pragmatic

• Confident and articulate communicator with a positive presence and sense of humour