Director of Music - Full-time

Sir Roger Manwood's School, Sandwich

• Ref:KCC886-5428-293T
• Posted:15/05/2026
• Pay:MPR/UPR, TLR2a, £3,527
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:19/05/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

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A truly exceptional setting

Our school is located on a picturesque and expansive site, offering a calm, reflective atmosphere that supports learning, wellbeing and professional fulfilment.

A culture of academic ambition
Pupils at Manwood’s are motivated, articulate and enthusiastic learners, who value literature, ideas and intellectual challenge.

Supportive, professional staff community
Staff at Manwood’s work within a warm, respectful and professional culture. Collaboration, mentorship and continuous development are central to our ethos.

An exciting time to join
With a renewed strategic focus on curriculum excellence, teaching and learning, and staff development, this is a superb moment to embark on – or extend – your leadership journey at Manwood’s.

The Role

As Director of Music, you will:

• Provide inspirational leadership to the Music department, including visiting music teachers
• Shape and refine a rich, challenging and engaging curriculum, which celebrates diversity.
• Ensure high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across all key stages
• Embed an impactful assessment and marking policy
• Working alongside SLT to be relentless in wanting the best opportunities and learning for all pupils
• Ensure standards of behaviour for learning across the department
• Play a visible role in the wider life of the school
• Champion a love of Music across the school community, including the support of music groups, choirs and concerts.

The post would suit an experienced Director of Music, or an ambitious second‑in‑department ready to take the next step in a supportive and aspirational environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for Music
• Has the vision and interpersonal skills to motivate staff and pupils alike
• Is committed to inclusive excellence and high expectations for all
• Embraces Manwood’s values of Responsibility, Respect, Resilience, Compassion and Creativity…and has a sense of humour.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work with enthusiastic, well‑behaved and highly capable pupils
• A collegiate, supportive and forward‑thinking staff body
• High‑quality professional development and leadership support
• The opportunity to lead Music in a school that truly values the subject
• A school ambitious to embed ‘excellence in all’
• A working environment that combines beauty, calmness and intellectual energy

CLOSING DATE: 19th May 2026 at Midday

INTERVIEWS: the school reserves the right to interview as applications are received

SHORTLISTING: Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted

Sir Roger Manwood’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Due to its Safer Recruitment Policy, the School will take up references before interview.

The school reserves the right to interview before the closing date

Information about the school

Sir Roger Manwood's School offers a dynamic and welcoming environment for both staff and students, fostering a culture where everyone is highly valued. We take pride in our bright, capable students who are eager to learn, enabling our dedicated teachers to deliver exceptional education in their subjects.

Our school vision, encapsulated in the motto "Excellence in all" reflects our commitment to both personal growth and academic excellence. We encourage you to explore our school website to discover the diverse array of activities we offer, ranging from our weekly Combined Cadet Force and adventurous weekend training to our challenging Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Additionally, our vibrant arts scene includes regular drama productions, music concerts and sports fixtures, complemented by numerous extra-curricular clubs and societies led by our staff. Furthermore, Sir Roger Manwood’s School organises numerous overseas trips annually, providing invaluable cultural experiences for our students, from Year 7 going to Boulogne for a day and Year 11 visiting Berlin in December annually, through to Sixth Formers visiting our twinned schools in India and The Gambia each Easter.

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Kent, our school is conveniently located near the delightful medieval centre of Sandwich, close to both coast and rolling countryside. The area boasts world-renowned championship golf courses, providing recreational opportunities amidst stunning landscapes along the idyllic East Kent coast. Convenient access to the channel crossings at Dover and Folkestone, as well as excellent transportation links to London via high-speed rail and major roadways, ensures ease of travel. Local house prices and rents are considerably lower than those in London and the other Home Counties.

We take pride in our inclusive, friendly, and welcoming community, prioritising the holistic development of every individual alongside academic progress. If you are passionate about education and seeking a fulfilling career in a supportive environment, we invite you to join us to shape the future of Sir Roger Manwood’s School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Kellie Robinson
• Address:Manwood Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9JX
• Telephone: (01304) 610200
• Email: head@srms.kent.sch.uk

Fax: N/A

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description
• Job Pack