Head of Strings Department
The Purcell School According to the successful candidate's experience Closing date 17 April 2025
This is a once in a life-time opportunity to shape the future of music at one of the most distinguished and famous music schools in the world.
We are a secondary school and home to 200 young musicians for 34 weeks a year. Students live and breathe music, living and learning in a community that is unique, open and inspiring. Staff are equally energetic, passionate and committed.
The Head of Department role is crucially important, enjoying close interaction with students and staff. You will personally manage your studentsʼ musical programme, assess their progress and help to look after their wellbeing; you will develop artistic and creative projects and experiences; forge close strategic partnerships with other relevant institutions and individuals; proactively recruit students through networking and outreach activities; manage an outstanding team of teachers; and enhance good relationships with parents and colleagues. As in a conservatoire setting, Heads of Department are senior members of school staff and will need to have the necessary skills and profile to command the respect of students, potential students and colleagues both within school and the music industry more generally.
Heads of Department play a leading role in shaping the Schoolʼs strategic ambitions and are afforded autonomy over how they run and manage their own departments, under the oversight of the Director of Music.
There are 70-80 1st study students, of whom around half are violinists and recruitment is also healthy for viola, cello, double bass and classical guitar. Students have a broad range of classes, groups and performance opportunities, repertoire and styles. All go on to top conservatoires and universities in the UK and overseas. This year our students have performed romantic and contemporary string orchestra pieces with Dmitry Sitkovetsky, baroque projects with Lucy Russell and played Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire, Berio Folk Songs and Ravel Tzigane at the Wigmore Hall. We have plans for the Enescu Octet and a Bartok String Quartet. Recent masterclasses have been given by guests including Robert Cohen, Tasmin Little, Tom Goodman, Philippe Graffin, Craig Ogden and Donglei Hou. There is almost no limit to what we can achieve artistically, with the right balance of ambition and support. A Head of Department who has imagination, vision, an ability to plan strategically, a lot of energy and a joy in music-making will find it the most rewarding job.
We are looking for an inspiring individual who has a clear vision of the purpose and direction of a music school in the 21st century, and the skills to deliver it throughout their department and beyond. The successful candidate will be a distinguished performer and/or teacher in any relevant instrumental discipline, with a national or international reputation. You will have access to an extensive network of professional colleagues and organisations and be happy to draw upon these for the benefit of students. You will instinctively bring people together, motivate and inspire others, have excellent organisational and communication skills, and be decisive when necessary. Most of all, you will exude a passion for working with young musicians, you will demonstrably enjoy their company, and will take pleasure and pride in their achievements. In return, we offer the opportunity to work with truly outstanding students and colleagues within an ambitious but caring environment. Whilst term time is busy and often absorbing, we encourage and support your other professional work where this doesn't compromise your studentsʼ experience. Many current Heads of Department use the generous holiday periods to contribute to international summer schools, act as jury members and performers, and pursue their own musical and creative ambitions. Some also act as external examiners for conservatoires across the country. All such work is supported by the School. If you are excited by the opportunities this role offers, we would be delighted to hear from you.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a full time post to start in September 2025.
Competitive salary according to the candidateʼs experience.
Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.
All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.
Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at School during term time.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
01923 331100
Aldenham Road, Bushey, WD23 2TS
We are a secondary school and home to 200 young musicians for 34 weeks a year. Students live and breathe music, living and learning in a community that is unique, open and inspiring. Staff are equally energetic, passionate and committed.
The Head of Department role is crucially important, enjoying close interaction with students and staff. You will personally manage your studentsʼ musical programme, assess their progress and help to look after their wellbeing; you will develop artistic and creative projects and experiences; forge close strategic partnerships with other relevant institutions and individuals; proactively recruit students through networking and outreach activities; manage an outstanding team of teachers; and enhance good relationships with parents and colleagues. As in a conservatoire setting, Heads of Department are senior members of school staff and will need to have the necessary skills and profile to command the respect of students, potential students and colleagues both within school and the music industry more generally.
Heads of Department play a leading role in shaping the Schoolʼs strategic ambitions and are afforded autonomy over how they run and manage their own departments, under the oversight of the Director of Music.
There are 70-80 1st study students, of whom around half are violinists and recruitment is also healthy for viola, cello, double bass and classical guitar. Students have a broad range of classes, groups and performance opportunities, repertoire and styles. All go on to top conservatoires and universities in the UK and overseas. This year our students have performed romantic and contemporary string orchestra pieces with Dmitry Sitkovetsky, baroque projects with Lucy Russell and played Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire, Berio Folk Songs and Ravel Tzigane at the Wigmore Hall. We have plans for the Enescu Octet and a Bartok String Quartet. Recent masterclasses have been given by guests including Robert Cohen, Tasmin Little, Tom Goodman, Philippe Graffin, Craig Ogden and Donglei Hou. There is almost no limit to what we can achieve artistically, with the right balance of ambition and support. A Head of Department who has imagination, vision, an ability to plan strategically, a lot of energy and a joy in music-making will find it the most rewarding job.
We are looking for an inspiring individual who has a clear vision of the purpose and direction of a music school in the 21st century, and the skills to deliver it throughout their department and beyond. The successful candidate will be a distinguished performer and/or teacher in any relevant instrumental discipline, with a national or international reputation. You will have access to an extensive network of professional colleagues and organisations and be happy to draw upon these for the benefit of students. You will instinctively bring people together, motivate and inspire others, have excellent organisational and communication skills, and be decisive when necessary. Most of all, you will exude a passion for working with young musicians, you will demonstrably enjoy their company, and will take pleasure and pride in their achievements. In return, we offer the opportunity to work with truly outstanding students and colleagues within an ambitious but caring environment. Whilst term time is busy and often absorbing, we encourage and support your other professional work where this doesn't compromise your studentsʼ experience. Many current Heads of Department use the generous holiday periods to contribute to international summer schools, act as jury members and performers, and pursue their own musical and creative ambitions. Some also act as external examiners for conservatoires across the country. All such work is supported by the School. If you are excited by the opportunities this role offers, we would be delighted to hear from you.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a full time post to start in September 2025.
Competitive salary according to the candidateʼs experience.
Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.
All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.
Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at School during term time.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Contact details
recruitment@purcell-school.org01923 331100
Aldenham Road, Bushey, WD23 2TS