Teacher of Music

Hampton is one of the country's leading, most successful and best-resourced independent schools and has been helping boys to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations for over 460 years.

Established over 460 years ago, Hampton is one of the country's foremost, highest-achieving and best-resourced independent schools. Our community is vibrant, dynamic and happy, making it a wonderful place to teach and learn. Members of the Common Room are talented and hugely supportive of one another and their pupils; they share their love of learning with young people who are bright, intellectually inquisitive and aspirational.

Hampton is a lively, friendly and inclusive School community where we aspire to enable our boys to not only to make sense of the world, but also to want to go out and improve it. Above all, Hamptonians are encouraged and indeed expected to aspire to personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.

Situated on a green-field site in a leafy suburb of South West London, we are fortunate to have 28 acres of playing fields within our spacious grounds. Pupils and staff alike benefit from first-class facilities across all areas of School life. These include a state-of-the-art 3G sportsground, a large and well-appointed Sports Hall, and the remarkable Hammond Theatre for the Performing Arts, along with an excellent library and specialist facilities for Art, Music, Science, Technology, Computer Science and Languages (Modern and Classical). Our older pupils enjoy impressive Sixth Form private study and Careers provision in The Barry Martin Centre.

The Millennium Boat House, shared with our neighbouring girls' school, Lady Eleanor Holles, has a prime location on the nearby River Thames, and provides the focal point for our popular and successful Boat Club.

Hamptonians' examination results and university entrance record consistently rank in the top echelon nationally and indeed internationally. Nearly all Hampton leavers go on to undergraduate courses at Russell Group or equivalent universities; around 25 pupils are offered places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, and a significant number move on to global top-10 universities. We annually support pupils who wish to study at universities in North America, some of whom secure academic and/or sporting scholarships.

Hampton's notably diverse, socially inclusive nature is an especially cherished part of our DNA and we as far from being a stereotypical public school as any setting in the independent sector. Currently, 7% of our boys (around 100 in total) attend on means-tested, free places, many of which are funded by a separate but closely linked educational charity, The Fitzwygram Foundation.

Our alumni network is extremely strong and former pupils (Old Hamptonians - OHs) remain deeply committed to their School, in no small part due to the exceptionally warm and mutually respectful relationships between pupils and colleagues here.

Hampton teaching staff enjoy a range of attractive benefits, including generous holiday provision and salaries enhanced above maintained sector scales. Private health insurance cover is provided, along with free lunches in a dedicated staff dining room, and excellent CPD provision. Subsidised single accommodation within School-owned properties in the local area may also be available for new colleagues. Those with children who meet the Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School and/or senior school entrance requirements are eligible for substantial fee remission. A reciprocal fee remission arrangement is offered to staff whose daughters meet the entry criteria for our neighbouring girls' school, Lady Eleanor Holles.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Alongside those joining us from university PGCE courses or as experienced teachers, we recruit talented people from a variety of sectors, including post-doctoral research, universities, industry, and commerce. Successful candidates who are new entrants to the teaching profession are supported towards qualified teacher status (QTS) via an in-post PGCE course offered in conjunction with the University of Buckingham.

Hampton is a highly regarded name on any teaching CV and our School often acts as a professional springboard. Many colleagues have successfully moved on to middle or senior leadership roles; several former members of the Common Room have been appointed as HMC/GSA Heads over recent years.

We are especially proud to have been one of only a handful of schools nationally awarded the ISI's rare 'Significant Strength' endorsement, in recognition of our co-curricular programme and its impact on pupils' wellbeing, behaviour and achievement. Inspectors were struck by the curiosity, enthusiasm and kindness of our boys, and equally impressed by the expertise of Hampton's teaching and support staff.

In September 2026, Hampton and our neighbouring girls' school, Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH), formalised their longstanding partnership, building on decades of close collaboration to create even more opportunities for pupils. This is not a merger - each School retained its own identity, leadership and governing board - but it aims to bring pupils an enhanced programme of joint clubs, competitions, leadership initiatives and shared facilities. By the end of their Sixth Form years, pupils at both Schools will have forged life-long friendships and developed the confidence to thrive at university and beyond.

A copy of the full ISI report can found on the School website and a summary booklet of the inspection team's key findings is linked here.

Please click here to view the Job Description.

For further information on Working at Hampton School click here

This is an exciting opportunity to join an energetic, forward-thinking and high-achieving department. The School has an excellent reputation for the performing arts, and the Music Department actively promotes performance to the highest possible standards.

Music is a compulsory subject in the First and Second Year and a significant number of boys elect to study Third Year, GCSE and A Level music, with a number of boys in recent years going on to study music at Conservatoire and at University.

Hampton is an academically selective School and pupils' enthusiasm for the study of Music is encouraged by imaginative, varied and challenging courses at all levels of the School, up to and including Oxbridge preparation.

The post would suit a well-qualified Teacher of Music with experience of teaching in a highly academic setting or an aspiring graduate. A contribution to the wider life of the School is also expected from staff at Hampton.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our ethos and the School has a thriving partnerships programme.

The School has its own salary scale and offers generous non-contractual benefits, well above the maintained sector, to attract high-calibre candidates. accommodation may also be available for the successful applicant. There is a very strong commitment at Hampton to supporting the continuing professional development of colleagues.

We encourage applications as soon as possible as the School reserves the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time prior to the closing date.

There are currently four full-time teachers in the Department, one part-time teacher and a full-time Music Administrator. Instrumental lessons and some ensembles are taught / coached by the 27 visiting music teachers, many of whom are distinguished performers in their own right.

Academic music

Music is a compulsory subject in the First and Second Year, each class having two periods a week. These classes are divided between two teaching spaces. The Music Hall is equipped with iMacs, Logic Pro and Sibelius software, and a large range of classroom percussion. The other lesson is taught in a fully equipped keyboard laboratory. In the Third Year music is an optional subject and there are three periods a week. In the First and Second Years music is taught as a practical subject, with all pupils being introduced to keyboard skills, which they can then take on into music technology-based projects. Teaching is based around half termly projects, introducing a wide range of musical topics, and in the first two years including class singing. Pupils are also taught about a wide range of music from around the globe.

GCSE music

A healthy number of pupils opt to take GCSE Music in the Fourth and Fifth Years (IGCSE specification). Most GCSE pupils are extremely competent performers and have been introduced to composition in the Third Year. The Department achieves very good results, the majority of grades awarded at 8 and 9, in some years achieving a 100% record at that level.

Sixth Form music

A significant number of pupils select A Level music, taking the Eduqas specification which allows pupils to include a popular music strand with elements of music technology. A number of pupils in recent years have gone on to study music at Conservatoire and at University.

Co-curricular music

There is a wide range of musical activities available to all pupils and in all genres. Ensembles are available in rock music, jazz, choral music, and chamber music. The school has four orchestras, five choirs including an adult Choral Society and two jazz bands. There are regular musical productions with our neighbouring girls' schools, Lady Eleanor Holles and Waldegrave School. The Music and Drama departments work closely together on plays and musicals.

Music is taught in the Garrick building, where there are four classrooms, three equipped for music ICT, and a keyboard laboratory. The state-of-the-art Hammond Theatre, a centre of excellence for performing arts, is a magnificent performance space for both music and drama. It can be converted into a concert hall with a built-in acoustic shell and is equipped with a Steinway Model D concert grand piano. It can also be configured to provide an orchestra pit.

There are five practice rooms for instrumental teaching in the Hammond Theatre, and another seven in the Garrick building.

One of the Garrick practice rooms is fully equipped with a number of percussion instruments. We also have a range of School instruments.

The Department also has extensive libraries of choral and orchestral music, CDs, DVDs and miniature scores. Hampton is an All-Steinway School.

The School has a strong reputation for the performing arts and the Music Department actively promotes performance to the highest possible standards. Pupils have many opportunities to perform, and increasingly are in demand in the local community as performers

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To teach the Music curriculum to an excellent standard and to promote and contribute to the overall provision within the Music Department e.g. trips, clubs and competitions, as well as to the School's extra-curricular programmes

• To promote and maintain the high standards of pupil achievement and contribute to the development of outstanding teaching practice across the department

• To complete all student assessment requirements, including the regular marking of homework and coursework, as required

• To assess, record and track the progress of the students according to the expectations of the Director of Music, Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Academic Music and the School's policies

• To use performance data for pupil target setting and progress monitoring

• To deliver teaching of a high standard and to work to promote and maintain standards of achievement across the Department

• To contribute to the pastoral care of pupils as a Form Tutor and the delivery of the PSHE curriculum

• To maintain standards of discipline in line with Hampton School policies

• To attend parent and pupil meetings, as required

• To attend whole school and departmental INSET and contribute to the evaluation and progress of the Music curriculum

• Any other any duties which may be reasonably required by The Headmaster according to the normal practice in the day to day running of The School.

Other

• To act as Fire Marshal and First Aider as required. Training will be provided
• Any other reasonable tasks required by the Headmaster and/or Bursar in association with the above role.

Please note that there may be some changes and additions to the above. This document is designed to provide applicants with a "flavour" of the position and responsibilities and is not necessarily comprehensive, however, the employee may be called on to perform other tasks as directed by the Headmaster or anyone acting on their behalf.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and experience.

Essential Criteria

• A commitment to the Safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils

• A good honours degree in Music, an enthusiasm for Music and the ability to convey this to pupils

• The ability to exemplify the characteristics of outstanding teaching practice

• An enthusiastic commitment to all aspects of the Music Department programmes of academic and co-curricular activities

• Good keyboard and/or instrumental skills and the ability, as a performer, to lead by example

• An awareness of the demands of teaching bright students and a commitment to fostering high academic achievement and intellectual curiosity

• The ability to work as part of a team

• A professional approach which inspires confidence in teachers, pupils and parents

• Excellent communication and ICT skills

• Calmness and efficiency, with the ability to work under pressure at times

• Commitment to continuing professional development through attendance at INSET

• Commitment to the all-round ethos of the School, including its co-curricular activities and pastoral approach

• The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community and outside agencies

• Fully aware of Health & Safety issues.

Desirable Criteria

• A higher degree or experience as a performer

• Experience of external examining.

• Experience with Music Technology

• Experience of preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance

• Knowledge of the requirements and operation of ISI in terms of teaching, learning and assessment

• The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community and outside agencies

• An ability to offer skills in some part of the extra-curricular programme of the school

• Enjoy rising to the challenge inherent in a school environment.

Training

• Where necessary, to undergo on the job training under the general direction of the Head of Department to increase competence,proficiency and safety awareness
• To attend INSET training outside the school where appropriate to increase competence, proficiency and safety awareness

Salary and Benefits

The School has its own salary scale and offers generous non-contractual benefits, well above the maintained sector, to attract high-calibre candidates. Accommodation may also be available.

ECT's are provided with an appropriate programme of induction leading to QTS, valid across both sectors.

The Hampton School Trust Governors currently offer the following non-contractual benefits to staff, subject to any terms and conditions and the School's eligibility requirements: death-in-service benefit insurance policy; private health care scheme (BUPA), a healthcare cash plan; enrolment in appropriate Pension Scheme, personal accident insurance, School fee remission, cycle to work scheme, lunch, sports facilities and counselling.

Hampton School is pleased to be a London Living Wage employer.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and non-contractual benefits are provided at the discretion of the Governors.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as Sponsorship is not available.

Equal Opportunities

It is the policy of Hampton School to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and to prohibit discrimination in employment on any basis protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, colour, religious creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition or disability. Hampton School promotes equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment through positive employment policies and practices.

If any special requirements are required to attend an interview, please inform the School.

Offers of employment will be made on merit and suitability of qualifications and experience, in pursuit of our policy of equal opportunities.

Safeguarding

The post holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School's Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the School's Safeguarding Designated Persons or to The Headmaster.

This post involves working with children, it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

The School reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process. Further details of the School are available on the website.

Please note all appointments are subject to the Hampton School Trust Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure.

The School is legally required to carry out a number of pre-appointment checks which are detailed in the School's Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The information you are being asked to provide in this form is required so that the School can comply with those legal obligations should your application be successful. Please note that in order to be considered for a position at the School, you must complete this application form. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

Hampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment.