Pre-Prep School Head of Music

Runnymede College is a private, non-denominational British institution located in Madrid, dedicated to providing a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities, starting from the age of two through eighteen. Our educational framework adheres to the British National Curriculum.

Established as a private school in September 1967, the primary school commenced operations in 1987. Since 1990, the entire school has been situated in La Moraleja, in the northern part of Madrid. The School is organized into three sections: Pre-Prep (Pre Nursery to Year 3), Prep (Years 4 to 8), and Senior School (Years 9 to 13).

Academic excellence is a hallmark of Runnymede College. In June 2025, 57% of our students obtained A-A* grades at A level, surpassing the 48% of A*-A grades achieved by independent (private) schools in England this year. Additionally, 67% of our pupils earned A*-A grades at IGCSE, an outstanding result compared to the 48% of A*-A grades at GCSE in the English independent school sector.

For the graduating class of 2025, 83% of students heading to the UK will enroll in Top 10 universities as ranked by the Sunday Times Good University Guide. Esteemed UK institutions welcoming this year’s graduates include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and LSE. Students in the US are beginning their higher education journeys at prestigious colleges such as Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, and Brown, among others.

Several of our students will remain in Spain, attending top-rated institutions such as ICADE, IE, and ICAI, while others will pursue their studies in leading European universities in France and Ireland.

We invite you to be part of a dynamic and fulfilling learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. Candidates should be prepared to actively engage in the co-curricular life of the school.

We are looking to hire a motivated and experienced individual who has a genuine passion for teaching Music to join our Pre-Prep and Prep School team in September 2026.

The Pre-Prep School Head of Music will be responsible for delivering Music lessons to students in Year 1 through Year 5.

Music instruction is provided to all students from Year 1 to Year 9 on a weekly basis by one of three classroom teachers. IGCSE and A level Music are optional subjects for students in Years 10 to 13, with classes offered annually for these courses. A group of visiting instrumental instructors prepares numerous candidates each year for examinations with Trinity College London, covering both classical and popular music traditions.

The successful applicant will take a prominent role in contributing musically to assemblies and various whole-school events. Our young musicians are given numerous performance opportunities in large concerts as well as during whole-school occasions such as assemblies and award ceremonies.

Pre-Prep School Head of Music - Job Description

Core Responsibilities:

• Teaching and Learning
• Design and implement engaging and developmentally suitable music lessons for students from Year 1 to Year 5.
• Foster musical skills encompassing singing, rhythm, listening, movement, and basic instrumental work.
• Tailor instruction to accommodate the diverse needs, talents, and learning styles of students.
• Integrate music into broader curriculum themes when appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress in accordance with school policies.

• Curriculum Development
• Assist in the planning and advancement of a comprehensive and balanced Pre-Prep music curriculum.
• The Pre-Prep Music Curriculum is anticipated to emphasize singing.
• Choose age-appropriate songs, repertoire, and resources that motivate and engage students, focusing on how in-class music development enhances performance experiences.
• Ensure consistency with the school’s values and educational objectives, adhering to the expectations defined in school policies.

• Performances and Events
• Lead and organize music for school assemblies, including student performances and singing.
• Direct or assist with seasonal shows, concerts, and school festivities (e.g., year group showcases, Christmas, and end-of-year events).
• Provide opportunities for students to perform confidently in both formal and informal venues.
• Time will be designated in the schedule for co-curricular music activities, including support for large-scale events in EYFS.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Extracurricular Music
• Manage and lead Pre-Prep extracurricular music programs (e.g., choir, music clubs, small ensembles).
• Promote widespread participation and cultivate enthusiasm for music beyond the classroom.
• Collaborate with visiting instrumental instructors and help with scheduling or coordination if necessary.

• Pastoral and Operational Duties
• Supervise children during assigned break or lunchtime duties, ensuring their safety and promoting positive behavior.
• Occasionally cover classrooms across the Pre-Prep as needed (e.g., during staff absences).
• Assist with transitions during the school day, including moving to and from music lessons and events.

Professional Expectations:

• Exemplify and uphold the school’s values, safeguarding protocols, and high standards of professional conduct.
• Maintain effective communication with parents, colleagues, and senior leaders regarding student progress, events, and performances.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training, and INSET days as part of continuous professional development.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and adaptability in addressing the evolving needs of the Pre-Prep.
• Create a nurturing and inclusive classroom atmosphere that supports emotional, social, and creative growth.
• Show a commitment to early years and primary education and a passion for inspiring a lifelong love of music in young learners.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A good honours degree in Music from a British University.
• A PGCE or equivalent qualified teacher status to teach classroom Music in Primary School.
• Recent experience as a Music teacher in a UK school and/or an international school following the British curriculum.
• Previous experience in leading choirs, Pre-Prep performances, and concerts.
• Instrumental skills sufficient to accompany large group singing (piano, guitar, etc.) are preferred.
• Prior experience as Head of Department.
• Familiarity with the British National Curriculum.
• Native-level proficiency in spoken and written English.
• The ability to adapt learning strategies to meet the individual needs of students.
• High expectations for student effort and behavior, supported by proven classroom management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.

If you meet the qualifications outlined above and are excited about contributing to the development of young learners at Runnymede College, we encourage you to apply for this fulfilling position.

Please complete the application form and submit your CV and cover letter, including contact details for references.

Application deadline - Friday 17th April 2026

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, and the first round of interviews will be conducted via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round of interviews will take place in person at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to appoint a candidate before the closing date if a suitable individual is identified. If you do not receive a response within six weeks of your application submission, please assume that you were not successful this time.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our hiring decisions are made based on the skills, experience, and attributes necessary for the role. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Runnymede is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate for the position, including checks with previous employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.