Head of Senior Music & Music Performance - August 2026
Cranleigh Abu DhabiTeaching
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed29 March 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
THE VACANCY
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is excited to announce an opening for a distinguished Head of Senior Music & Music Performance, with a start date in August 2026.
This pivotal leadership position within the Senior School is tasked with spearheading and enhancing a high-caliber, ambitious, and inspiring Music program. We are in search of an exceptional and innovative educator who can promote excellence in both academic Music and performance, while cultivating a culture rich in creativity, involvement, and artistic expression.
The ideal candidate will possess substantial leadership experience, a clear vision for Music in a top independent school, and the capability to deliver outstanding classroom instruction along with a dynamic performance program throughout the institution. Proficiency in teaching Music Technology and managing the Instrumental Music Provision is essential.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2026. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, and the School maintains the right to make an earlier appointment if an extraordinary candidate emerges.
ABOUT CRANLEIGH ABU DHABI
Nestled in the vibrant Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi lives by the motto Ex Cultu Robur, From Culture Comes Strength. Our award-winning seven-hectare campus is in close proximity to prestigious institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee College of Music, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Our educational approach is deeply holistic. In addition to a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum, students enjoy a diverse array of co-curricular opportunities encompassing performing arts, music, visual arts, sports, debate, as well as activities such as gymnastics, golf, horse riding, and swimming. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
To gain insights into daily life at Cranleigh, we invite you to explore our social media platforms.
THE ROLE
The Head of Senior Music and Music Performance will oversee the strategic advancement and daily implementation of Music across the Senior School, ensuring a program that is high-quality, engaging, and aspirational.
The individual in this role will manage the Music curriculum, including GCSE and A Level (or equivalent), aiming for strong academic results alongside a rich and varied performance offering. This includes concerts, ensembles, productions, and broader performance opportunities that highlight student talent and foster a robust culture of Music within the school.
A crucial element of the position will be to inspire and nurture students of varying abilities, from those participating in Music for pleasure to those pursuing advanced performance pathways. The role will also encompass leading and developing the Music team, collaborating across the school to ensure that Music is integrated within the wider co-curricular program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review the attached Candidate Documents to assist in their application.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo appropriate background checks, including an enhanced DBS.
Please be aware: This job description is a dynamic document and may adapt to meet the evolving needs of our expanding school. Additional duties reasonably considered appropriate may be required. A comprehensive job description will accompany a formal contract offer.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is excited to announce an opening for a distinguished Head of Senior Music & Music Performance, with a start date in August 2026.
This pivotal leadership position within the Senior School is tasked with spearheading and enhancing a high-caliber, ambitious, and inspiring Music program. We are in search of an exceptional and innovative educator who can promote excellence in both academic Music and performance, while cultivating a culture rich in creativity, involvement, and artistic expression.
The ideal candidate will possess substantial leadership experience, a clear vision for Music in a top independent school, and the capability to deliver outstanding classroom instruction along with a dynamic performance program throughout the institution. Proficiency in teaching Music Technology and managing the Instrumental Music Provision is essential.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2026. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, and the School maintains the right to make an earlier appointment if an extraordinary candidate emerges.
ABOUT CRANLEIGH ABU DHABI
Nestled in the vibrant Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi lives by the motto Ex Cultu Robur, From Culture Comes Strength. Our award-winning seven-hectare campus is in close proximity to prestigious institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee College of Music, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Our educational approach is deeply holistic. In addition to a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum, students enjoy a diverse array of co-curricular opportunities encompassing performing arts, music, visual arts, sports, debate, as well as activities such as gymnastics, golf, horse riding, and swimming. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
To gain insights into daily life at Cranleigh, we invite you to explore our social media platforms.
THE ROLE
The Head of Senior Music and Music Performance will oversee the strategic advancement and daily implementation of Music across the Senior School, ensuring a program that is high-quality, engaging, and aspirational.
The individual in this role will manage the Music curriculum, including GCSE and A Level (or equivalent), aiming for strong academic results alongside a rich and varied performance offering. This includes concerts, ensembles, productions, and broader performance opportunities that highlight student talent and foster a robust culture of Music within the school.
A crucial element of the position will be to inspire and nurture students of varying abilities, from those participating in Music for pleasure to those pursuing advanced performance pathways. The role will also encompass leading and developing the Music team, collaborating across the school to ensure that Music is integrated within the wider co-curricular program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review the attached Candidate Documents to assist in their application.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo appropriate background checks, including an enhanced DBS.
Please be aware: This job description is a dynamic document and may adapt to meet the evolving needs of our expanding school. Additional duties reasonably considered appropriate may be required. A comprehensive job description will accompany a formal contract offer.