Didcot Girls’ School

Teacher of Music/ Head of Music

Duration: 1^st March 2026-31^st December 2026

Salary: MPS/UPS scale point.

Contract: Full-time or part-time maternity cover 

The Post

This is a key post in a strong and innovative department. We are looking for a candidate with the skills and desire to inspire our students with a genuine and infectious passion for Music; a teacher with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment.

The successful applicant will have experience and a record of success at KS3 and 4. The ability to teach KS5 would be desirable. There is potential for a leadership responsibility within the music department; please indicate in your application if this is something you’d like to be considered for.

Excellent professional development and support will be available to the successful candidate.

For further information about the department, please email Rhiannon Parkinson on rparkinson@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

The Music Department

Music is at the heart of the culture of Didcot Girls’ School with a large proportion of the student population undertaking musical activities every week, whether that is in lessons, as instrumental or vocal lessons, or as part of the wide range of extra-curricular activities we offer. There is a fundamental ethos of inclusion and engagement in all aspects of curricular and extra-curricular music-making which ensures that all students have the opportunity to access Music, regardless of their prior experience.

The Department is currently staffed by 3 enthusiastic specialist teachers and musicians, and supported by over 15 peripatetic staff teaching everything from voice to bassoon and tuba.

The Department is accommodated in two specialist teaching rooms. The school also has a large number of practice room spaces which are used for curriculum lessons and instrumental and vocal teaching. 

Curriculum

Music at Didcot Girls’ School is a thriving and successful subject across all key stages. Students at KS3 receive one hour of Music lessons a week. The curriculum at KS3 is highly practical, whilst also introducing students to the musical concepts and language that are required at GCSE and A-level.

Music is a popular subject at KS4. We follow the Edexcel specification, and the curriculum balances study of the set works with compositional and performance skills. Music is also thriving at KS5, with classes running in both Year 12 and Year 13, following the Eduqas syllabus.

Outcomes

We are very pleased with our GCSE and A-Level results. Last year, 97% of our Music GCSE students achieved 4+ and many of our A-level students went on to study Music at universities including Oxbridge. 

Extra-curricular

Ridgeway Education Trust typically hosts three concerts a year – one at the end of each long term. These concerts feature groups and some soloists and small ensembles. Tickets for these concerts are always sold out and with a sizeable waiting list.

The range of ensembles across the Department is vast. There are three choirs (160-member Year 7&8 Girls’ Choir, 140-member Year 9+ Choir and an 18-member Chamber choir), a Ukulele club, String Orchestra, Brass Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Ensemble, Flute Choir and a 100-piece Orchestra.

Inclusion is at the heart of the extra-curricular clubs we offer. We are especially proud of the large number of our pupil premium students taking part in Music clubs. We work actively to make sure there are no barriers for students accessing Music. We offer significant funding towards instrumental and vocal lessons for students in receipt of the pupil premium.

The School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged  as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2025 GCSE results were superb with 87% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 72% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 35% of grades awarded as A* or A and 65% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.  

Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.  

We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!  

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.  

RET – Ridgeway Education Trust

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding November 2022) works in close partnership with St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2025). The two schools share a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) which is based predominantly at St Birinus.  

Application process: 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks.  All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies

 Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.