Pre-Prep School Head of Music - Job Description
Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum.
Founded as a private school in September 1967, the primary school was inaugurated in 1987, and since 1990, the whole School has been located in La Moraleja, in the north of Madrid. The School is divided into Pre-Prep (Pre Nursery to Year 3), Prep (Years 4 to 8) and Senior School (Years 9 to 13).
Academic levels are high at Runnymede College. In June 2025, 57% of our students achieved A-A* at A level. This is particularly impressive when compared with the 48% of A*-A grades achieved at independent (private) schools in England this year. In addition, 67% of our pupils gained A*-A grades at IGCSE. Once again, this is a truly excellent achievement when compared with the 48% of A*- A grades at GCSE obtained in the English independent (private) school sector.
In the graduating class of 2025 83% of pupils going to the UK will be attending Top 10 universities (as ranked by the Sunday Times Good University Guide). Top-ranking UK universities welcoming this year’s graduates include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and LSE. Students in the US have already started their higher education at Harvard, Columbia, UPenn and Brown, amongst other excellent colleges.
A number of our students will be staying in Spain, at top-notch places including ICADE, IE and ICAI; others will continue their education elsewhere in Europe in world-leading institutions in France and Ireland.
Join a rewarding and exciting learning environment, both within and beyond the classroom. Any candidate should be willing to play an active role in the co-curricular life of the school.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced individual, who is passionate about teaching Music to join our Pre-Prep and Prep School team in September 2026. The Pre-Prep School Head of Music will deliver Music lesson to pupils in Year 1 to Year 5.
Music is taught 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, and classes run each year for these courses. A team of visiting instrumental teachers prepares many candidates each year for examinations with Trinity College London, both in the classical and popular traditions.
The successful candidate will take a leading role in musical contributions to assemblies and other whole-school events. Performance opportunities are afforded to many of our young musicians in large-scale concerts and also in whole-school events such as assemblies and prize giving ceremonies.
Core Responsibilities Teaching and Learning
* Plan and deliver dynamic and developmentally appropriate music lessons to pupils from Year 1 to Year 5.
* Nurture musical skills including singing, rhythm, listening, movement, and simple instrumental work.
* Differentiate instruction to support the individual needs, talents, and learning styles of pupils.
* Integrate music into wider curriculum themes where appropriate.
* Track and assess pupil progress in line with school policies.
Curriculum Development
* Support the planning and progression of a broad and balanced Pre-Prep music curriculum.
* It is envisaged that the Pre-Prep Music Curriculum will be singing-focused.
* Select age-appropriate songs, repertoire, and resources that inspire and engage, with particular focus on how in class music development feeds into performance experiences.
* Ensure alignment with school values and educational aims, following the expectations laid out in school policies.
Performances and Events
* Lead and prepare music for school assemblies, including pupil performances and singing.
* Direct or support seasonal shows, concerts, and school celebrations (e.g. year group showcases, Christmas, end-of-year).
* Provide musical opportunities for pupils to perform confidently in both formal and informal settings.
* Time will be allocated on the timetable for co-curricular music making, including support of large-scale events in EYFS.
Additional Responsibilities Extracurricular Music
* Oversee and lead Pre-Prep extracurricular music activities (e.g. choir, music clubs, small ensembles).
* Encourage broad participation and foster enthusiasm for music beyond the classroom.
* Liaise with visiting instrumental teachers and assist with timetabling or coordination if applicable.
Pastoral and Operational Duties
* Supervise children during allocated break or lunchtime duties, ensuring safety and positive behaviour.
* Provide occasional classroom cover across the Pre-Prep as required (e.g. in the event of staff absence).
* Support transitions during the school day, including movement to and from music lessons and events.
Professional Expectations
* Uphold and model the school’s values, safeguarding procedures, and high standards of professional conduct.
* Maintain effective communication with parents, colleagues, and senior leaders regarding pupil progress, events, and performances.
* Participate actively in staff meetings, training, and INSET days as part of ongoing professional development.
* Show initiative, creativity, and flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of the Pre-Prep.
* Foster a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supports emotional, social, and creative development.
* Demonstrate a passion for early years and primary education and a commitment to inspiring a lifelong love of music in young learners.
Requirements
* 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 school in the UK and/or at an international school following the British curriculum
* previous experience in leading choirs, Pre-Prep-aged shows and concerts
* instrumental skills sufficient to accompany large-scale singing (piano, guitar etc.) are desirable.
* previous experience as Head of Department
* knowledge of the British National Curriculum
* native level of spoken and written English
* the ability to modify learning strategies to target the needs of individual students
* high expectations of pupils’ effort and behaviour, and facilitate this with proven classroom management skills
* be organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines
* excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
If you meet the above criteria and are enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and development of young learners at Runnymede College, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
Please complete the application form and upload your CV and cover letter, including referee contact details.
Deadline for applications - Friday 17th April 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and first round interviews will take place via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round interview will be held face-to-face at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of submitting your application, please assume you were unsuccessful this time.
We are an equal opportunities employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring decisions are based on skills, experience and attributes required for the role. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including check with past employers and ACRO Criminal Records Office.
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