Music Teacher

The Reach Free School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Music teacher (part-time, 0.4 FTE - equivalent to two full days per week) to join our thriving and close-knit community. This is a school where every pupil is known as an individual, and every teacher is valued for the unique strengths they bring. Whether you are just starting your career or seeking a fresh, fulfilling challenge, you will find a supportive, forward-thinking staff body where creativity is encouraged, professional development is prioritised, and your contribution will make a genuine difference.

Music at The Reach Free School

Music is an integral part of the Creative Arts department, alongside dance, drama and art and design. The subject has grown significantly in recent years and is now offered at both Key Stage 3 and 4. At Key Stage 3, the curriculum is designed to generate interest in the subject, develop musical skills and expose pupils to a broad range of musical genres while strengthening and promoting its presence across the school. At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the OCR syllabus, which includes performing, composing, listening and appraising across a wide range of musical styles. We currently have GCSE cohorts in years 9, 10 and 11 with a clear goal to increase the number of pupils taking GCSE music as the subject continues to develop.

You will have a passion for music, collaboration and creativity. You will hold and embody the highest expectations of your pupils and will have the drive and ambition to create an outstanding environment for learning, in music and beyond.

At The Reach Free School, we expect all teaching staff to:

• Be passionate about their subject area and learning as a lifelong skill

• Be committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils at the school

• Support the Subject Leader and Head of Department with evidence-informed teaching methods

• Have a passion for education and be open to innovative approaches in everyday aspects of school life

• Offer enrichment and extra-curricular experiences related to their subject area and beyond

• Contribute to the overall development of the school

• Be flexible in their approach to work, adapting to new challenges

• Support and mentor colleagues who are training

In return, we will offer you:

• A happy and supportive working environment with high expectations and standards

• Access to the latest technology to assist in developing your teaching and learning

• Competitive salaries based on skills and experience

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• A staff committee that organises various social events

• A comprehensive employee assistance programme

• A £500 new employee referral scheme

• Free parking

• A Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• Up to five days paid leave in compassionate, emergency or exceptional circumstances. For example, our staff can see their children perform in assemblies or shows.

• A network of outstanding practitioners to collaborate with and learn from, both in school and across the Watford Partnership for Teacher Training

• A comprehensive professional development programme, together with opportunities to further develop your career

This position is suitable for early-career teachers.

The Reach Free School is a successful secondary school which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023. The oversubscribed school is a popular choice for local families. The school has excellent modern facilities built in 2018, right in the heart of its community. If the challenges of working in a non-selective secondary school appeal to you, then we would like to hear from you.

Further information is available from our website: www.thereachfreeschool.co.uk.

We encourage potential candidates to arrange a tour of the school. Contact The Reach Free School to arrange this or with any questions you may have on 01923 711517 or via email to Mrs Keri McKay, HR Officer, kmckay@reachfree.co.uk.

Safer Recruitment

The Reach Free School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure we fulfil this responsibility, all candidates will undergo a thorough selection process designed to deter and identify unsuitable applicants. Details of this process are outlined below. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Disclosure

This role involves significant access to children, and any appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. Candidates must disclose any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs, including ‘spent convictions’ as defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020), prior to appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in termination of employment. However, a criminal background will not automatically exclude individuals from employment; each case will be considered based on the nature and timing of the offence(s).

Online searches

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requires schools to conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates as part of the suitability assessment process. The school will also carry out a prohibition from teaching check. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of your employment.