About This Role
Stamford School is offering a fantastic opportunity for a musician who will be a graduate in September 2026. This role, which is for one year, is excellent preparation for a musician’s next steps whether within education, performance, or church music. Although the role could be undertaken as a non-residential position, our preference is to appoint someone who will be resident within our boarding community.
The precise nature of the successful candidate’s duties will be dependent on their individual skills, competencies and confidence, but the primary role is to support the work of the music department through ensemble rehearsals and performances, in the classroom, and supporting our boarders in their individual music practice. Ideally the music graduate will be a competent pianist able to accompany pupils in concerts, assemblies and graded music examinations. For a graduate seeking to explore classroom teaching further, the opportunity exists to support and, at the appropriate time, lead lessons at various key stages. Indeed, our current music graduate is staying on next year to complete a teaching qualification.
A new Singing Strategy is at the heart of the department’s development plan, to encourage both participation and excellence. This will involve, by 2030, all pupils of all ages having weekly singing sessions in their year groups which will encompass vocal best practice, singing for pleasure and also preparing hymns for singing in chapel. A new chorister programme has been put in place to develop the talents of the best young singers in the school, with bi-weekly morning rehearsals at both the Junior and Senior School leading to a programme of concerts in Stamford and beyond, and regular services in the school’s St Paul’s Chapel. We would like the music graduate to contribute towards this strategy if they have experience in vocal and choral music.
For the right candidate, the opportunity exists to lead rehearsals, take small-group and 1:1 vocal coaching sessions, as well as supporting the Director of Music both administratively and musically in preparing for both liturgical performances and concerts. The music graduate may also be invited to lead year group singing if they demonstrate the necessary skills and qualities.
Essential Criteria
Hold a relevant degree or suitable music qualification.
Have relevant practical experience in music-making.
Have experience and/or interest in working with young people.
Be empathetic and have an understanding and be able to recognise the needs of children in a boarding environment.
Possess good communication skills, verbally and in writing.
Be able to support students pastorally and role model appropriate behaviours.
Be willing to contribute to extra-curricular music performances and recitals.
Be able to communicate well with pupils from various age ranges.
Demonstrate empathy with the aims and ethos of the School.
Show an adaptable and flexible approach to work.
Undergo satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Understand the school’s child protection and safeguarding requirements.
Desirable Criteria
Have personal experience of a boarding or residential environment.
Have experience of vocal and choral training in order to support the school’s singing strategy.
Have fluent keyboard (including sightreading) skills in order to support individual and ensemble rehearsals.
Application details
Closing date for applications is the 19th April 2026.
Please note that to be considered for this vacancy, all applications must be formally submitted via our website link: https://candidates.every.education/Vacancies/Details?advertKey=5e715a83-db11-4088-8ccc-eb0fc3a082e9
Stamford Schools are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).