Head of Keyboard / VMT (Piano)
- Organisation: The King's School Gloucester
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Tenure: Part-time
- Closing Date: Wednesday 8 April 2026
We are seeking an outstanding pianist to join our thriving Music Department as Head of Keyboard / VMT (Piano). The role carries meaningful responsibility, working closely with the Director of Music to develop keyboard provision across the School.
Required: September 2026
Reporting to: Director of Music
Closing date: Wednesday 8th April, 12:00 noon
Interview date: Thursday 16th / Friday 17th April
The Role
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding pianist to join our thriving Music Department as Head of Keyboard / Visiting Music Teacher (Piano).
The Head of Keyboard role carries meaningful responsibility within the Music Department, working closely with the Directors of Music (Senior and Junior) and Assistant Director of Music to support and develop keyboard provision across the whole School. This includes serving as School Accompanist, supporting pupils as they prepare for examinations, concerts and other musical events. The Head of Keyboard will also play an active role in the co-curricular life of the department, helping to broaden musical opportunities for pupils across the Junior and Senior Schools. Flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential. In addition, the Head of Keyboard contributes to partnership work with local schools and music groups, strengthening King’s musical links with the wider community and supporting access to musical education.
The role is supplemented by that of a Visiting Music Teacher (Piano). You will arrange and deliver individual lessons to pupils of a wide range of abilities across both the Junior and Senior Schools, inspiring pupils to develop both technical proficiency and a genuine enjoyment of music-making. While many pupils are prepared for ABRSM or Trinity examinations, the School places equal importance on fostering a lifelong enthusiasm for music. There are currently six full days of piano tuition, shared between three VMTs.
These roles are distinct: the Head of Keyboard is an employed position, appointed and paid by the School in accordance with its salary scales, while the VMT position is undertaken on a self-employed basis.
The School
The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, and to this day maintains strong links with Gloucester Cathedral through the provision of education for its choristers; the School is a member of the Choir Schools’ Association and our 32 choristers are integral to the life of the School. The Cathedral itself also serves as the School Chapel and provides an ideal location for high quality orchestral and choral music. King’s is held in high regard amidst a highly competitive field of excellent local grammar, state and independent schools; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.
The Department
Nestled in the shadows of the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, The King’s School Music Department is housed in its own self-contained Music School building, comprising of a variety of rooms suitable for class teaching. The Department consists of a full-time Director of Music, the Assistant Director of Music, and a large team of VMTs, each bringing their own specialism; the Department is ably supported by the Performing Arts Administrator, ensuring the provision of musical education at King’s is high-quality, wide-ranging and bursting with co-curricular opportunity.
We are in the privileged position of being able to teach some outstandingly talented musicians; with four choral groups, numerous instrumental ensembles and a huge range of instrumental tuition, pupils have the very best opportunities to discover and to develop their musical talents.
Main Duties
As Head of Keyboard, you will undertake the following duties:
- Organising piano events that inspire a love of performance in pupils, and develop their skills in front of an audience;
- Leading regular partnership activities with local children, bringing a sense of fun, opportunity and a love of music;
- Creating opportunities for pupils to experience Chamber Music;
- Accompanying pupils in concerts, recitals and events, including the Singers’ Concert, The Festive Prom, Lent Term Concert, Serenade of Final Cadences, ‘Morning Chapel’ performances in the Cathedral if required, and other events as necessary;
- Assisting in the delivery of theory tuition;
- Ordering and developing the stock of suitable music (some skill in arranging/writing parts is an advantage);
- Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
- Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Director of Music or the Headmaster.
These will be supplemented by the duties of a self-employed VMT (Piano):
- Planning, preparing and teaching lessons in accordance with Examination Board (ABRSM/Trinity) specifications;
- Ensuring that all pupils are working at a level and pace appropriate to their ability;
- Preparing pupils for examinations, concerts and GCSE / A-Level performances as necessary;
- Liaising with parents regularly to review timetables and progress;
- Organising own timetable to ensure pupils rotate;
- Keeping an accurate record of lessons delivered and attendance;
- Escorting younger pupils to and from the Junior School and Music Department for their lessons;
- Liaising with the Director of Music regarding progress and issues with any pupil in their charge;
- Writing reports at the appropriate times.
Personal Profile
- An accomplished pianist with a degree related to Music and/or Diploma on the piano;
- An enthusiasm for working with children of all ages;
- Initiative, resourcefulness, and a relish for working as part of a creative team;
- Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills, able to build appropriate relationships with staff, pupils and parents;
- Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
- Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
- Reliability, punctuality and a readiness to be flexible;
- Willingness to undertake further professional development.
Hours of Work & Salary
The Head of Keyboard will be required to work flexibly, with mutually agreeable hours spread over the course of the week up to a maximum of 0.2 FTE (equivalent to approx. one day per week). These hours will be paid according to the School’s salary scale – details of which can be discussed at interview – under a part-time teaching contract.
The Head of Keyboard hours will be supplemented by VMT tuition; it is anticipated that these hours will be scheduled over approx. 2-3 days per week, on a self-employed basis.
Benefits
The staff benefits listed below apply to the employed Head of Keyboard role:
- A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
- Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
- Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
- Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
- Staff Wellbeing Programme;
- Staff Wellbeing Day (additional leave);
- Cycle to Work scheme;
- Lunches;
- Parking.
Applications
Candidates should apply through TES or by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter, addressed to the Headmaster, to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 8th April at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 16th / Friday 17th April.
For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.
Downloads
We are seeking an outstanding pianist to join our thriving Music Department as Head of Keyboard / VMT (Piano). The role carries meaningful responsibility, working closely with the Director of Music to develop keyboard provision across the School.
Description
Required: September 2026
Reporting to: Director of Music
Closing date: Wednesday 8th April, 12:00 noon
Interview date: Thursday 16th / Friday 17th April
The Role
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding pianist to join our thriving Music Department as Head of Keyboard / Visiting Music Teacher (Piano).
The Head of Keyboard role carries meaningful responsibility within the Music Department, working closely with the Directors of Music (Senior and Junior) and Assistant Director of Music to support and develop keyboard provision across the whole School. This includes serving as School Accompanist, supporting pupils as they prepare for examinations, concerts and other musical events. The Head of Keyboard will also play an active role in the co-curricular life of the department, helping to broaden musical opportunities for pupils across the Junior and Senior Schools. Flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential. In addition, the Head of Keyboard contributes to partnership work with local schools and music groups, strengthening King’s musical links with the wider community and supporting access to musical education.
The role is supplemented by that of a Visiting Music Teacher (Piano). You will arrange and deliver individual lessons to pupils of a wide range of abilities across both the Junior and Senior Schools, inspiring pupils to develop both technical proficiency and a genuine enjoyment of music-making. While many pupils are prepared for ABRSM or Trinity examinations, the School places equal importance on fostering a lifelong enthusiasm for music. There are currently six full days of piano tuition, shared between three VMTs.
These roles are distinct: the Head of Keyboard is an employed position, appointed and paid by the School in accordance with its salary scales, while the VMT position is undertaken on a self-employed basis.
The School
The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, and to this day maintains strong links with Gloucester Cathedral through the provision of education for its choristers; the School is a member of the Choir Schools’ Association and our 32 choristers are integral to the life of the School. The Cathedral itself also serves as the School Chapel and provides an ideal location for high quality orchestral and choral music. King’s is held in high regard amidst a highly competitive field of excellent local grammar, state and independent schools; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.
The Department
Nestled in the shadows of the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, The King’s School Music Department is housed in its own self-contained Music School building, comprising of a variety of rooms suitable for class teaching. The Department consists of a full-time Director of Music, the Assistant Director of Music, and a large team of VMTs, each bringing their own specialism; the Department is ably supported by the Performing Arts Administrator, ensuring the provision of musical education at King’s is high-quality, wide-ranging and bursting with co-curricular opportunity.
We are in the privileged position of being able to teach some outstandingly talented musicians; with four choral groups, numerous instrumental ensembles and a huge range of instrumental tuition, pupils have the very best opportunities to discover and to develop their musical talents.
Main Duties
As Head of Keyboard, you will undertake the following duties:
- Organising piano events that inspire a love of performance in pupils, and develop their skills in front of an audience;
- Leading regular partnership activities with local children, bringing a sense of fun, opportunity and a love of music;
- Creating opportunities for pupils to experience Chamber Music;
- Accompanying pupils in concerts, recitals and events, including the Singers’ Concert, The Festive Prom, Lent Term Concert, Serenade of Final Cadences, ‘Morning Chapel’ performances in the Cathedral if required, and other events as necessary;
- Assisting in the delivery of theory tuition;
- Ordering and developing the stock of suitable music (some skill in arranging/writing parts is an advantage);
- Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
- Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Director of Music or the Headmaster.
These will be supplemented by the duties of a self-employed VMT (Piano):
- Planning, preparing and teaching lessons in accordance with Examination Board (ABRSM/Trinity) specifications;
- Ensuring that all pupils are working at a level and pace appropriate to their ability;
- Preparing pupils for examinations, concerts and GCSE / A-Level performances as necessary;
- Liaising with parents regularly to review timetables and progress;
- Organising own timetable to ensure pupils rotate;
- Keeping an accurate record of lessons delivered and attendance;
- Escorting younger pupils to and from the Junior School and Music Department for their lessons;
- Liaising with the Director of Music regarding progress and issues with any pupil in their charge;
- Writing reports at the appropriate times.
Personal Profile
- An accomplished pianist with a degree related to Music and/or Diploma on the piano;
- An enthusiasm for working with children of all ages;
- Initiative, resourcefulness, and a relish for working as part of a creative team;
- Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills, able to build appropriate relationships with staff, pupils and parents;
- Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
- Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
- Reliability, punctuality and a readiness to be flexible;
- Willingness to undertake further professional development.
Hours of Work & Salary
The Head of Keyboard will be required to work flexibly, with mutually agreeable hours spread over the course of the week up to a maximum of 0.2 FTE (equivalent to approx. one day per week). These hours will be paid according to the School’s salary scale – details of which can be discussed at interview – under a part-time teaching contract.
The Head of Keyboard hours will be supplemented by VMT tuition; it is anticipated that these hours will be scheduled over approx. 2-3 days per week, on a self-employed basis.
Benefits
The staff benefits listed below apply to the employed Head of Keyboard role:
- A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
- Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
- Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
- Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
- Staff Wellbeing Programme;
- Staff Wellbeing Day (additional leave);
- Cycle to Work scheme;
- Lunches;
- Parking.
Applications
Candidates should apply through TES or by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter, addressed to the Headmaster, to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 8th April at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 16th / Friday 17th April.
For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.
