We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational teacher of Music to join us for a short-term contract (8 weeks), whilst the permanent teacher is on a period of leave. This post is 0.8FTE (Monday to Thursday).
The successful candidate should be confident teaching both National 5 and Higher as well as working with younger pupils.
It is desirable that the post-holder has strong keyboard skills and is confident in leading class singing.
Edinburgh Academy Music Department
The Music Department is staffed by:
- Director of Music (responsible for curricular and extra-curricular music)
- A Head of Strings
- A Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion
- A Head of Pipe Bands
- A second classroom teacher (P7–S6)
- A part-time administrator
Over 500 instrumental lessons take place weekly, taught by a team of 35 mostly freelance teachers. The extracurricular programme includes:
- Three orchestras
- Two concert bands
- A big band
- Five choirs
- Numerous smaller instrumental ensembles, jazz and rock bands
- The department runs a busy concert schedule, including:
- The Carol Service at St Mary’s Cathedral
- A Spring Concert at a major Edinburgh venue
- Termly performances at Stockbridge Parish Church and smaller concerts in the school hall.
Students frequently participate in the Edinburgh Competition Festival, and the department organises regular music tours, recently to Rome and London.
The school has its own music curriculum in P7 to S2, developing performing skills on keyboard and guitar; composition using improvisation, notation and Garageband; aural, notation and listening skills. SQA courses at Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher are followed from S3 up.
There is a large whole-school focus on singing. All P7s and S1s have a weekly afternoon singing practice. The whole school has a weekly morning singing practice and sings at daily assemblies.
There is a large-scale summer musical production, which involves large numbers of students, and the Division Music Competition, led by students, involves most senior school students.
The Edinburgh Academy is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role, therefore candidates must have the right to work via other means. Candidates should also be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
Interviews will be held week commencing 6 October, 2025.
Main Responsibilities: Duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:
- To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
- To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
- To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
- To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
- To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
- To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
- To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.
- To play a full part in the co-curricular life of the School.
Ideal Candidate: E= Essential; D= Desirable
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Degree in Music or equivalent professional Musical credentials - E
- Must have GTCS registration - E
- Excellent teaching skills - E
- Experience of, or interest in teaching Music to secondary school pupils - E
- Strong keyboard and accompanying skills – E
- Confident singing voice and experience of leading singing sessions and choirs - D
- Practical, conscientious and reliable - E
- Highly organised - E
- Excellent interpersonal skills - E
- Willingness to collaborate within a team- E
- Motivated with the ability to work under own initiative – E
- Excellent subject knowledge –E
- Ability to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment. - E
- Familiarity with music platforms such as Garageband, Notion, Sibelius– D
Package Description: The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.
Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.
Our reward package includes:
- Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
- Access to onsite gym
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
- Fee discount
- A three course lunch is provided during term time