Head of Learning, Centre for Young Musicians

Guildhall School of Music & Drama - Centre for Young Musicians

Placed On: 19th December 2025
Closes: 13th January 2026
Job Ref: OOGS9268

Contract: Fixed-term, for 18 months with the potential to extend.

Role Summary:

We are seeking an inspirational leader to join CYM as Head of Learning. This is a key senior role, working closely with the Head of CYM to help shape and deliver the Centre’s educational vision and strategy for a community of over 500 young musicians, while supporting CYM’s continued development, ambition and growth.

The post-holder will be responsible for the curriculum, the quality of teaching and learning, and the impact of CYM’s educational provision across the Centre, ensuring a coherent, inclusive and high-quality learning experience for every student.

The Head of Learning will line manage Heads of Department, oversee areas of provision not led by a department, take responsibility for timetabling and learning pathways, lead on quality assurance and data-informed improvement, and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for CYM.

This role offers the chance to shape learning at one of the UK’s leading specialist music centres and to play a central role in supporting progression and achievement for young musicians from all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities (summary)

• Provide strategic & educational leadership across CYM, contributing to the Centre’s educational vision and priorities.
• Lead curriculum and programme design, review & development
• Line manage Heads of Department and support staff development
• Lead quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation & use of data
• Oversee timetabling & student learning pathways across the Centre
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Work collaboratively across CYM, the Guildhall Young Artists network & the wider Guildhall School

The post-holder will be a key member of CYM’s senior leadership team and will deputise for the Head of CYM as required.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will:

• Have significant leadership experience in a music education or specialist learning setting
• Demonstrate strong experience of curriculum or programme design, delivery and evaluation
• Have experience line managing staff, including recruitment, induction and appraisal
• Show a clear commitment to inclusion, widening participation and supporting progression for students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate sound understanding of safeguarding and student wellbeing

Work pattern

Tuesday to Saturday during CYM term time; Monday to Friday outside term time. This role requires flexibility to attend occasional rehearsals and concerts on evenings and weekends, with time given in lieu.

Additional information

This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Benefits:

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including a great pension scheme, season ticket, cycle to work scheme, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London as well as Barbican staff networks.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please e-mail Bryan Welton, Head of CYM, at Bryan.Welton@gsmd.ac.uk.

For more details, please go to http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/jobs

To apply online, please visit https://careers.cityoflondon.gov.uk/

Closing Date is Tuesday 13th January at 9am.

All applications must include a completed application form.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

Interview dates are provisionally scheduled for:

• 1st Round (panel interview) – w/c 19th January
• CYM visit for candidates progressing to 2nd Round – Saturday 24th January
• 2nd Round (panel interview) – w/c 26th January

Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting OOGS9268.

A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.