Principal Teacher of Music and Art

Queen Victoria School (QVS) is a co-educational Boarding School funded by the Ministry of Defence to provide stable and uninterrupted education and boarding to some 270 children of Service personnel, from ages 10/11 to 18. The School is set in 45 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside.

We require an enthusiastic Principal Teacher of Music & Art to join the school’s Music & Art Faculty which consists of one Principal Teacher and one Teacher. Applicants must be well qualified graduates with sound communication and time management skills. They must have a comprehensive knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence and be suitably qualified to teach all levels, up to and including Advanced Higher. Applicants must be registered with GTC(Scotland) and Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG), prior to taking up post. This role is required for August 2026.

The salary is based on SNCT Pay Scales. In addition, a QVS Boarding School Allowance is payable to reflect the requirement to undertake additional boarding duties. Currently, this allowance is £7,752. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. A commitment to boarding school life, including taking part in extra- curricular activities, is essential. Previous experience in sports coaching, the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award Scheme or Combined Cadet Force (CCF) would be desirable.

Defence Children Services (DCS) is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. Our Vision is that we Educate the Child – Support the Family – Defend the Nation. HQ DCS is UK based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon and has forward deployed staff all over the world. DCS is responsible for the education and care of children of accompanied Service and Defence entitled personnel in MOD schools and settings; provides advice and guidance in respect of education for service families in the United Kingdom and the wider world.

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations.

This position is advertised as fulltime at 35 hours per week.

Job Description

The main roles and responsibilities of this position are:

· To lead the strategic development of Music/Art across all year groups, ensuring a shared vision and consistently high standards of teaching.

· To identify strengths and areas for development in, implementing improvement strategies that foster both rapid and sustained progress for all students.

· Ensure consistency with assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.

· To inspire and cultivate a thriving musical/Artistic culture that enhances the school’s academic and extra-curricular provision.

· Ensure that the Music/Art curriculum meets or exceeds statutory requirements while integrating effectively with the broader aims of the school. Preparing learners for SQA examinations at National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Levels.

· Preparing students for both the performance and written elements of the courses. To plan, implement, and oversee targeted interventions that support student engagement and achievement in Music/Art at all levels. Liaising with the Pupil Support Department on interventions, where appropriate.

Full job description and list of responsibilities can be found at the link below.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge and behaviours

Essential Criteria

· GTCS (General Teaching Council for Scotland) Standard for Full Registration (must be GTCS registered on taking up appointment).

· Evidence of effective contribution to a whole school initiative.

· Teaching experience across Secondary stages.

· Knowledge of current initiatives.

· Evidence of inspiring and motivating others.

· Involvement in promoting and achieving an ethos for effective learning.

· Knowledge of and commitment to raising attainment and achievement.

· Contributes to ensuring that education of the highest standard is delivered to all students.

· Has participated in the development and implementation of a School Improvement Plan.

· Demonstrates a commitment to self-evaluation and contributes to quality assurance processes to improve outcomes for learners.

· Demonstrates a knowledge and commitment to effective practices to include children and keep them safe.

· Can demonstrate a range of effective strategies to promote positive behaviour.

· Demonstrates experience of supporting children/young people with additional support needs.

· Has good working knowledge of Staged Intervention procedures.

· Evidence of engagement in a range of areas of school life.

· Evidence of working with pupils, parents/carers, outside agencies and the wider community to improve outcomes for learners.

· Involvement in presenting to a variety of audiences.

Please see essential requirements for Leading Learning, Raising attainment & Achievement and Supporting Learners in the attached Job Description.

Desirable Criteria

· Additional qualifications or professional recognition.

· Evidence of success in engaging all stakeholders in students learning and the life of the school.

· Experience of leading and managing a whole school initiative.

· Able to evidence commitment to continuous development.

· Demonstrates success in using quality assurances processes to improve outcomes for learners.

· Contributes to staff development to improve outcomes for learners.

· Evidence of raising standards of attainment and improving the overall quality of learners’ achievements.

· Actively involved in promoting school priorities and developing the full potential of students, staff and parents.

· Able to evidence commitment to continuous change.

· Ability to promote effective teamwork and partnerships.

· Experience of good communication in planning, organising and coordinating school activities.

· A good knowledge and experience of Boarding School life.

· Experience in working with outside agencies that promote wellbeing/ positive mental health/ Nurture within the school community.

· Demonstrates an ability to seek, initiate and maintain links with the local and wider community that improve outcomes for all learners.

Qualifications and Requirements:

· A teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE or BEd) and GTCS Standard for Full Registration (must be GTCS registered on taking up appointment).

Benefits

We are passionate about delivering extraordinary things for our people. We employ people who challenge and guide each other, working within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills and experience.

As a QVS employee you will become a MOD Civil Servant. As a teacher, you will also be a member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). As such, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies and prides itself on being a supportive employer.

Other benefits for QVS/MOD Civil Servants and members of the GTCS include:

· Highly competitive salary (SNCT scale), SPPA (Scottish Public Pension Agency) scheme and other wider MOD benefits - Civilian Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

· A generous allowance for Boarding School Duties.

· Personal and professional development opportunities.

· Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

· Scottish Pension- Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA)

· On campus car parking.

· Access to excellent sports facilities, including a multi-gym.

· Very favourable teacher/pupil ratio.

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career.

Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

To apply please visit Civil Service Jobs using the apply button provided to submit your completed application before the deadline of Friday 20th March 2026.

Defence Children Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.