About this role
- Thurston Community College
- Address: Thurston, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP31 3PB
- Salary: MPR/UPR plus TLR 2A
- Hours: Full Time
- Contract: Permanent. Required from April 2026
- Reference: 8389
Thurston Community College are seeking a Performing Arts Lead for Music to lead an energetic Music Team within the Performing Arts Department. You will have a passion for encouraging musical talent and embedding high quality learning opportunities within KS3 and KS4, inspiring students to maintain their musical passion and feel excited to continue through to A Level.
Experience in leading a team, managing resources and delivering high standards is desirable; consideration would be given to the right candidate with the commitment and drive to further their career.
You will be part of the wider Performing Arts team who pride themselves on their creative approach to helping every student to achieve their full potential. There will be the opportunity to work collaboratively in preparing and promoting school events, performances and additional enrichment opportunities.
Who we are
Thurston Community College is a large popular mixed comprehensive school. It comprises two distinct and specialist sites. Our Thurston Campus, for students from Year 7 to Year 11 is situated four miles east of Bury St Edmunds. Thurston Sixth is in the nearby village of Beyton, offering a bespoke centre of excellence for students in Year 12 and Year 13.
Our purpose is simple; to inspire a love of learning, empower our college community with the knowledge and skills to help them make meaningful choices and contribute positively to the world in which we live to achieve excellence in all aspects of school life.
It was recently announced that the school will be part of the School Rebuild Programme and we have entered the feasibility phase. This will mean we will be a part of shaping a new school over the next few years.
Performing Arts is a thriving department with a proven track record of outstanding student achievement at both GCSE and A level. All music lessons are taught in specialist rooms at both the Thurston and the Beyton Campuses. Music is a popular subject in the Sixth Form with a large uptake in Music as part of Performing Arts.
In return we will provide:
- an opportunity to help shape the future of the department and develop the subject across the curriculum
- opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
We offer the opportunity to:
- join a talented and supportive team, dedicated to working effectively together to secure positive outcomes for our students
- benefit from ongoing Professional Development
- make a difference to our talented and creative students
- benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme.
- If you are excited by this post, its challenges and opportunities; if you relish the prospect of joining our team of committed and excellent staff we very much look forward to hearing from you.
- Thurston Community College enjoys a rural location with free parking and convenient transport links to Cambridge, Ipswich and London.
For more information
Please read the Job Description (pdf) and Application Guidance (word) or alternatively, please visit our website. Please contact: [email protected] for further details.
How to apply
Please submit your completed Application Form (word) via email to: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, interview date to be confirmed.
Closing date: 12 pm, 8 February 2026.
Thurston Community College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
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What you'll do
- The role involves leading an energetic Music Team within the Performing Arts Department, focusing on encouraging musical talent and embedding high-quality learning opportunities across KS3 and KS4. The lead will also collaborate in preparing and promoting school events, performances, and enrichment opportunities.
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