St Editha’s Church, Tamworth, is delighted to be launching its National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP), creating new opportunities for children across Tamworth and the surrounding area to discover the joy of singing. We are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled and inspiring Choral Director to lead this exciting initiative, working with local primary schools and developing our growing children’s choral programme at St Editha’s. This is a wonderful opportunity for a musician and educator who is passionate about making high-quality singing accessible to all children, regardless of their background or previous musical experience. St. Editha’s is the largest parish church in Staffordshire and a dynamic, growing centre of excellence for music, both sacred and secular.

St Editha’s Parish Church, Tamworth

Contract: Permanent, part-time
Hours: 25 hours per week (term time)
Salary: £26,250 full-time equivalent (37.5-hour week), pro rata — £17,500 per annum
Holiday: School holidays
Anticipated start date: January 2027
Application deadline: Friday 27 November 2026
Provisional interview date: Monday 14 December 2026

About the role

The Choral Director will be responsible for delivering engaging, high-quality singing sessions in participating primary schools, encouraging children to develop their musical skills, confidence and enjoyment of singing.

Working closely with the Director of Music at St Editha’s, the successful candidate will help establish strong relationships with local schools and provide a clear pathway for children to continue their musical development through the church’s choirs.

The role combines school-based music education with practical choral leadership and offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the musical life of Tamworth.

Key responsibilities

Schools programme

• Deliver engaging and inclusive singing sessions in participating primary schools.
• Introduce children to healthy vocal technique, musical literacy, rhythm, pitch and ensemble singing.
• Develop children’s confidence, musical understanding and enjoyment of singing.
• Work collaboratively with school staff to support musical development.
• Encourage participation from children of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Identify and encourage children who may wish to develop their singing further through St Editha’s choirs.

Church and choral development

• Support the Director of Music in developing and expanding the children’s choirs at St Editha’s.
• Lead and assist with Friday evening choral rehearsals.
• Support children’s participation in Sunday worship and other services.
• Prepare singers for performances, special services and other musical events.
• Help develop a welcoming, inclusive and ambitious choral environment.
• Contribute to the musical and personal development of young choristers.

Planning and administration

• Plan and prepare effective singing sessions appropriate to different age groups.
• Maintain good communication with participating schools and the Director of Music.
• Monitor participation and progress.
• Contribute to reports and programme evaluation as required.
• Ensure policies and procedures are developed and followed as appropriate.
• Support the ongoing development and sustainability of the programme.

Working hours

The position comprises 25 hours per week, organised to accommodate school delivery, church rehearsals, worship and associated responsibilities.

The weekly allocation will be:

• Up to 12 hours: Direct singing provision in participating schools.
• 7 hours: Church-based duties, including Friday rehearsals and Sunday services.
• Remaining hours: Travel between schools, lesson preparation, planning, administration and reporting.

The school timetable will be arranged in consultation with participating schools and the Director of Music.

Some flexibility will be required for occasional special services, concerts and other musical events.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an accomplished and enthusiastic musician with strong vocal and choral skills.
• Has experience working with children and inspiring young singers.
• Can communicate musical ideas clearly, imaginatively and accessibly.
• Understands healthy vocal development in children.
• Has good keyboard skills sufficient to support singing sessions and rehearsals.
• Is confident leading groups of children with a range of musical abilities.
• Is organised, reliable and able to work independently.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Is enthusiastic about developing an inclusive and thriving choral programme.

Experience of working in schools, directing children’s choirs or delivering whole-class singing would be particularly welcome.

Formal teaching qualifications are desirable but not essential. We are interested in finding an excellent musician and communicator with the skills and enthusiasm to inspire children.

About St Editha’s

St Editha’s is a historic parish church in the heart of Tamworth, with a growing and ambitious music programme.

Under the leadership of the Director of Music, the church is investing in the future of its choral tradition, with a particular focus on developing opportunities for children and young people.

Through our participation in the National Schools Singing Programme, we aim to establish lasting partnerships with local primary schools, giving children the opportunity to experience high-quality singing and providing pathways into sustained choral participation.

The successful candidate will join us at an exciting stage of development and will play a central role in shaping the programme’s future.

Safeguarding

St Editha’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references and verification of their right to work in the UK.

Appointment will be subject to completion of these checks.

How to apply

Applicants should complete the St Editha’s Choral Director application form, demonstrating how their skills, qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27 November 2026

Provisional interviews: Monday 14 December 2026

Interviews are expected to include a practical singing session with a group of primary school children, alongside a formal interview.

Anticipated start: January 2027

For further information about the role or the National Schools Singing Programme, or for an application pack, please contact the Director of Music at St Editha’s Parish Church, Tamworth on Busbridge.janine@gmail.com