Services For Education is a leading educational charity with a focus on music and school improvement based in the heart of Birmingham. 

We provide expert training and continued professional development within educational and corporate settings across the UK. We are also one of the largest providers of music provision in the country, teaching music to over 31,000 children per week.

If you are looking for work in a challenging, fast-paced and friendly environment committed to improving the lives of children and young people, explore our current opportunities and join us in making a difference. 


At SFE, you’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative organisation where your work makes a meaningful difference to children and young people. We offer a supportive and positive working environment, with opportunities to learn, develop and grow.

Our values are extremely important to us

Our mission is to provide services in support of excellence in the teaching, learning, and wellbeing of young people and adults. We do this by applying these principles:

 

VALUE FOR MONEY

Everything we do provides value for money whilst allowing Services For Education to expand its charitable ambitions and impact

Lightbulb icon in pink and grey. Services for Education

SECURE EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

Everything we do is based on secure educational philosophy,
integrity of purpose and is evidence-based

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BENEFITING OUR CUSTOMERS

Everything we do is for the benefit of our customers, beneficiaries and stakeholders

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 PASSION

Everything we do is with
passion and care

Discover why our colleagues choose SFE and what makes it a great place to work:

  • Meaningful work
  • Supportive culture
  • Learning & development
  • Flexibility
  • Positive working environment

More about SFE

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View our Annual Review 

Read our Strategy

At SFE, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.

We celebrate diversity, support inclusion and strive to ensure every colleague has the opportunity to thrive. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices.

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Neurodiversity & Accessibility Support

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments and creating an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. This may include sharing interview questions in advance and adapting our recruitment processes to support individual needs.

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Menopause Support

We are proud signatories of the Menopause Workplace Pledge and are committed to supporting colleagues experiencing menopause.

Menopause Workplace Pledge logo     More Information

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Gender Equality

We are committed to the principle of diversity and equality of opportunity in employment. We publish our Gender Pay Gap Reports and Action Plans to share our progress and commitments towards gender equality. We regularly review our data and practices to better understand our workforce and identify opportunities to drive meaningful and lasting change. View our latest Gender Pay Gap Report and Gender Pay Gap Action Plan to see how we monitor and support equal pay across our organisation.

Gender Pay Gap Report 

Gender Pay Gap Action Plan

From  6 April 2017, employers in Great Britain with more than 250 staff are required by law to publish their gender pay gap information, covering pay and bonuses. View our Gender Pay Reports by clicking on the links below:

April 2025

April 2024

April 2023

April 2022

April 2021

April 2020

April 2019

April 2018

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Safeguarding and Prevention of Harassment/Sexual Harassment

Safeguarding is central to our work and underpins everything we do. We are committed to creating safe environments for children and young people and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

We are also committed to offering a work environment in which everyone can perform at their best and thrive without fear of harassment or sexual harassment.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 

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Privacy Notice

For details on how we collect, use and protect your personal data during and after the recruitment process, please see our job applicant privacy notice below

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

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Not Sure if you’re the right fit?

We recognise that great candidates may not always meet every requirement listed in a job description. If you’re interested in a role but are unsure whether your experience is the right fit, we encourage you to get in touch and have a conversation with us.

Pink Envelope  Contact Our Recruitment Team: recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

As a new starter at SFE, subject to eligibility, you will have access to a range of benefits designed to support your finances, health, wellbeing, work-life balance and development.

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Our core benefits

Our core benefits include a workplace pension, with options to choose your contribution level, as well as choices for life assurance, critical illness cover and income protection.

You can also use our free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme at any time, day or night, for GP appointments, mental health and stress support, counselling, physiotherapy, diet and fitness advice – including help to stop smoking – financial and legal guidance, and bereavement support.

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Depending on your role

Depending on your role, you may benefit from generous annual leave, flexible or hybrid working, and family-friendly arrangements. We also offer ethical pension options (including Shariah-compliant plans), retail and leisure discounts, a cycle-to-work scheme, and on-site parking where available.

Additional support includes company sick pay, eye-care vouchers, health cash plans, an employee wellbeing group, and ongoing training and career development opportunities.

“Build a career that brings Music to life”

Whether you’re an experienced Music Teacher, looking to take the next step in your career, or exploring music education for the first time, there are opportunities to grow, develop and make a difference through music.

  Why a career in Music Education?

A career in music education offers the opportunity to share your passion for music while making a lasting difference to children and young people. From teaching and performing to developing new programmes and leading musical opportunities, there are many ways to grow and make a difference through music.

Services For Education's Symphony Orchestra, playing at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Inspire Young People

Help children and young people develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.

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Develop Your Career

Build your skills through professional development and a wide range of opportunities.

A diverse group of professionals standing in a circle from a top-down perspective, joining their hands together in the centre.

Work With Others

Collaborate with schools, colleagues and partners to create meaningful musical experiences.

Make a Difference

Help make high-quality music
education accessible to children
and young people.

  Career Pathways

Career progression isn’t always linear. Many colleagues broaden their careers by leading city-wide projects, developing curriculum resources, delivering professional development, managing ensembles, specialising in inclusion or music technology, or contributing to partnership and hub development work.

Deliver one-to-one, small-group and whole-class music lessons in schools and community settings. You may also coach or conduct ensembles and bands.

Support colleagues or students through mentoring, contribute to curriculum development and coordinate projects or develop skills in specialist areas such as SEND, early years, whole-class instrumental teaching or ensembles.

Support the operational and educational leadership of a curriculum or geographical area, mentor staff, contribute to quality assurance and help develop teaching and learning.

Lead teams of instrumental or vocal teachers, support quality and performance, develop school partnerships, oversee curriculum delivery and contribute to the strategic direction of the Music Service and Music Education Hub.

Progress into roles such as Deputy Head of Service or Head of Service, with responsibility for organisational strategy, workforce development, partnerships, finance and quality assurance while ensuring high-quality music education across an area or region.

Your Career Can Take Different Directions

Career progression isn’t always linear. Many colleagues broaden their careers by leading city-wide projects, developing curriculum resources, delivering professional development, managing ensembles, specialising in inclusion or music technology, or contributing to partnership and hub development work.

  Qualifications, Skills & Experience for Progression

There is no single route into career progression within a Music Service or Music Education Hub. Whether aspiring to leadership or developing as an expert practitioner, progression is supported by experience, professional development and a commitment to continual learning.

  • A degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in music or a related discipline.
  • A recognised teaching qualification, such as PGCE or QTS, or equivalent teaching experience.
  • Strong instrumental or vocal performance skills.
  • Experience teaching individual, small-group and whole-class lessons.
  • Experience directing ensembles, choirs, orchestras or music technology groups.
  • Knowledge of curriculum music and progression pathways.
  • Strong teaching and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate learners.
  • Experience of inclusive practice and adapting teaching to support all learners.
  • Develop expertise in areas such as SEND, early years, whole-class teaching and music technology.
  • Experience mentoring colleagues, leading CPD or coordinating projects.
  • Project management, partnership working and school engagement.
  • Leadership experience through teams, curriculum initiatives or strategic areas of work.
  • Experience contributing to quality assurance and lesson observations.
  • Experience managing performances, festivals, instrument days or wider music projects.
  • Working collaboratively with schools, cultural organisations and hub partners.

  Career with Purpose

Working in a Music Service is more than teaching an instrument. It is an opportunity to shape the musical lives of children and young people, work alongside passionate colleagues and help ensure every child has access to high-quality music education. With ongoing professional development and a wide range of leadership and specialist opportunities, you can start your career in music education and continue to grow and evolve.

Find answers to common questions about applying for a role, interviews, recruitment checks and the support available throughout your application.

Application Process

To apply, simply select the vacancy you’re interested in and complete the online application form.

Our recruitment process usually starts with a review of your application against a set of shortlisting criteria developed from the person specification and/or job description for the role applied for, followed by (normally) two interview stages. The format may vary depending on the role, but we’ll provide clear information and guidance throughout the process. If you have any questions at any stage, please get in touch with our Recruitment team recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process.

For example, reasonable adjustments could include allowing extra time during selection tests, ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format, or providing guidance.

If you feel you may need a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Recruitment Team recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

We always aim to progress with recruitment activity as quickly as possible, but it’s difficult for us to give a definitive timescale for any recruitment process. Timescales often vary depending on the role, but we’ll keep you informed throughout the recruitment process and provide updates at each stage wherever possible.

Please be aware that, for the majority of our roles, standard or enhanced DBS checks are required. These are undertaken by a third-party organisation and there is no set timescale in which these will be returned – DBS checks take as long as is required. You will be notified when the DBS check has been completed.

From the point that DBS checks have been completed, we can usually offer a proposed start date within a couple of weeks, but we’ll discuss this with you to agree a mutually convenient date.

Yes, you can apply for more than one vacancy at a time. You will need to submit a separate application for each role you’re interested in, but information entered into the ATS can be “attached” to new applications – you don’t need to re-enter the information. However, if you do this, please take a few minutes to review your details and ensure they are up to date before submitting your application.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email using the address provided in your application.

Interview Process

We recommend reviewing the job description and person specification and considering how your skills, experience and values align with the role. You’ll also find useful information about SFE on our website. Additional information outlining the areas of experience or skills that we would intend to discuss with you at the interview may be available on request to help you prepare.

If you have any specific questions about your interview, please contact our Recruitment team recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

The interview process will vary depending on the role but may include competency-based questions, assessments, presentations or practical tasks. For Music roles, you will also be required to demonstrate your musical ability on your main instrument. We’ll provide all the information you need in advance. Please ask us if you need clarification to help you prepare.

We aim to inform candidates of the outcome as soon as possible after the interview, usually within a week. Decisions are not normally made “on the day” to ensure appropriate consideration is given to the information received through the interview discussions.

Timescales may vary depending on the role and recruitment process, and the expected timescale for you to be informed of the outcome should be explained to you in the interview.

Please bring proof of your ID, your right to work in the UK and certificates/evidence of any relevant qualifications. We will need to see original documentation, not copies.
If any other information is required, we’ll provide full details before your interview.

Vacancies & Opportunities

Unfortunately, we can’t accept speculative applications. Please keep an eye on our careers page and subscribe to job alerts to be notified about future opportunities.

Many of our roles offer part-time and flexible arrangements. Any specific working patterns or flexibility options will be outlined in the job advert.

Music Teaching Careers

A good Music Teacher combines strong musical and teaching skills with the ability to understand and support each learner. They create engaging, inclusive lessons, adapt their teaching to individual needs and goals, and use clear, constructive feedback to help students progress. They encourage creativity, confidence and independence, while setting achievable goals and helping students explore their musical potential. They are reflective, well organised and committed to continually improving their teaching practice.

Career progression within Music Services can include specialist teaching, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Pathways vary depending on individual skills, experience and interests. Explore our Music Teaching Careers to find out more.

Safeguarding & Recruitment Checks

As part of our Safer Recruitment processes, candidates will be required to provide us with a detailed employment history, explain any gaps in employment, provide satisfactory references (one of which should be your current or most recent employer), and confirm their ID, Right to Work in the UK and DBS clearance.

Yes. All roles at SFE require either a standard or enhanced DBS check as part of our commitment to safeguarding and to comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education (if the role is involved in regulated activity). We’ll process your DBS checks as part of the recruitment process and provide further information about what’s involved at the appropriate stage of your application.

If you subscribe to the Update Service, please let us know as soon as possible.

Contact & Support

If you have any questions about a vacancy or the application process, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

Yes. Contact details for informal enquiries will be included in the job advert where available.

We are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact our Recruitment Team and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

If you experience any difficulties when completing your application within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), please click on the “Need Help?” tab at the top of the page. This will open the Help Hub from the ATS provider. You will see that there is a list of commonly asked questions, which may help resolve your issue.

If your issue isn’t listed, please click on “Contact Support” and place a request for one of the providers support team to contact you to assist.

If you are still experiencing difficulties with your application, please contact our Recruitment team for further advice recruitment@servicesforeducation.co.uk

Don’t let the job description hold you back. If you’re excited about the role but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you.

We recognise that skills and experience can be gained in many different ways, and we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Page Last Modified:  02/10/2026 09:14