When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued.  The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of our school, so distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded our school.

Our staff survey in 2019 revealed that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer, which, for Support Staff, in addition to basic salary, includes:

•           Generous pension scheme

•           Family friendly policies

•           Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development

•           Travel to work schemes

•           School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)

•           Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community

We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, which is committed to upholding the ethos of our school and, as an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Bass and Tenor Drumming instructor on a maternity cover basis to join our highly talented and successful Pipe Band Department and contribute specifically to the continued development of Bass & Tenor Drumming within the School.

The position will primarily involve the tuition of Tenor Drumming. Bass Drumming experience would be preferred but is not necessarily essential.

This is a key role within the Department, which is comprised of a small team of two full-time and two part-time instructors, led by the School’s Pipe Major and ultimately responsible to the Principal.

The George Heriot’s School Pipe Band is one of the leading school pipe bands in the country.

The Band supports internal school events such as the annual Founder’s Day, Sports Day, Open mornings and Usher Hall Concerts. Being part of the Combined Cadet Force, the Band participates in the Scottish Schools’ CCF Beating Retreat Ceremony at Holyrood Palace as well as inter-School CCF competitions for Pipe Bands and soloists. The School’s bands regularly participate in RSPBA competitions in the Novice Juvenile and Juvenile Grades.

The Band also supports local parades and charity events such as the annual ‘Edinburgh Riding of the Marches’. In addition to our two competition Pipe Bands we have a Development Band in which our pipers and drummers gain their first experience of playing in a band environment.

There are over 160 children receiving tuition at the School in piping, snare drumming, bass and tenor drumming. Tuition is given to both Junior and Senior school pupils, ranging from P4 – S6 year groups (8 - 18 years) and covering a full spectrum of abilities from complete beginner to the most experienced members of the Juvenile Band. Pupils have the opportunity to sit SQA Music exams at National 5 and Higher levels with bagpipes or snare drum as their principal instrument. Preparation towards achieving PDQB qualifications is also available.

Please see details in attached job description. 

 You should hold the following skills & experience 

Previous experience of providing tuition to children in a formal setting is essential

Proven ability to motivate and inspire pupils of varying degrees of ability for Bass & Tenor Drumming.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including colleagues, parents and pupils

Ability to work both individually and as part of a highly motivated team.

Ability to read/write music and flourishes to the highest standard.

Experience in performing in Pipe Bands at the highest level.

Ability and willingness to drive a minibus is preferred

Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.

Please note that parking is not available on our campus

George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463