At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the Performing Arts curriculum while mentoring passionate educators.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Inspire students and shape the future of performing arts education.
- Qualifications: Visionary educator with a passion for performing arts and teaching excellence.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on cultural capital and student success.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Salary: MPS 1 - 6 / UPS1 - 3 + TLR2B
Contract Type: Permanent
Education Phases: Secondary
Job Roles: Head Of Department or Curriculum
Working Patterns: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Sunday, 19th April 2026
About Us
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) has a capacity of 1200 in the lower school and also has a developing sixth form provision. The sixth form has enjoyed strong progress in both academic and applied courses and has destinations data that shows NEETs significantly lower than the national picture. All Aldridge schools place enterprise and an entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of their ethos. In addition, DACA has a strong record of promoting cultural capital through its Technology and Creative Arts departments, where competition, visits and visitors are a regular part of student experience and support the development of cultural capital. DACA is very much a community school with a truly comprehensive intake. Sitting above the national average, 33% of its cohort are designated as being in the pupil premium category and DACA works hard to support all students to achieve strong engagement and strong outcomes. With a strong focus on our four key improvement levers around culture, coaching, curriculum and data-informed instruction, the DACA team are building towards a consistent provision that supports great progress for all students.
About The Role
Join us as a Director of Learning - Performing Arts! Are you a visionary Performing Arts Educator ready to inspire excellence and innovation? Do you have a passion for shaping the future of learning and empowering both Teachers and students to reach their fullest potential? If so, we want you!
As our Director of Learning - Performing Arts, you will lead, design, and implement a cutting-edge curriculum across all levels. You will mentor passionate Educators, drive teaching excellence, and cultivate a culture of curiosity and achievement in performing arts to secure:
- High quality teaching.
- Effective use of resources.
- Improved standards of learning, achievement and progress for all students.
Duties and responsibilities. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.
Benefits
Join the Aldridge Education Family! Here's why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
- Aldridge Benefits Scheme - Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
- Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme - Your wellbeing matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
- Flexible Working Opportunities - Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
- Free On-Site Parking - No more hunting for parking, we've got your spot covered.
- Generous Annual Leave - Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
- Pension Schemes - Secure your future with access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme - Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!
When you click apply you will be taken to our careers page where you can complete your application.
Director of Learning for Performing Arts employer: Aldridge Education
Contact Detail:
Aldridge Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Learning for Performing Arts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the performing arts education sector. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements and innovative ideas in performing arts education. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission, especially around cultural capital and student engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Learning for Performing Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for performing arts shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion can inspire both students and teachers alike!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Learning role. Highlight any leadership roles or innovative projects you've been involved in, as we love seeing creativity in action!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for DACA. Share your vision for the future of performing arts education and how you plan to drive excellence and innovation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Director of Learning for Performing Arts, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the curriculum. Familiarise yourself with current trends in performing arts education and be ready to discuss how you would implement innovative teaching strategies that align with DACA's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored educators in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and cultivate a culture of curiosity and achievement, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes from your leadership experiences.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
DACA values community engagement, so think about how you can contribute to this aspect. Prepare to discuss initiatives you've led or participated in that fostered community involvement in the arts. This will show your alignment with their mission and values.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about DACA’s approach to cultural capital and how they support students from diverse backgrounds. This not only shows your interest but also your commitment to improving student outcomes.