Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the Performing Arts curriculum while mentoring passionate educators.
- Company: Join a community-focused academy dedicated to cultural capital and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts through our benefits scheme.
- Why this job: Inspire the next generation of artists and shape the future of performing arts education.
- Qualifications: Visionary educator with a passion for performing arts and leadership experience.
- Other info: We encourage applications from all backgrounds, promoting diversity in our community.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Location: Contract Type: Permanent
Education Phases: Working Patterns: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Sunday, 19th April 2026
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.
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.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.
- 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!
- 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!
Head of Performing Arts - Full-time in Preston employer: Aldridge Education
Contact Detail:
Aldridge Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performing Arts - Full-time in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the performing arts community. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements and projects in performing arts. Whether it's videos of performances, lesson plans, or innovative curriculum ideas, let your creativity shine through to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. DACA is all about cultural capital and community spirit, so think about how your vision aligns with theirs. Be ready to share how you can contribute to their mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; it shows your enthusiasm and commitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performing Arts - Full-time in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for performing arts shine through! We want to see how your passion can inspire both students and teachers alike.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Learning - Performing Arts. Highlight your relevant experience and achievements that align with our vision for excellence in education.
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 innovation and engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the best light.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a potential Director of Learning for Performing Arts, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the curriculum you’ll be leading. 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 Style
Prepare to articulate your vision for mentoring educators and fostering a culture of excellence. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or driven improvements in teaching practices. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and empower others.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
DACA values its community spirit, so be prepared to discuss how you would engage with students, parents, and local organisations. Share ideas on how to enhance cultural capital through partnerships and events that enrich the student experience in performing arts.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in an educational setting. Think about potential issues you might face as a Director of Learning and how you would address them, particularly in relation to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.