At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic department in dance, drama, and music while opening a new Performing Arts Studio.
- Company: A prestigious school with a strong reputation in Creative & Performing Arts.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of arts education and inspire students.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a lasting impact on young artists.
- Qualifications: Talented subject specialist in one or more performing arts disciplines.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with a rich extracurricular programme and outstanding GCSE results.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role provides the unique opportunity to take leadership of a high performing and high profile department and lead the opening of our new Performing Arts Studio. The school has successfully raised £653,000 to build a specialist space and this is scheduled to open in Autumn 2026. The Creative & Performing Arts are held with high regard enabling outstanding opportunities and outcomes for our students.
The role would enable the successful candidate to take on leadership of dance, drama and music. The successful candidate should be a talented subject specialist in their own right, across one, or more, of three disciplines. The ability to lead by example is at the heart of our ethos. The department consists of a talented, committed and experienced team of practitioners with leadership positions across each discipline.
The school has large numbers of students taking creative and performing arts to GCSE. Our curriculum design promotes and protects opportunities for the arts from Year 7, with enhanced provision in Year 9 and across the GCSE choices process. GCSE results are consistently outstanding. In Drama in 2025, 67% of students secured a 6+, with 13% of grades at grade 9. This picture is mirrored across Dance where 63% achieved Grade 7 and 34% Grade 9, and Music where 80% secured Grade 5+.
Drama, dance and music are incredibly popular post 16 options with a number of students securing places at prestigious specialist schools and conservatoires. We teach OCR drama, AQA dance and Edexcel Music. Alongside the curriculum, a rich extracurricular offer further supports our students in realising their potential. Opportunities include ballet, LAMDA, two drama societies and choreography, an orchestra, choir and a variety of bands.
The school has a well-established reputation locally and across London for both dance and drama. In 2025 we won successive medals at the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival, building on 11 years of consecutive success. We have also been national winners of the ‘Great British Dance Off’ in 2024 and regional winners of U Dance in 2025. Alongside these accomplishments, we play an active role in the National Youth Theatre and host a range of superb school performances – recent highlights include Matilda and Sister Act. The school has two specialist studios, alongside the designated new space opening in the autumn.
Director of Creative & Performing Arts employer: Archer Academy
Contact Detail:
Archer Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Creative & Performing Arts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the creative and performing arts world. 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 in dance, drama, or music. Make sure it reflects your unique style and leadership skills, as this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent achievements. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their already impressive track record in the arts and lead the new Performing Arts Studio.
✨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 proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Creative & Performing Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Creative & Performing Arts shine through. We want to see how much you love dance, drama, and music, so share your experiences and what drives you in these fields!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in the arts that align with our ethos and the exciting opportunities we offer.
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Keep your application well-structured and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to lead our new Performing Arts Studio.
How to prepare for a job interview at Archer Academy
✨Showcase Your Passion
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the Creative & Performing Arts. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with dance, drama, or music in your career. This role is all about leadership and inspiration, so let your passion shine through!
✨Know the Curriculum Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the OCR, AQA, and Edexcel specifications. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance the curriculum and support students in achieving outstanding results. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used that align with the school's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about your leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss how you would motivate and inspire the talented practitioners in the department, ensuring a collaborative and creative environment.
✨Engage with Extracurricular Activities
The school has a rich extracurricular offer, so come prepared to discuss how you would contribute to or expand these opportunities. Share ideas for new initiatives or events that could further enrich the students' experiences in the arts.