At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire music and drama teachers to achieve excellence in teaching.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school dedicated to arts education and student success.
- Benefits: Comprehensive coaching, wellbeing initiatives, and financial perks like interest-free loans.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through the power of performing arts.
- Qualifications: Degree in Music, Drama or related subject; qualified to teach in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
About The Role
Reports to: Assistant Headteacher. Start date: September 2026. Contract: Permanent, Full time. Interviews will take place w/c 18 May 2026.
In this exciting new role, you will lead the professional community of music and drama teachers, promote outstanding teaching and learning, and foster a strong school culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Enable all Music and Drama teachers to achieve expertise in teaching and planning through coaching and support.
- Create, review and monitor a strategic plan for improving outcomes and the quality of the provision for Music and Drama.
- Model outstanding teaching and lead collaborative planning and development, including the sharing of resources and best practice within the department.
- Participate actively throughout the network, by attending relevant meetings, and as appropriate, delivering network-wide training and initiatives.
Knowledge & Experience
- Raising attainment in a challenging classroom environment.
- Having designed, implemented and evaluated effective, imaginative and stimulating Schemes of Work.
- Understanding of both subject and general teaching pedagogy, and signature strategies relating to Music and/or Drama.
- Knowledge of the national secondary education system, examinations and curriculum.
Qualification Criteria
- Qualified to teach and work in the U.K.
- Degree in Music, Drama or related subject.
Benefits
We value our staff and provide a comprehensive programme of coaching and professional development for all our staff. We use our values and our virtue pathways to shape the way we work and learn together. We take CPD seriously, offering twice the number of training days as standard. Our school’s ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ are a great hit – find out more. On-site fitness suite. Award of up to £1,000 a year in savings from the Ark Rewards scheme. Interest‑free loans of up to £5,000 available for season tickets or a bicycle. Gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym.
Diversity and inclusion
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. Disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment – this will depend on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Further information about Ark’s safer recruitment process is available upon request.
Head of Performing Arts employer: ARK
As a leading educational institution, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of our staff. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development, including extensive training opportunities and initiatives like 'Wellbeing Wednesdays', we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers educators to excel in their roles. Located in a vibrant community, our school offers unique benefits such as an on-site fitness suite and generous savings schemes, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of performing arts education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performing Arts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events, workshops, and seminars related to performing arts. This is your chance to meet potential colleagues and showcase your passion for music and drama.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in teaching and planning. Include examples of successful schemes of work and any innovative projects you've led.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend or mentor to conduct mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your vision for the performing arts department and how you can foster a strong school culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest 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 Head of Performing Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Performing Arts:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for music and drama shine through! We want to see how much you care about teaching these subjects and how you plan to inspire both students and fellow teachers.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in raising attainment and developing Schemes of Work. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role!
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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in Music and Drama education. Brush up on your knowledge of the national curriculum and be ready to discuss how you’ve raised attainment in challenging environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or supported colleagues in their professional development. Think about specific instances where you’ve modelled outstanding teaching or facilitated collaborative planning.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Have a clear vision for improving outcomes in Music and Drama. Be prepared to share your ideas on creating and monitoring strategic plans, and how you would implement effective Schemes of Work.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Familiarise yourself with the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to building an inclusive environment that reflects diverse perspectives in the performing arts.
