At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Drama department, shaping an engaging curriculum and fostering creativity.
- Company: A highly regarded secondary school in Redbridge with a focus on performing arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong support for professional development, and a welcoming community.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant school where you can make a real impact on students' artistic journeys.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience teaching Drama at secondary level.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Redbridge, Outer London
Salary: MPS-UPS (Outer London weighting)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026
An Exciting Leadership Opportunity Performing Arts
Aspire People are delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded secondary school in Redbridge to recruit an outstanding Head of Drama. This is a superb opportunity for either an experienced subject leader or an exceptional Drama teacher looking to progress into leadership within a supportive and forward-thinking school.
Head of Drama - The Role
As Head of Drama, you will take responsibility for the strategic leadership and continued development of the Drama department. You will shape an engaging and ambitious curriculum, foster a strong creative culture, and ensure students thrive both academically and artistically.
You will play a key role in promoting the performing arts across the school, offering students rich curricular and extra-curricular experiences that build confidence, creativity and a love of theatre.
Head of Drama - Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Drama curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and Key Stage 5 where applicable)
- Deliver high-quality, inspiring Drama lessons that engage and challenge students of all abilities
- Provide effective leadership, support and guidance to colleagues within the department
- Plan and oversee a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including productions, performances, clubs and showcases
- Maintain high standards of teaching, learning student achievement within the department
For candidates applying as a Drama Teacher, this role offers a clear and supported pathway into departmental leadership.
Head of Drama - The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a committed, imaginative and enthusiastic Drama practitioner who can bring vision, creativity and leadership to the department.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Experience teaching Drama at secondary level
- A genuine passion for the performing arts and the ability to inspire students
- A proven ability to deliver engaging, creative and well-structured lessons
Desirable
- Experience leading or supporting Drama enrichment activities or productions
- Leadership potential or experience, with the ability to motivate and mentor colleagues
- A strong commitment to raising standards and nurturing student talent
Head of Drama - Why Join This School?
- A welcoming and inclusive school community where creativity is valued
- Strong support for professional development and career progression
- A school with a reputation for both academic success and artistic excellence
- Competitive MPS-UPS salary with Outer London weighting
- Excellent transport links and a convenient Redbridge location
Head of Drama - How to Apply
If you are an inspiring Drama teacher ready to lead a department, or an ambitious practitioner seeking your next step, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV outlining your suitability for the role.
For further details, contact Natalie at Aspire People today.
Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026 employer: ASPIRE PEOPLE LTD
Contact Detail:
ASPIRE PEOPLE LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved in drama or performing arts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at interviews or networking events, let your enthusiasm for drama and teaching shine through. Share your ideas for engaging lessons and exciting productions!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you would lead a drama department. Think about how you can inspire both students and colleagues, and be prepared to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Drama role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative teaching methods you've used to engage students.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for drama and the performing arts, and explain how you plan to inspire both students and colleagues in this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include examples of successful productions or initiatives you've led that demonstrate your ability to foster creativity and engagement in the classroom.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASPIRE PEOPLE LTD
✨Know Your Curriculum
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Drama curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4. Be ready to discuss how you would shape an engaging and ambitious curriculum that caters to all abilities. Bring examples of lesson plans or activities that have worked well in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine passion for the performing arts during the interview. Share stories about how you've inspired students in the past, whether through engaging lessons or extra-curricular activities. This will show that you’re not just a teacher, but a mentor who truly cares about student development.
✨Leadership Experience Matters
If you have any leadership experience, be sure to highlight it! Discuss how you’ve supported colleagues or led initiatives in your previous roles. Even if you haven’t held a formal leadership position, talk about times when you’ve taken the lead on projects or mentored others.
✨Prepare for Questions on Creativity
Expect questions about how you foster creativity in your classroom. Think of specific examples where you’ve encouraged students to express themselves artistically. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain high standards while also allowing room for creative exploration in your lessons.