At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an inspiring Drama curriculum while fostering creativity in students.
- Company: A highly regarded secondary school in Redbridge with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant school culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of performing arts and inspire the next generation of talent.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience teaching Drama at secondary level.
- Other info: Join a welcoming community with excellent career progression opportunities.
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.
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 and 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
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
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 in England employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026 in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend drama workshops, and connect with people in the performing arts scene. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for drama shine through. Share your ideas for engaging lessons and how you plan to inspire students – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s drama programme. Think about how you can contribute to their vision and what unique flair you can bring to the table. Tailoring your approach shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role as Head of Drama.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026 in England
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, curriculum development, and any successful drama productions you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for drama and the performing arts, and explain how you can contribute to the school's creative culture. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Whether it's a successful production or an innovative lesson plan, make sure we see how you've made a difference in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨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. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to student success.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine passion for the performing arts shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and ability to inspire students. This will help the interviewers see your potential to foster a strong creative culture.
✨Leadership Experience Matters
If you have any leadership experience, whether in teaching or extracurricular activities, be sure to highlight it. Discuss how you've motivated and mentored colleagues or led successful productions. This will demonstrate your readiness for the Head of Drama position.
✨Prepare Engaging Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the school’s vision for the performing arts and how they support professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.