Subject Lead - Drama

Avanti Grange Secondary School, Bishop’s Stortford Grade: MPS1 - UPS3 + TLR 2a

We are seeking an ambitious and inspirational Subject Lead to drive excellence across our Drama curriculum area and play a key role in the strategic development of our school. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate teacher and confident leader who is ready to shape high-quality provision, raise standards and build a culture of academic rigour, innovation and collaboration.

As Subject Lead, you will ensure the delivery of a comprehensive, engaging and high-achieving curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. You will lead on the development of schemes of work, assessment strategies and teaching approaches that motivate students and secure strong progress. You will also lead the planning, rehearsal and delivery of an annual whole-school drama production, fostering student participation and celebrating the performing arts within the wider life of the school.

With a clear focus on continuous improvement, you will use self-evaluation, data and quality assurance processes to refine practice and embed high expectations across your team. You will build and develop a committed team of teaching and support staff, nurturing professional growth through coaching, appraisal and collaboration. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will model outstanding classroom practice by delivering well-planned, inclusive lessons and ensuring that behaviour, safeguarding and student wellbeing remain central to daily practice.

If you have the drive to lead change, the confidence to inspire colleagues and the belief that every student can succeed, we would love to hear from you. School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Avanti Grange is Bishop’s Stortford’s newest secondary school, already recognised as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted (2025). Our state-of-the-art campus serves families across Bishop’s Stortford and neighbouring villages, and is home to a vibrant, ambitious and supportive community. The school is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation locally and the demand to be part of our journey.

We are a co-educational community school, part of the Avanti Schools Trust, with a clear vision to inspire spiritually compassionate changemakers. Our staff are motivated by a shared purpose: to deliver exceptional teaching, foster character formation, and nurture wellbeing. We are equally committed to the growth of our staff as to the success of our students.

In 2024, we were awarded the Teacher Development Trust Gold Award for the quality and culture of our professional development – recognition held by only a small number of schools nationally. Through education-leading CPD and coaching, colleagues at Avanti Grange thrive in an environment where “better never stops.” Students benefit from a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum, underpinned by yoga, mindfulness, and an exceptional co-curricular programme. Our pastoral system is a defining strength: impeccable behaviour supports high-quality learning, while wellbeing is woven into daily life through practices that allow both staff and students to flourish.

With more than 660 students on roll and growing each year towards a full secondary and sixth form, Avanti Grange offers a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most exciting schools in the region.

What will you do?

• To ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum that has high expectations of achievement for all students.
• To formulate, in conjunction with the subject team, an annual subject improvement plan which supports the School improvement plan.
• To build an effective team of motivated teaching and support staff who share the school vision of Educational excellence, character formation and spiritual insight for all students.
• Deliver the curriculum as relevant to the age and ability group/subject/s that you teach.
• Work collaboratively with others to develop effective professional relationships.

Why should you apply?

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place. You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Qualified to bachelor’s degree level in relevant subject or allied subject.
• Significant teaching experience in one or more good or outstanding schools – demonstrably delivering high standards.
• Effective and compelling management style that secures the buy-in of stakeholders and encourages confidence and creativity alongside high levels of personal and team organisation.
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students.

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.