At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant Drama department, shaping an ambitious curriculum.
- Company: St Edward’s Church of England Academy, part of Unity Schools Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, CPD opportunities, and supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through the transformative power of the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching Drama and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 46681 - 64865 £ per year.
As St Edward’s Church of England Academy continues to grow and flourish, we are delighted to invite applications for an inspirational Head of Drama to lead a vibrant and creative department. Drama holds a vital place in our curriculum, empowering students to express themselves, develop confidence and engage deeply with the world around them. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a Drama curriculum that nurtures creativity, collaboration and personal growth.
We recognise the emotional and professional demands of leadership roles and are committed to supporting staff wellbeing. At St Edward’s, we work hard — but thoughtfully — ensuring workload is manageable and leaders feel supported, trusted and valued.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead, shape and develop an ambitious Drama curriculum
- Inspire high quality teaching and creative practice
- Promote performance, enrichment and wider participation
- Build a culture of confidence, expression and mutual respect
- Support and develop colleagues within the department
- Contribute to whole school leadership and community life
- Share our vision of helping every student live life in all its fullness
This role is perfect for someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of the arts and wants to lead with purpose, compassion and ambition.
As part of the Unity Schools Partnership, we offer:
- A wide range of CPD opportunities (both in school and beyond)
- Opportunities for career progression (including the opportunity to participate in the Trust’s Leadership Development Programme)
- A supportive working environment.
- Excellent career development in a supportive environment.
- Situated in Romford within easy travel and road links to both London and Essex.
If you would like an informal discussion about the post, or you would like to visit the school, please contact Maria Driscoll (Headteacher’s PA) on info@steds.org.uk. We look forward to receiving your application.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.
To apply, please use the following link: Apply Here
Closing date: 9:00am, 11th May 2026
Interviews: From Wednesday 13th May 2026
Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. In line with safer recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs. Failure to complete an application form satisfactorily may result in not being shortlisted for the post.
Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
We care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you’d prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we’ll facilitate this wherever we can – whether to help you meet other commitments or to help you strike a great work-life balance. We’re keen to ensure we’re designing an organisation that works for everyone, so we particularly encourage applications from different under-represented groups. Unity Schools Partnership, welcoming diversity.
Head of Department - Drama Employer: St Edward’s Church of England Academy Reference: SCH/26/336582 employer: Havering Schools
Contact Detail:
Havering Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - Drama Employer: St Edward’s Church of England Academy Reference: SCH/26/336582
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Edward’s Church of England Academy. Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership in drama education. Think about how you can inspire creativity and confidence in students. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've led successful drama projects or initiatives in the past. Highlight your vision for the Drama curriculum at St Edward’s and how you plan to engage students and staff alike.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the department, the school's vision, or professional development opportunities. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Drama Employer: St Edward’s Church of England Academy Reference: SCH/26/336582
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for who we are at St Edward’s. Understanding our values and vision will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vibrant community.
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your passion for drama and how you can inspire students. Share your unique experiences and ideas that demonstrate your commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence in young people.
Follow the Guidelines: Make sure you read the job description carefully and address all the key points in your application. Highlight your leadership skills and how you plan to develop an ambitious Drama curriculum. This is your chance to show us why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Remember, we may start interviewing before the closing date, so getting your application in early could give you an edge.
How to prepare for a job interview at Havering Schools
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the current Drama curriculum at St Edward’s. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance it, focusing on creativity and collaboration. Show them you understand the importance of drama in empowering students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share your vision for leading the Drama department. Highlight your experience in inspiring high-quality teaching and fostering a culture of mutual respect. They want to see how you can support and develop your colleagues.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways to promote performance and wider participation within the school community. Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with students, parents, and staff to create a vibrant drama culture.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Support
Since they value staff wellbeing, be prepared to talk about how you would manage workload while supporting your team. Share examples of how you've previously created a supportive environment in your past roles.