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 strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 46881 - 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.
We can offer you excellent career development in a supportive environment. We are 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: https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/310982HSJ
Closing date: 18th May at 09:00am
Interviews: 20th 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/26/337148 employer: Havering Schools
St Edward’s Church of England Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. With a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, employees benefit from extensive CPD opportunities and a supportive environment that values their contributions. Located in Romford, the academy offers easy access to London and Essex, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in education.
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/26/337148
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Edward’s Church of England Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insights about the school culture and what they’re looking for in a Head of Drama.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can inspire creativity and confidence in students. Have examples ready of how you've done this in the past, as it aligns perfectly with their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way to ensure your application is considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and following their process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Drama Employer: St Edward’s Church of England Academy Reference: SCH/26/337148
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 our values and culture. Understanding what makes St Edward’s unique will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in.
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 experiences and ideas that reflect your commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence.
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 contribute to our vibrant Drama department. Remember, we’re looking for someone who aligns with our vision!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our careers website. This way, you’ll have the best chance of being considered, and it shows us you’re keen to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Havering Schools
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Drama curriculum and how it aligns with the school’s vision. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for enhancing creativity and collaboration within the department.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share your approach to leading a team. Think about examples where you've inspired colleagues or fostered a culture of mutual respect and support, as this is key for the role.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with St Edward’s Church of England Academy’s ethos and values. Be prepared to articulate how your beliefs align with their mission of helping every student live life in all its fullness.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s environment is the right fit for you.
