Performing Arts Teacher in High Peak

High Peak School is seeking a motivated and inspiring Performing Arts teacher to join our dynamic team and inspire pupils through engaging, high-quality performing arts lessons.

About Us

High Peak School, part of the Kedleston Group, is an independent specialist primary and secondary setting for children and young people aged 7–16. We support pupils with autism, speech, language and communication needs, and SEMH with anxiety and mental health needs including pupils who have experienced emotional school‑based non‑attendance (EBSNA). We help children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who may be struggling to keep up with the pace of work, may be losing confidence, or struggling with the overwhelming sensory environment of their mainstream school. We also help children who have been out of education for a period of time, to positively re‑engage in an education which takes into account any negative experiences they may have had in schools so far.

It is an exciting time to join us with the expansion of the RAISE pathway designed to support pupils to successfully re‑integrate back into education who have experienced emotionally based school non‑attendance. Developing safe and secure relationships with pupils and staff and watching personal growth of pupils is amazing to see. Set over 20 acres of beautiful countryside amongst the rolling hills of Derbyshire, our unique environment provides an exceptional setting for learning, personal development, and wellbeing. We currently have 90 pupils on roll and are expanding to accommodate up to 110 pupils, reflecting our continued growth and success. Our small class sizes, specialist approach, and nurturing ethos enable pupils to thrive both academically and personally. High Peak School is proud to be part of the Kedleston Group, a respected provider of specialist education with 14 schools across the country. We are also proud to hold a Good rating from Ofsted for the past 3 inspections.

We are looking for creative, enthusiastic professionals who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for every pupil.

About the Role

As Performing Arts Teacher at High Peak School, you will play a key role in a team that places children and young people at the heart of everything we do. You will:

• Plan, deliver and assess high‑quality teaching and learning in Music and Performing Arts that engage and challenge our pupils
• Use proven approaches to ensure all pupils can access learning and make strong progress
• Foster a positive learning environment that supports pupils educational and personal growth
• Support pupils with ASC, ADHD, and a range of additional learning needs to achieve their full potential
• Create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment
• Deliver high‑quality provision, foster community engagement and creative collaboration
• Meet pupils’ pastoral as well as academic needs
• Inspire trust, confidence and engagement across the school community
• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with pupils, colleagues, families, external professionals, and the wider school community to support pupil outcomes
• Contribute to curriculum development and the wider life of the school
• Demonstrate high expectations for both academic achievement and personal development
• Participate in school activities, extracurricular programs, and professional development opportunities

You will lead school shows and performances, raise the profile of the arts across the school, and drive a vision that puts performing arts at High Peak School firmly on the map, establishing it as a recognised area of strength.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience teaching Music and Performing Arts up to Key Stage 4
• Holds QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant teaching qualification
• Has experience working with children with autism and associated needs
• Has experience teaching pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream or specialist settings
• Shares a passion for the arts and supporting children to become confident and capable individuals

You will be committed to meeting pupils’ educational, health and social care needs within a structured, nurturing environment.

Why Join High Peak School?

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care. When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career. At High Peak School, we are committed to supporting our staff as well as our pupils. You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• Salary on the Main Pay Scale to Upper Pay Scale (MPS–UPS)
• Extensive and high‑quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
• Access to a range of employee discount and health and wellbeing schemes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous life cover
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing national group of specialist schools
• A supportive and collaborative staff team
• The chance to work in a stunning rural setting with over 20 acres of grounds and outdoor learning opportunities
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of young people

Safeguarding

Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies, and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of safeguarding or child protection concerns. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and always be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues. The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self‑declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.