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- Tasks: Lead the Drama department and inspire students in creative pursuits.
- Company: Heathcote School, a supportive and inclusive community school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent resources, and a focus on staff well-being.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creative journeys and enjoy a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching Drama across all abilities, including GCSE.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 38000 £ per year.
Heathcote School and Science College is an inclusive community school with key values to Encourage, Challenge and Succeed. The values are integral in everything we do to support and nurture pupils to achieve the best possible outcomes in a safe and happy learning environment. Feedback from our recent Ofsted report (February 2024) confirmed staff greatly enjoy working at the school. They hugely value the support they receive for their workload and well-being.
We are seeking to appoint an innovative, solution-focused and inspirational Department Lead for Drama with the ability to teach to the full ability range, including GCSE. As part of the role, you will oversee the Peri Music provision in school and Dance GCSE. You will play a key role in ensuring pupils have a wide range of opportunities to experience and succeed in creative pursuits, such as trips to concerts and a school production.
The school puts well-being and development at the heart of its work, and we have very talented staff who are encouraged to grow and develop collaboratively, within school and with local schools, to be the best they can be. We are working to raise standards in a ‘high challenge, low threat’ way and enable robust systems which ensure consistency in all areas and encourage growth and development for all.
The school has excellent resources and an impressive, spacious site on the edge of Epping Forest including a staff car park and surrounding roads that do not require a parking permit. We are also a 15-minute walk from Chingford Station which has great links into the City.
We aim to ensure our staff body reflects the diversity of our community and use anonymised recruitment processes in our short-listing. We employ staff with diverse skills and backgrounds and this ensures that our policies and systems are always inclusive of all our stakeholders. We value and respect everyone’s identity and our Equality Information and Objectives Policy confirms our commitment to the 2010 Equalities Act.
If you are interested, please look at our school website https://heathcoteschool.com/ for further information about our school. Completed application forms should be emailed to recruitment@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk. Closing date for receipt of applications: Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 9am. Please do contact the school as soon as you can if you are interested. Please note: applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to close this position before the date specified above. We therefore urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.
Heathcote School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Equal Opportunities Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme.
For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
Head of Drama employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Drama
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Heathcote School and its values. Understanding their commitment to well-being and inclusivity 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 insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Head of Drama.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the school's creative pursuits. Have some ideas ready for drama productions or music events that align with their vision of encouraging and challenging students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Heathcote School. Get your application in early to beat the rush!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Drama
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Drama: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for drama shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you about teaching this subject. We want to see how you can bring creativity and excitement to our students.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values of Heathcote School. Highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with our commitment to encourage, challenge, and succeed. This will show us that you understand our community and its needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and ideas.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications as they come in, so getting yours in early could give you an edge. Plus, it shows us you're proactive and eager to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Drama
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in drama education. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum, especially GCSE requirements, and be ready to discuss how you can inspire students across all abilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Drama, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or department, focusing on collaboration and development, which aligns with the school's values.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Heathcote School values well-being and inclusivity. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to creating a supportive environment for both staff and students, and how you can enhance the creative opportunities available.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's approach to drama and the support provided for staff. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.