At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire creativity in Music and Drama, shaping a thriving Performing Arts department.
- Company: A welcoming secondary school in Bristol with a focus on creativity and student development.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and artistic impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through engaging performances and creative education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in teaching Music and/or Drama required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: Bristol
Start Date: September 2026
Nature: Full-Time / Permanent
Lead and inspire creativity, performance, and artistic excellence within a supportive and ambitious learning environment. A welcoming and forward-thinking secondary school in Bristol is seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Performing Arts to lead its successful Music and Drama provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious educator to shape and develop a thriving department that values creativity, performance, inclusion, and student-centred learning.
About the Role
The Head of Performing Arts will lead the delivery of an engaging and ambitious curriculum across Music and Drama at Key Stages 3 and 4 (KS5 desirable). The successful candidate will inspire students through high-quality teaching, exciting performance opportunities, and a strong commitment to artistic development. Working closely with senior leaders and the wider Performing Arts team, you will oversee curriculum development, departmental improvement, extracurricular provision, and whole-school enrichment initiatives, ensuring students achieve both academically and creatively.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Performing Arts department, including Music and Drama
- Plan and deliver high-quality lessons that engage, challenge, and inspire students
- Teach Music and/or Drama across KS3–KS4 (KS5 desirable)
- Develop a broad, creative, and inclusive Performing Arts curriculum
- Prepare students effectively for GCSE and examination performance requirements
- Monitor student progress and use assessment data to raise attainment
- Differentiate learning to support SEND, EAL, and high-attaining pupils
- Maintain high expectations for behaviour, participation, and achievement
- Lead departmental planning, moderation, and quality assurance processes
- Organise and oversee extracurricular activities including productions, concerts, showcases, theatre trips, and enrichment events
- Support and develop colleagues within the department through effective leadership and collaboration
- Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and external organisations
- Uphold safeguarding, equality, and school policies at all times
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- Experience teaching Music and/or Drama within a secondary school setting
- Previous leadership or departmental responsibility experience desirable
- Strong subject knowledge and passion for Performing Arts education
- Excellent classroom management and behaviour strategies
- Ability to motivate, challenge, and inspire learners of all abilities
- Skilled in curriculum planning, assessment, and departmental development
- Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- Legal right to work in the UK
About the School in Bristol
The school in Bristol is proud of its inclusive and supportive ethos, with a strong focus on academic achievement, creativity, and personal development. Staff collaborate effectively to create a positive learning culture where students are encouraged to express themselves confidently and achieve their full potential. The Performing Arts department is well-resourced and highly valued within the school community, offering students a wide range of opportunities to participate in productions, performances, concerts, and creative projects that promote confidence, teamwork, and artistic excellence.
Apply
If you are a passionate and committed Performing Arts leader looking to inspire young people and contribute to a thriving school community in Bristol, we welcome your application and CV.
Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Bristol! employer: Marchant Recruitment
This forward-thinking secondary school in Bristol is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and artistic excellence. With a strong commitment to professional development, staff are encouraged to collaborate and innovate, ensuring both personal and departmental growth. The well-resourced Performing Arts department provides unique opportunities for educators to inspire students through engaging performances and extracurricular activities, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Bristol!
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local arts events, and connect with people in the Bristol performing arts scene. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head of Performing Arts role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your best performances, lesson plans, and any successful projects you've led. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to artistic excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of creativity and inclusion in the Performing Arts department. Tailor your answers to reflect their goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our community and inspire the next generation of artists.
We think you need these skills to ace Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Bristol!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Performing Arts shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired creativity and performance in your previous roles. We want to see your passion for teaching and leading!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in Music and Drama, and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your skills align with our vision for a thriving Performing Arts department.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and practices in Performing Arts education. Brush up on your knowledge of curriculum development, especially for Music and Drama at KS3 and KS4. Being able to discuss specific teaching strategies and how you would inspire creativity will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or department in the past. Think about times when you’ve motivated colleagues or improved student outcomes. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to share your vision for the Performing Arts department and how you plan to foster collaboration.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the school’s values and ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their inclusive and supportive environment. Highlight your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, as this is crucial in any educational setting.
✨Plan for Extracurricular Excellence
Think about how you would enhance the extracurricular offerings in the Performing Arts. Have ideas ready for productions, concerts, and other events that could engage students and the wider community. Showing that you can think beyond the classroom will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the role.
