At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire creativity in Music and Drama, shaping a thriving Performing Arts department.
- Company: Welcoming secondary school in Oxford with a focus on creativity and academic achievement.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to student-centred learning and artistic excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' artistic journeys and foster their confidence and creativity.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in teaching Music and/or Drama required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
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 Oxford 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 Oxford
The school in Oxford 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 Oxford, we welcome your application and CV.
Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Oxford! employer: Marchant Recruitment
This welcoming and forward-thinking secondary school in Oxford is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and ambitious learning environment where creativity and artistic excellence thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, staff collaboration, and a commitment to student-centred learning, the school provides unique opportunities for educators to inspire young minds while enjoying a vibrant work culture that values inclusion and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Oxford!
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local arts events, and connect with people in the industry. 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 extracurricular activities you've led. This will help us see your creative flair and commitment to the arts.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and current Performing Arts offerings. Tailor your responses to show how you can enhance their programme and inspire students in Music and Drama.
✨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 candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Oxford!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Performing Arts shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion can inspire students and contribute to our vibrant school community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Music and Drama, especially any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous positions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've engaged students and led successful projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing it right away!
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 inspired colleagues or improved student outcomes. This role is all about leadership, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop others.
✨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. Showing that you align with their mission will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Plan for Extracurricular Excellence
Think about how you would enhance the extracurricular offerings in the Performing Arts department. Have ideas ready for productions, concerts, and other events that could engage students and the wider community. This shows you’re not just focused on academics but also on creating a vibrant arts culture.
