At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Performing Arts department, inspiring students and staff to achieve excellence in music.
- Company: Outwood Academy Riverside, a forward-thinking free school in Middlesbrough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey with exceptional resources and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and shape the future of music education in a state-of-the-art facility.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required.
The predicted salary is between 51773 - 57137 € per year.
Academy: Outwood Academy Riverside
Start Date: 01 September 2026
Salary (Actual Salary): £51,773 - £57,137
Working Pattern: 32.5 Hours Per Week, Day to Day, Term Time only
Are you a visionary educator ready to lead a subject department, providing clear, cohesive direction and inspiring high achievement? Join us as a Head of Department, where you will communicate a clear purpose and vision, motivate colleagues, and implement whole-Academy initiatives to ensure your department meets ambitious academic targets. This role is designed for someone who models the Academy's values, promotes innovative teaching strategies, and is dedicated to securing continuous improvement and quality outcomes for all students.
About the Department: At Outwood Academy Riverside, we are already four years into a transformative journey as a MiSST school, where the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme ensures that every student across Key Stage 3 is gifted their own instrument. This commitment has laid a formidable foundation, culminating in the exciting growth of our very own school orchestra. We are now seeking a visionary Head of Department for Performing Arts with a Music specialism to seize this momentum and take our musical legacy to the next level. With the academy’s upcoming move to state-of-the-art, brand-new facilities, you will have the elite resources and acoustic spaces necessary to build upon our established curriculum and radically expand our extra-curricular program. Our shared vision is for MiSST and music to act as the beating heart of the school, driving a vibrant cultural atmosphere where performance is woven into the daily life of every student.
Responsibilities: The Head of Department is responsible for communicating a clear purpose and vision while providing cohesive leadership and direction to the Department/Faculty. This leader models the Academy's values, promotes high standards through effective teaching, and is accountable for implementing the Department Development Plan/Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) to secure continuous improvement. They develop and sustain DEEP LEADERSHIP through line management of staff, overseeing department resources and budget, reviewing syllabuses, and conducting Performance Management Reviews.
Qualifications: Essential qualifications required are a Degree in the relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of their subject's secondary curriculum (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5), knowledge of current departmental issues, and understanding of school improvement and Ofsted inspection programmes. Essential experience includes leading or supporting the leadership of a department, successful teaching across all key stages, and evidence of managing/leading a new initiative. Required skills encompass being an outstanding classroom practitioner with a clear vision, possessing outstanding relationships with students and staff, and the ability to analyze data to develop rapid improvement intervention strategies.
Head of Performing Arts - Specialism Music in Middlesbrough employer: Outwood
Outwood Academy Riverside is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff while fostering a supportive and innovative work culture. Located in the heart of Middlesbrough, this free school offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic Performing Arts department with access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that educators can inspire students and drive academic excellence. With a commitment to kindness, respect, and integrity, we provide a nurturing environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performing Arts - Specialism Music in Middlesbrough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Outwood Academy Riverside on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Performing Arts.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your vision! When you get the chance to interview, be ready to share your innovative ideas for the music department. We want to hear how you plan to inspire students and staff alike, so let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about how you would handle challenges in leading a department. We know they’ll want to see your problem-solving skills, so have some examples ready that highlight your leadership experience.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our unique journey at Outwood Academy Riverside.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performing Arts - Specialism Music in Middlesbrough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your vision for the Performing Arts department. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment to inspiring students.
Align with Our Values:Make sure to highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with our core values of kindness, compassion, respect, and integrity. We’re looking for someone who embodies these principles and can lead by example in our vibrant school community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and vision for the department. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and aspirations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Outwood
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the Performing Arts department. Think about how you can inspire both students and staff, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the academy's values of kindness, compassion, respect, and integrity. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led a team or implemented new initiatives in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the current curriculum and any innovative teaching strategies that could enhance student engagement in music. Be prepared to discuss how you would build upon the existing programme and expand extra-curricular opportunities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy's future plans, especially regarding the new facilities and how they will support the Performing Arts. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
