At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an engaging Drama curriculum and inspire creativity in students.
- Company: Ambitious secondary school in South East London with a thriving arts community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Inner London Weighting, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a vibrant school culture that champions the performing arts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Drama and make a real impact in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience teaching Drama across all key stages.
Philosophy Education is working in partnership with an ambitious secondary school in South East London to recruit an exceptional Head of Drama from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and inspirational leader to shape the future of Drama and performing arts within a thriving school community. The successful candidate will lead the development of an ambitious curriculum, champion the value of the arts, and create a culture of performance, participation and excellence that places Drama at the heart of school life.
The Role
- Lead and develop an engaging and ambitious Drama curriculum across KS3–KS5.
- Drive high-quality teaching, learning and student outcomes.
- Champion Drama and the performing arts across the school community.
- Develop a vibrant programme of productions, performances and enrichment opportunities.
- Inspire creativity, confidence, communication and self-expression in all students.
- Lead departmental improvement and contribute to wider school priorities.
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Experience teaching Drama across KS3, KS4 and KS5.
- Outstanding classroom practitioner with a strong track record of student achievement.
- Passionate about increasing participation and engagement in the performing arts.
- Ambitious, creative and committed to continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire both students and colleagues.
Salary
MPS/UPS TLR2A (£3,527) £40,389 – £62,560 plus Inner London Weighting and TLR.
Start Date
September 2026
For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Philosophy Education. Philosophy Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks. We have a policy to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Philosophy Education is a Recruitment Business and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients.
Head of Drama - Secondary School employer: Philosophy Education
Philosophy Education is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises creativity and professional growth. As the Head of Drama in a thriving secondary school in South East London, you will have the opportunity to lead an ambitious curriculum and inspire students while benefiting from competitive salary packages and a commitment to continuous improvement in the arts. Join a community that values performance and participation, ensuring that Drama remains at the heart of school life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Drama - Secondary School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend drama workshops, and connect with local schools. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for Drama! Create a portfolio of your work, including lesson plans, production photos, and student testimonials. 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 drama programme. Tailor your responses to show how you can enhance their vision and inspire students in the performing arts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Drama - Secondary School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Drama:When writing your application, let your love for Drama shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and contributed to the performing arts. We want to see your enthusiasm and creativity in action!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with KS3, KS4, and KS5 Drama, and showcase any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so make that clear!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 Philosophy Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Drama curriculum for KS3 to KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and enhance it, showcasing your creativity and ambition. Think about specific examples of how you've engaged students in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you inspire both students and colleagues. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to drive high-quality teaching and learning outcomes, as well as how you've championed the arts in previous roles.
✨Engage with the School Community
Research the school’s current Drama programme and think about how you can contribute to it. Be prepared to discuss ideas for productions, performances, and enrichment opportunities that could enhance the school's cultural life.
✨Passion is Key
Let your passion for Drama and the performing arts shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to increasing participation and engagement in the arts, and how you inspire creativity and self-expression in students.
