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- Tasks: Lead the RBO Schools programme, enhancing its reach and impact in arts education.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a prestigious arts organisation based in Covent Garden.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a vibrant cultural environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in arts education while working with passionate teams and inspiring communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership within education or cultural sectors; strong strategic planning and partnership skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups; flexible application support available.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Head of RBO Schools – Learning and Participation – Covent Garden
Permanent
Based in: Covent Garden, London
Salary: Upwards of £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is a world-leading arts organisation, based largely in the Royal Opera House – one of the world`s most celebrated theatres. The RBO is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
As an organisation we are well known for the world-class ballets and operas that we stage in our theatres and in cinemas and streaming platforms across the world. Our mission is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone.
Learning and Participation (L&P) is central to RBO`s mission of making the extraordinary for everyone. Our work in schools and communities up and down the country is driven by our free, curriculum linked programmes give children the chance to be creative, experiencing high quality arts education throughout their school lives. In the face of the squeeze on the arts in schools and the lack equity in arts education geographically and economically, RBO Schools demonstrates our purposeful commitment to change. We currently engage over 1,500 school across the nation with a programme that is distinctive in its vision and scale and underpinned by research. We invest in teacher development for system change, drive innovation through digital learning and build a network of partnerships across the country and high levels of advocacy.
To help with our commitment to growth we are looking to hire a Head of RBO Schools, who will be part of the leadership team within L&P working closely with the Director of Learning and Participation to lead the RBO Schools programme, continuously improving its reach, quality and impact in line with the Strategy to meet the Delivery Plan KPIs
The ideal individual will need to be able to demonstrate key skills in the following areas:
- Substantial experience working as a Senior Leader in the education / cultural sector with strong understanding of the landscape and evidence of making impact and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of good practice
- Strong leadership skills with ability to influence, inspire and motivate a skilled team
- Excellent strategic planning skills with the ability to prioritise, define goals and plan effectively to effect change
- Strong ability to build and sustain impactful partnership with multiple stakeholders
- Experience of scaling projects for impactful growth with entrepreneurial approach
- A passion for and some knowledge of opera and / or ballet and commitment to widening access to the artforms
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who arefrom a global majority background and/or those who aredisabled,as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.
A full job description and RBO information pack is attached below. If you have any access requirements for your application, please contact the RBO Recruitment Team on
Closing date for applications: 8am, 5th September 2025
First round interviews – w/c 20th September 2025
Second round interviews – w/c 29th September 2025
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Ballet and Opera's mission and current initiatives. Understanding their commitment to arts education and community engagement will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and cultural sectors, especially those involved in arts education. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential stakeholders and gain insights into best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail, particularly how you've influenced change and built partnerships. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your impact in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for ballet and opera by engaging with the art forms. Attend performances, participate in workshops, or volunteer at related events to deepen your understanding and express your commitment to widening access.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of RBO Schools position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your substantial experience in senior leadership within the education or cultural sector. Provide specific examples of how you've made an impact and demonstrate your understanding of good practices in these fields.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Illustrate your strong leadership skills by sharing instances where you've influenced, inspired, or motivated a team. Highlight your strategic planning abilities and how you've effectively prioritised goals to drive change.
Demonstrate Passion for the Arts: Convey your passion for opera and ballet, and your commitment to widening access to these art forms. This will resonate with the organisation's mission and show that you are aligned with their values.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of RBO Schools, it's crucial to highlight your substantial experience in leadership roles within the education or cultural sector. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've influenced and motivated teams, demonstrating your ability to drive change and achieve impactful results.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Planning Skills
The role requires excellent strategic planning abilities. During the interview, articulate how you prioritise goals and develop effective plans to meet objectives. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach to strategic thinking and execution.
✨Emphasise Partnership Building
Building and sustaining impactful partnerships is key to this role. Be ready to share your experiences in collaborating with various stakeholders, including schools, communities, and other organisations. Highlight any successful partnerships you've developed and the outcomes achieved.
✨Express Your Passion for the Arts
A genuine passion for opera and ballet is essential. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for these art forms during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to widening access to the arts and how you envision contributing to RBO's mission.
