At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups; flexible application support available.
- 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.
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
The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative educational initiatives in the heart of Covent Garden, London. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, RBO fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through innovative programmes and partnerships. Joining RBO means being part of a world-renowned arts organisation dedicated to making high-quality arts education accessible to all, while enjoying competitive salaries and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Head of RBO Schools - Learning and Participation - Covent Garden role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
