Teacher of Drama - Cantell School in Southampton

Cantell School is proud to be a heavily oversubscribed, inclusive comprehensive school with a student intake that reflects a wonderfully diverse and vibrant local community. Our fundamental mission is to provide an exceptional learning experience for every student so that they may lead a happy and successful life now and in the future. We place a strong emphasis on developing confident communicators through our EMPOWER skills and oracy strategy, alongside high-quality teaching that meets the needs of every learner. In March 2024, we were judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed Teacher of Drama to join our vibrant Creative Arts team. This role would particularly suit an Early Career Teacher, although applications from teachers at any stage of their career are very welcome. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with a Performing Arts or Musical Theatre background, who are passionate about inspiring young people through performance, creativity and the arts. Experience or willingness to contribute to other areas of the Creative Arts curriculum may be an advantage, particularly in supporting whole-school productions and working collaboratively with the Music Department.

• Teach Drama across KS3 and KS4, including the delivery of GCSE specifications
• Support the Head of Department in the ongoing development, implementation and evaluation of the Drama curriculum
• Plan and deliver quality-first teaching, underpinned by adaptive teaching strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including students with SEND
• Use assessment effectively to track and monitor student progress, adapting teaching in response to individual needs
• Champion Cantell School's focus on EMPOWER skills and actively promote oracy within lessons
• Work closely with the SEND team and support staff to ensure appropriate scaffolding, challenge and access for all students
• Lead and contribute to extra-curricular activities, including Drama clubs, rehearsals and enrichment opportunities
• Take a leading role in the direction and delivery of the annual school production, working collaboratively with Creative Arts colleagues
• Organise and support trips, visits and workshops that build students' cultural capital
• Liaise effectively with parents, carers, support staff and external providers, including attending parents' evenings
• Engage fully with the school's CPD programme, including training related to SEND, adaptive teaching and inclusive practice

• A supportive environment for ECTs, with structured mentoring and development
• A strong commitment to professional learning and career progression
• A culture that values adaptive teaching, inclusion and collaboration
• Enthusiastic students who value the arts and performance
• A welcoming and supportive staff community

• Is a qualified teacher (or completing training) with the ability to teach Drama
• Has knowledge of GCSE Drama specifications
• Has a passion for Musical Theatre and Performing Arts, and a willingness to support school productions
• May have experience or interest in contributing to other areas of the Creative Arts, including collaboration with the Music Department
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive practice and adaptive teaching
• Is reflective, collaborative and eager to develop their practice
• Is committed to raising aspirations and outcomes for all students, including those with SEND
• Brings energy, creativity and a willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school

The school is committed to safeguarding children and all applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS check. Although applications will be processed as they arrive, an earlier closing date may be made before this if a successful candidate is found. An application form is available on our website www.cantell.co.uk. For further details or to arrange a visit, please contact a member of the HR team by email recruitment@cantell.co.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Start date: April 2026 or earlier if available.