At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through engaging lessons in music, dance, and drama.
- Company: The Abbey School, a supportive secondary special school in Farnham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a creative teaching environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to student success and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while nurturing their artistic talents.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status with experience in performing arts and SEND.
The predicted salary is between 20638 - 31494 £ per year.
Location: Farnham, Surrey
Salary: COREM1–EXCELM3 (FTE: £34,398 - £52,490) Actual: £20,638.80 - £31,494 plus SEN1 allowance (£2,539 pro rata) Actual: £1,672
Contract: Part-time, fixed-term maternity cover for one year
Working pattern: 3 days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Start date: September 2026
School type: Secondary Special School (11–16), mixed gender
The Abbey School is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and committed teacher (primary or secondary trained) with expertise in performing arts to join our team on a one-year maternity cover contract from September 2026. This is a part-time position, working three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday). We are looking for a performing arts specialist with strong subject knowledge and practical experience in music, dance and drama. Applicants may have a particular strength or specialism in one area, with the confidence and flexibility to teach across the other disciplines.
The performing arts curriculum is well established, delivered through a two-year scheme of learning and taught in a dedicated performing arts studio, providing an excellent environment for creative, practical learning. The successful candidate will be an effective classroom practitioner who can inspire and engage pupils through accessible, high‑quality teaching while maintaining high expectations and positive relationships. Experience of working with children with special educational needs is desirable, though this does not need to have been gained within a special school setting. A flexible, inclusive approach and a strong understanding of individual pupil needs are essential. The majority of our pupils are working at KS1 and KS2, with a small number studying GCSEs in English and Maths. Pupils also achieve a range of accredited outcomes, including Entry Level Awards and Functional Skills qualifications, reflecting both academic and personal progress.
Working at The Abbey School is highly rewarding. Our pupils continually impress us with their resilience, achievements and positive attitudes to learning. We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit the school prior to applying, to meet our pupils and staff and see the school in action.
Duties and responsibilities
- Plan and deliver high-quality, well-structured lessons in music, dance and drama, taught on a rotational basis, in line with the school’s established curriculum and two-year scheme of learning.
- Create engaging, practical and accessible performing arts lessons that support pupils working across a wide range of abilities and needs.
- Assess, monitor, record and report on pupils’ progress and achievement in performing arts, making accurate and effective use of assessment to inform planning and next steps.
- Adapt teaching approaches and resources to meet individual learning needs, ensuring all pupils are supported and appropriately challenged.
- Set high expectations in performing arts that inspire, motivate and build pupils’ confidence, creativity and self-expression.
- Promote positive progress and outcomes through inclusive, well‑paced and creative teaching.
- Attend parents’ evenings and contribute to communication with families regarding pupils’ progress and achievements in performing arts, as required.
- Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and practical expertise across music, dance and drama, ensuring lessons are purposeful and engaging.
- Maintain up-to-date pupil target cards and learning profiles, reflecting progress in performing arts and personal development.
- Plan, rehearse and oversee school performances and productions, providing pupils with opportunities to showcase their achievements and develop performance skills.
SEND
- Lead the Annual Review process for pupils in the assigned form group, working in partnership with families and professionals (training given).
- Ensure that EHCP provision is effectively implemented and reflected in day‑to‑day classroom practice.
- Adapt and differentiate teaching to meet a wide range of SEND, enabling pupils to access learning and make progress.
- Maintain accurate SEND records and keep up to date with SEND legislation and best practice.
This is not a complete list of responsibilities. For a more in-depth description of the role responsibilities, please refer to our website.
Person Specification
- Has qualified teacher status with a degree qualification.
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
- A proven record of sustained effective classroom practice, demonstrating effective outcomes.
- High expectations and shows a passionate commitment to developing the best in young people, with a relentless focus upon ensuring excellent attainment and outcomes.
- Experience of teaching one or more of the Performing Arts – Music, Dance and Drama.
- Has a record of successful working with parents as partners in learning.
- Ability to track, monitor and analyse student data to provide intervention to support outcomes.
- Experience of developing ambitious, progressive and well sequenced Schemes of Learning.
- Effective use of assessment and attainment data to improve departmental standards and practices.
- Knowledge of implementing a high-quality curriculum that promotes challenge and engagement for students and inspires staff.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Abbey School, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Teacher Performing Arts in Farnham employer: The Abbey School
Contact Detail:
The Abbey School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher Performing Arts in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! Visit The Abbey School, meet the staff and pupils, and get a feel for the environment. This will not only help you tailor your application but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former teachers at the school. They can provide insider tips on what the school values most in a candidate, which can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your teaching style and adaptability. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged students with diverse needs in performing arts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Abbey School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher Performing Arts in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand what The Abbey School is looking for in a candidate, so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Passion for Performing Arts: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for performing arts shine through! Share specific examples of your experience in music, dance, or drama, and how you've inspired students in the past. This will help us see your commitment to engaging pupils in creative learning.
Highlight Your Flexibility and Inclusivity: Since the role involves working with a diverse range of abilities and needs, be sure to mention any experience you have adapting lessons for different learners. We want to know how you can create an inclusive environment that supports all pupils in their artistic journey.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about The Abbey School and what we stand for before you hit that submit button.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Abbey School
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the school's established performing arts curriculum and the two-year scheme of learning. Be ready to discuss how you would plan and deliver engaging lessons in music, dance, and drama that cater to a wide range of abilities.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for performing arts during the interview. Share examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to maintain high expectations while fostering creativity and self-expression in your future classes.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since the role requires teaching across different disciplines, be prepared to talk about your strengths in one area and how you can adapt your teaching methods to cover the others. Mention any experience you have in working with diverse student needs, especially those with special educational needs.
✨Engage with the School Community
Before the interview, consider visiting the school to get a feel for the environment and meet some staff and pupils. This will not only help you understand the school's culture but also give you valuable insights to discuss during your interview.