Teacher Performing Arts in Surrey

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.