At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the Performing Arts department, shaping students' creative journeys.
- Company: Welling School, a community-focused institution dedicated to student development.
- Benefits: Generous pension, wellbeing support, discounts, and tailored professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through creativity and performance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Drama, QTS, and proven leadership in arts education.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of Performing Arts? At Welling School, we believe that Drama and the Performing Arts are vital to a student's development, fostering the discipline, confidence, and creativity they need to succeed. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Performing Arts with a specialism in Drama to lead our department into its next chapter of excellence. As the architect of our students' creative journeys, you will ensure that creativity, performance, and achievement are at the heart of their school experience. By leading Drama and providing a coherent, ambitious vision for Music and Art, you will ensure every young artist at Welling School benefits from a seamless arts education that empowers them to find their voice, build their confidence, and take pride in their craft.
The Role
This is a pivotal leadership position designed for an ambitious educator who can balance artistic passion with rigorous academic management. You will be responsible for the strategic direction of Performing Arts across the school, ensuring that high-quality teaching leads to outstanding student outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion Progress: Lead systematic student tracking to ensure every learner, including those with SEND and high prior attainers, exceeds their potential across GCSE, A-Level, and vocational pathways.
- Innovate the Experience: Drive our ArtsMark journey and develop a curriculum that provides students with rich cultural capital and direct links to the creative industries.
- Empower Excellence: Mentor the next generation of educators through ITT and lead a faculty team where high-quality pedagogy ensures students receive an outstanding education in every lesson.
- Foster Belonging: Lead a vibrant extracurricular programme of performances, concerts, and workshops that celebrate student achievement and make the arts the “beating heart” of our school community.
The Successful Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a distinguished educator with a proven track record of departmental leadership or significant project management within the arts.
You Will Possess:
- Expertise: A good degree in Drama (or equivalent) and QTS.
- Track Record: Proven success in delivering outstanding student outcomes and experience directing high-quality productions.
- Leadership: The ability to innovate and lead staff, ensuring a consistent and ambitious student experience across all arts disciplines.
- Qualities: Determination to ensure that every student, regardless of background, benefits from exceptional resources and opportunities.
What We Offer You
- Generous Pension Scheme: Secure your future with substantial employer contributions toward your long-term financial wellbeing.
- Wellbeing Support: Access to a wellbeing app that supports exercise and mindfulness, plus an expert-led eight-week mindfulness programme.
- Retail and Lifestyle Discounts: A scheme offering savings both online and in-store to support everyday living costs.
- Cycle To Work Scheme: Supporting affordable access to bikes and promoting active, sustainable travel.
- Family Friendly Leave: Policies designed to help colleagues balance professional commitments with caring responsibilities.
- Counselling Support: Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for colleagues and their eligible immediate family members.
- Tailored CPD: Continued professional development to support your in-role excellence and career progression ambitions.
About Welling School
Our values of being kind, ambitious, and active underpin everything we do. We balance high standards with a genuine commitment to our people. Our expectations are high because we believe every student has the potential to flourish and become a valuable, confident member of the community we serve.
Our Commitment – Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible Working
We recognise the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. We promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work-life balance.
Our Commitment – Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging
We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to Interview
Be who you are at Welling School – should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
Head of Performing Arts in London employer: The Kemnal Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
The Kemnal Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performing Arts in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the performing arts world, whether it's through LinkedIn or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for drama and the arts shine through. Share your vision for how you can elevate their programme and make a real impact on students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s current arts initiatives. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their goals, especially around fostering creativity and student achievement. This shows you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performing Arts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts: When writing your application, let your love for Performing Arts shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your passion for Drama and how it has shaped your teaching style. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've driven student success in the arts. This will show us you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kemnal Academies Trust
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the Performing Arts department. Think about how you can integrate Drama, Music, and Art into a cohesive curriculum that empowers students. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you would champion creativity and excellence in the school.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in leading arts programmes or productions. Highlight any innovative projects you've implemented and the positive outcomes for students. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how your leadership has made a difference in student engagement and achievement.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Welling School's values of kindness, ambition, and activity. During the interview, reflect these values in your responses. Show how your approach to education aligns with their commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging among students.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their current arts initiatives, how they measure student success in the arts, or what support systems are in place for educators. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the school community.