At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an exciting drama programme, helping students build confidence and skills through performances.
- Company: Join the vibrant UKLC and Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme team.
- Benefits: Enjoy full-board accommodation, competitive pay, and access to amazing facilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for progression and a chance to make a real impact!
- Why this job: Inspire young learners and create unforgettable summer experiences in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching drama and working with young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
At the UKLC and Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme, we offer immersive residential English language and activity courses for international students aged 11–17. Our mission is clear: to Educate, Inspire, and Enrich young learners through world‑class tuition, engaging electives, and unforgettable cultural experiences. We are passionate about creating life‑changing opportunities where students develop confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships in a supportive and vibrant boarding school environment.
As a Performing Arts Specialist, you will lead the planning and delivery of an exciting and inclusive drama programme. Through engaging lessons and dynamic performances, you will help students gain confidence, build skills, and create lasting memories.
Job Description
- Contract Type: Fixed Term
- Reporting to: Course Director
- Opportunity for Progression: Excursion and Activity Manager
Pre‑Summer Preparation
- Attend an online pre‑summer training session and in‑person inductions.
- Attend the team induction and assist with centre setup.
Summer Delivery
- Plan and deliver an engaging performing arts programme ensuring that the students are involved and enthusiastic.
- Ensure all activities are safe and inclusive, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and creativity.
- Collaborate with the Excursion and Activity Manager and Activity Coordinator to align the programme with the overall activity schedule.
- Maintain and manage the equipment and materials, ensuring everything is prepared before and returned after each session.
- Prepare students for the final showcase, ensuring the performance highlights their talents and celebrates their progress.
Teamwork and Communication
- Maintain the good name and reputation of UKLC and the Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme at all times.
- Provide regular updates to the Course Director on session plans and outcomes.
- Collaborate with other specialists and team members to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
- Work with the team and group leaders [if applicable] to maintain team and student discipline.
Student Support
- Feedback regularly to the Course Director.
- Read, understand and sign off to all risk assessments for the programme.
- Deal quickly and effectively with student and group leader queries regarding the programme.
- Regularly help to update information regarding the programme on the noticeboard.
- Maintain accurate records of activities, including attendance and feedback forms.
- Provide constructive feedback on the programme to inform future improvements.
- Complete end‑of‑contract feedback to support programme development.
Summer Feedback and Admin Tasks
- Provide feedback to the Course Director.
- Maintain accident and damage records.
- Assist with maintaining noticeboards and keeping activity‑related records up to date.
- Complete end‑of‑contract feedback to support continuous improvement.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- UKLC and Wycombe Abbey School are committed to implementing our Safeguarding policies and procedures.
- All successful candidates will need to complete Prevent and Safeguarding e‑learning.
- Read and adhere to the Operating and Safeguarding Handbook and information on AirManual.
- Maintain good standards of Health and Safety at all times.
- Safeguard the welfare and protection of the students in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
- Act as a positive role model, promoting UKLC’s values at all times.
- Maintain an entirely professional manner at all times.
- Follow the dress code in the Culture Book at all times.
Working Hours
As a performing arts specialist, you will deliver eight sessions of Performing Arts per 2‑week turn for a total of 18 hours per fortnight. This includes attending the final showcase at the Talent Show. Teaching may take place at weekends.
Session Breakdown
2:00 pm – 4:15 pm (including one 15‑minute unpaid break)
Salary and Benefits
- Full‑board accommodation is provided for residential team members.
- You will be fully catered for during your time with us.
- Hourly salary (including holiday pay) is £20.17.
- All salaries are paid monthly in arrears (on the last day of the month).
- Holiday pay is added to your final pay packet.
This job description is an outline of your main responsibilities. Within the context of your contract of employment, the company may, within reason, request you undertake other tasks and duties as needs dictate.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience: Experience of teaching and working with young people. Experience teaching drama, Musical Theatre and performance.
- Qualifications: Recognised drama/Musical Theatre qualification preferably with pedagogical teaching focused module/s.
- Skills and Knowledge: Committed to ensuring the safety of students. Knowledge of different genres of drama particularly classic and contemporary shows. Basic knowledge of music, singing and choreographing/staging.
- Personal Qualities: Adaptability and flexibility. Boundless energy and enthusiasm. Excellent communication and motivational skills. Willingness to learn and adopt new teaching methods.
- Legal Requirements: Full right to work in the UK.
- Safer Recruitment Checks: Minimum of 2 reference checks. Enhanced DBS Check. Overseas Police Check (if applicable). Review of the applicant's online footprint and publicly accessible social media profiles, in line with statutory guidance for safer recruitment.
Desirable
- Experience: Experience of working in a summer school. Experience working with English learners.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or equivalent in drama, Musical Theatre or currently working towards one. Relevant First Aid qualification.
Sample Week
- Day 1: Getting to know you
- Day 2: Vocal and Movement Assessment
- Day 3: Focus on Performance
- Day 4: Behind the Scenes and Theatre Time
- Day 5: Focus on Performance
- Day 6: Public Speaking Workshop and Performance
- Day 7: Focus on Performance
- Day 8: Performance Day – Run through and Final Staging
On the sample programme below, as Performing Arts Specialist, you would work on the sessions named Elective. If you would like a sample breakdown of the timings and content of the performing arts sessions, please email to request a copy.
Available Dates
You will also need to attend induction which will take place on the first day of your contract. Specific dates and times will be set closer to the time. Wycombe Abbey Summer School is running from 6th July – 17th August 2026 at Wycombe Abbey School in High Wycombe.
Join Us!
Play a pivotal role in creating meaningful experiences for young learners. Inspire students and enrich lives. Help deliver a summer students will never forget. Upon liaison with the centre’s team, you can access a wide range of onsite facilities including the gym, golf simulator, pool, athletics track, tennis courts and stunning grounds. Accommodation includes your own en‑suite bedroom along with access to a kitchen, common room, and free laundry facilities.
Performing Arts Specialist (WASP) employer: UK Language Courses group
Contact Detail:
UK Language Courses group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performing Arts Specialist (WASP)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the performing arts world. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in drama and performance. Whether it's videos of past performances or lesson plans, having something tangible to share can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or summer programmes like UKLC and Wycombe Abbey. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s make some magic happen this summer!
We think you need these skills to ace Performing Arts Specialist (WASP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for performing arts shine through! We want to see how much you love teaching and inspiring young learners. Share your experiences and what makes you excited about this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in drama and working with young people. We’re looking for specific examples that show how you can contribute to our vibrant summer programme.
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’s easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Language Courses group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your drama and musical theatre knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different genres and be ready to discuss how you would engage students in these areas. Think about specific activities or lessons you could implement that align with the programme's goals.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for performing arts shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for teaching and working with young people. This role is all about inspiring students, so showing your passion can really set you apart.
✨Team Player Mindset
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you work with others. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or led a team project. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, as these are crucial for maintaining a positive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various situations, such as managing a diverse group of students or dealing with unexpected challenges during a performance. Prepare some scenarios in advance and think through your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to student safety.