Head of Drama

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and inspirational Head of Drama at our unique and successful Multi Academy Trust – Queen Elizabeth School and QEStudio School. We have a strong and vibrant creative culture with enviable performance spaces. 

We are looking for a colleague who is ambitious and has a real passion for the subject and its place within a truly comprehensive setting, and a broad and varied curriculum. In this individual we seek someone continue and grow our strong tradition of theatre arts, and who has the vision to plan, develop and implement an ambitious strategy to inspire our pupils, broaden their experiences and nurture their creative learning and potential. 

This post requires someone who is an able and talented teacher of Drama across different Key Stages, including A Level, who is keen to develop their leadership skills. Of course being a Head of Department is a significant leadership role across both our schools and we are looking for someone who would relish this responsibility. You may have an existing leadership role, which you are keen to develop further within a bigger or different context, however we would also welcome applications from ambitious and motivated colleagues without previous leadership experience, but with potential and vision that they are itching to put to good use! Whoever takes on the role will be incredibly well supported by both Senior Leadership Colleagues and colleagues within the department, who are hard-working and genuinely warm, committed and supportive professionals. There is another TLR holder in the department already in post.

In leading the subject across the schools this aspect of the role is very clear! We need you to create a strategic vision for drama and work with the other TLR holder and wider department to develop a strategy for extra-curricular provision and performance. Of course, this runs alongside teaching great lessons; supporting others in the department to do likewise, building a powerful sharing ethos and team spirit and running performance spaces and productions. You will be able to develop and sequence curricula, teaching programmes and styles which really excite and challenge students; operate successful examination classes and curate an inspirational extra-curricular programme which includes performances and trips and visits. 

We expect to appoint Head of Drama who has:

• a keen intellect and an excellent academic background with a very good relevant degree

• a great track record of success at all levels

• clear leadership experience or potential

• compelling personal qualities, an ability to form positive relationships with people and the ability to enthuse and inspire both pupils and staff

• experience of leading extra-curricular theatre arts provision, including producing and directing performances in collaboration with other colleagues, with a commitment to consistently contributing to the extra-curricular life of our schools.

• efficient organisational skills and an ability to work within, and to, whole-school systems.

• an ability to communicate effectively and to motivate, develop and support departmental colleagues. This includes implementing the performance management policy effectively within the team.

• a commitment to professional development

• the ability to work hard under pressure, with a sense of humour and proportion. 

Applications are welcomed from well-qualified and highly motivated individuals who are keen to work with remarkable young people providing an exceptional education for all.

We would welcome applications from current Heads of Department wishing to hone their skills in a different institution as well as those at the earlier stages of their career ready to take the next step.

If you wish to apply, please complete all sections of the application form by 12 noon on Wednesday 15th May 2024. In your supporting statement we would like you to include:

• a statement as to why this particular job appeals to you.

• an outline of your relevant experience

• a discussion of the personal and professional qualities which you believe suit you for this post

We would encourage all potential applicants to read all the attached documents and to browse our websites to get a fuller flavour of life at this very special place.

We do hope you will take the time to apply. This is a marvellous place to work and this is a very exciting opportunity.

If you require further information or wish to discuss any issues, please do feel free to get in touch on 015242 71275.

In the meantime, good luck with your application. We look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Cathy O'Neill, Executive Headteacher