Director of Theatre and Creative Arts

Lodge Park Academy is now recruiting for a Director of Theatre and Creative Arts. 

Do you want to be part of a team who are committed to working together to deliver opportunities for all, no matter what background? Do you want to work at a school that has ‘high expectations of what pupils can achieve’ a school where pupils are ‘polite and respectful and try hard in lessons.’ 

Ofsted November 2023

About the role

We are looking to appoint an inspiring leader to continue to drive forward the creative and performing arts at LPA producing a sense of belonging for students, building their confidence and self-esteem, and delivering outstanding performances for the wider community.

We are looking for a highly committed team player with an excellent work ethic, drive, energy and passion who will inspire a love of learning within their students.

The Director of TACA will work alongside the Director of Music to develop programmes for drama, musical theatre and art; and oversee the strategic development of the Arts across the school.

The role involves line management of Drama and Dance, in addition to the Director of TACA being ultimately responsible for key performances, shows and overseeing exhibitions throughout the school year.

It is important we encourage an inclusive department and the successful applicant will have the ability to meet the needs of all students and this will become a real strength of the department. 

It is important we get the right personality to promote, inspire and develop this important part of our academy.

Key elements of this post are to:

•  Develop a whole-school vision and strategy to further develop Theatre, Performing and Creative Arts, building on the work that happens across the Trust in music.

•  Build on the drama curriculum to improve student outcomes and increase enrolment in GCSE courses. 

•  Oversee Drama and Dance courses, including coursework, moderation of grades and teacher development. Support can be brokered for Dance if this is not an area of specialism.

•  Further develop extra-curricular drama with the production of annual performances, musicals and plays. The Director of CAPA will work very closely with the Director of Music.

•  Line manage a team of two art teachers, a dance teacher and a part time drama teacher.

•  Liaise with local artists, theatres etc to create opportunities for trips, collaborations or competitions. 

•  Identify professional development opportunities for team members. 

•  Contribute to the school marketing programme with engaging content to celebrate and maintain the high profile of Performing Arts.

Salary & Benefits

•  £54,816.00 - £60,488.00 per annum (L7-L11)

•  Access to Teachers’ Pension Scheme

•  CPD including Senior Leader and Knowledge Development Courses

•  Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education

•  Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

•  Awards and Recognition Scheme

•  Flexible working patterns

•  Benefits Platform 

About our Academy

We value our staff highly and take work/life balance seriously; we realise a happy staff is an effective staff. The leadership of the Academy is determined to create an environment where teachers can carry out their core role of delivering excellent lessons. We have a clear and simple behaviour policy that is easy to administer. If action is needed beyond the basic classroom routines the pastoral and senior teams take the burden away from the teachers, conducting detentions, following up and dealing with parents on your behalf. In addition to this, teachers are trusted to be professionals.

We aim to bring out the best in you as well as in our students and we understand the importance of quality CPD. Lodge Park offers a range of development opportunities, with both internal and external providers for staff at different stages in their career. We are responsive to staff needs supporting them with training and development so that they can deliver excellent teaching. 

Being part of the David Ross Education Trust enables us to collaborate with a range of staff from across the trust both Primary and Secondary as well as accessing CPD from HMIs and Ofsted trained staff. We are always keen in developing all our staff in which ever career direction they wish to go.

Ours is a warm and compassionate community where students explore and discover their passions working alongside staff who are committed to enriching the lives of their students. 

About The David Ross Education Trust

The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education.

Broadening the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. 

Our schools work as a team and achieve great things through these partnerships. Our subject specialists, our trust-wide intranet, a common curriculum and our online learning resources all help us share knowledge and expertise, simplifying work processes, allowing staff to focus on high quality teaching. 

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

Apply now

To complete our on-line application form, please us the ‘apply now’ tab.

Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates' details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. 

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.

All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.