Head of Performing Arts

Reports to: Assistant Headteacher

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.

Start date: September 2026

Contract: Permanent, Full time

Interviews will take place w/c 18 May 2026

In this exciting new role, you will lead the professional community of music and drama teachers and promote outstanding teaching and learning and a strong school culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enable all Music and Drama teachers to achieve expertise in teaching and planning through coaching and support.
• Create, review and monitor a strategic plan for improving outcomes and the quality of the provision for Music and Drama.
• Model outstanding teaching and lead collaborative planning and development, including the sharing of resources and best practice within the department.
• Participate actively throughout the network, by attending relevant meetings, and as appropriate, delivering network-wide training and initiatives.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Raising attainment in a challenging classroom environment.
• Having designed, implemented and evaluated effective, imaginative and stimulating Schemes of Work.
• Understanding of both subject and general teaching pedagogy, and signature strategies relating to Music and/or Drama.
• Knowledge of the national secondary education system, examinations and curriculum.

Qualification Criteria:

• Qualified to teach and work in the U.K.
• Degree in Music, Drama or related subject.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. 

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this .

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. xwzovoh We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.