Head of Performing Arts - Atlantic Academy Portland

Head of Department – Performing Arts

Atlantic Academy, Portland, Dorset | Permanent | Full Time | Start September 2026

Salary: MPS + TLR (£32,916 - £45,352 + TLR per annum) | Closing Date: Thursday 18th June 2026, 9:00am

Interviews: TBC

Role

Do you have the vision, creativity, and passion to lead a thriving Performing Arts department? Atlantic Academy is seeking an exceptional Head of Department – Performing Arts to inspire young performers, lead a talented team, and shape a vibrant creative curriculum that places performance, confidence, and self‑expression at its heart. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Atlantic Academy provides a unique setting where ambition, creativity, and excellence flourish. With high expectations, disruption‑free classrooms, and a strong commitment to staff development, this is a place where both students and teachers can truly shine. This is an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences, develop emerging talent, and champion the transformative power of the arts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an ambitious Performing Arts curriculum that inspires creativity, confidence, and artistic excellence
• Deliver engaging and dynamic lessons that bring drama, performance, and creative expression to life
• Foster a culture where every student feels empowered to perform, create, and succeed
• Direct and oversee exciting productions, showcases, and enrichment opportunities that celebrate student talent
• Lead by example through outstanding classroom practice and a passion for the performing arts
• Mentor and support colleagues, building a collaborative and innovative department
• Champion the importance of Performing Arts across the Academy and wider community

Qualifications

• A passion for Performing Arts and a commitment to nurturing young talent
• Outstanding subject knowledge and a track record of excellent teaching
• The ability to inspire, challenge, and motivate students of all abilities
• Energy, creativity, and enthusiasm that engages audiences both inside and outside the classroom
• Strong leadership skills and a vision for developing an exceptional Performing Arts provision
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous professional development
• The drive to make a lasting impact on students’ lives through the power of performance and creativity

Benefits

• Disruption-free classrooms with high SLT visibility throughout the day
• A well-resourced team
• Visualiser and mini iPad in every classroom
• Research-led CPD delivered fortnightly
• Strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional growth
• Free on-site fitness suite
• On-site parking
• Genuine career progression within the Trust

Contact

Mrs Kate Biddle - Vice Principal
[email protected]
01305 820262

Safeguarding & Equality

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

The Aspirations Academies Trust (AAT) requires all prospective employees appointed to work in its academies and/or whose role will involve the undertaking of regulated activity to submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate prior to taking up appointment. Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 by SI 2013 1198). Disclosure of a criminal background does not automatically debar individuals from employment - consideration will be given to relevant factors, including the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.