Looking for a Passionate Head of Performing Arts in Oxford!

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Start Date: September 2026
Nature: Full-Time / Permanent

Lead and inspire creativity, performance, and artistic excellence within a supportive and ambitious learning environment.

A welcoming and forward-thinking secondary school in Oxford is seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Performing Arts to lead its successful Music and Drama provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious educator to shape and develop a thriving department that values creativity, performance, inclusion, and student-centred learning.

About the Role

The Head of Performing Arts will lead the delivery of an engaging and ambitious curriculum across Music and Drama at Key Stages 3 and 4 (KS5 desirable). The successful candidate will inspire students through high-quality teaching, exciting performance opportunities, and a strong commitment to artistic development.

Working closely with senior leaders and the wider Performing Arts team, you will oversee curriculum development, departmental improvement, extracurricular provision, and whole-school enrichment initiatives, ensuring students achieve both academically and creatively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Performing Arts department, including Music and Drama

• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons that engage, challenge, and inspire students

• Teach Music and/or Drama across KS3–KS4 (KS5 desirable)

• Develop a broad, creative, and inclusive Performing Arts curriculum

• Prepare students effectively for GCSE and examination performance requirements

• Monitor student progress and use assessment data to raise attainment

• Differentiate learning to support SEND, EAL, and high-attaining pupils

• Maintain high expectations for behaviour, participation, and achievement

• Lead departmental planning, moderation, and quality assurance processes

• Organise and oversee extracurricular activities including productions, concerts, showcases, theatre trips, and enrichment events

• Support and develop colleagues within the department through effective leadership and collaboration

• Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and external organisations

• Uphold safeguarding, equality, and school policies at all times

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

• Experience teaching Music and/or Drama within a secondary school setting

• Previous leadership or departmental responsibility experience desirable

• Strong subject knowledge and passion for Performing Arts education

• Excellent classroom management and behaviour strategies

• Ability to motivate, challenge, and inspire learners of all abilities

• Skilled in curriculum planning, assessment, and departmental development

• Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills

• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

• Legal right to work in the UK

About the School in Oxford

The school in Oxford is proud of its inclusive and supportive ethos, with a strong focus on academic achievement, creativity, and personal development. Staff collaborate effectively to create a positive learning culture where students are encouraged to express themselves confidently and achieve their full potential.

The Performing Arts department is well-resourced and highly valued within the school community, offering students a wide range of opportunities to participate in productions, performances, concerts, and creative projects that promote confidence, teamwork, and artistic excellence.

Apply

If you are a passionate and committed Performing Arts leader looking to inspire young people and contribute to a thriving school community in Oxford, we welcome your application and CV.