Head of Drama

Marchant Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an inspiring Head of Drama to lead a vibrant Performing Arts department in Reading. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of outstanding teaching, leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration among students. Responsibilities include designing a dynamic curriculum, mentoring staff, and producing engaging school productions. This role offers professional development opportunities and the chance to thrive in a supportive school environment.

Benefits

Outstanding Professional Development

Wellbeing Focus

Innovative Environment

Excellent Facilities

Comprehensive Staff Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record of outstanding classroom practice.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusive education in the performing arts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Drama department.
• Design and evaluate a creative curriculum across all key stages.
• Mentor colleagues and promote professional growth.
• Direct high-quality school productions and events.

Skills

Outstanding classroom practice

Strong leadership skills

Excellent organisational skills

Creative innovation

Communication skills

Job description

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Start Date: January 2026

Nature: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (depending on experience)

Are you an inspiring and dynamic Drama educator ready to take the next step into leadership?

We are delighted to present an exciting opportunity for an experienced and creative Head of Drama to lead a thriving Performing Arts department at a well-established and supportive school in Reading.

About the School

This inclusive and forward-thinking school is highly regarded for its commitment to both student success and staff wellbeing. It provides a collaborative environment where teachers are encouraged to innovate and inspire. With a rapidly growing Drama department, this is the perfect setting for an ambitious leader to make a meaningful impact on students and the wider school community.

The Performing Arts faculty is celebrated for its vibrant, immersive curriculum and exceptional extracurricular programme, consistently achieving outcomes that place the department in the national top 5%.

Why Join This School?

• Outstanding Professional Development: Access to continuous training and leadership CPD.
• Wellbeing Focus: A supportive ethos that values work-life balance.
• Innovative Environment: Freedom to develop creative and challenging schemes of work.
• Excellent Facilities: Purpose-built performance spaces and strong community partnerships.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits: Laptop loan scheme, family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Your Role as Head of Drama

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Drama department, driving excellence in teaching and learning.
• Design, implement, and evaluate an inspiring curriculum that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence across all key stages.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the department, promoting professional growth and shared best practice.
• Direct and produce high-quality school productions and extracurricular events, nurturing a strong performance culture.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership and the wider Arts faculty to enhance cross-curricular creativity.

Who We’re Looking For

• A passionate and experienced Drama teacher with a proven track record of outstanding classroom practice.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire both students and colleagues.
• A visionary educator eager to build on the department’s success and further raise standards of achievement.
• Excellent organisational and production management skills, with a flair for creativity and innovation.
• A commitment to inclusive education and fostering a lifelong love of the performing arts.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead a dynamic Drama department in a school that values creativity, collaboration, and professional growth, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your vision for Drama education.

We look forward to supporting you in your next step as Head of Drama.