Head Of Drama - Permanent - September 2026

ASPIRE PEOPLE LTD; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Drama for a prominent school in Redbridge. This full-time permanent role requires a visionary leader with a passion for performing arts. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in teaching Drama. You will lead the Drama department, develop a dynamic curriculum, and provide leadership while engaging students in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Competitive salary with Outer London weighting offered.

Benefits

Strong professional development support

Competitive salary

Inclusive school community

Excellent transport links

Qualifications

• Must possess Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience in teaching Drama at secondary school.
• Genuine passion for performing arts to inspire students.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Drama curriculum across Key Stages.
• Deliver inspiring Drama lessons for all abilities.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Drama colleagues.
• Plan and oversee extra-curricular activities in Drama.
• Maintain high teaching standards and student achievement.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience teaching Drama at secondary level

Passion for performing arts

Ability to inspire students

Ability to deliver engaging lessons

Job description

Head of Drama - Permanent - Redbridge - September 2026

Location: Redbridge, Outer London
Salary: MPS-UPS (Outer London weighting)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026

An Exciting Leadership Opportunity Performing Arts

Aspire People are delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded secondary school in Redbridge to recruit an outstanding Head of Drama. This is a superb opportunity for either an experienced subject leader or an exceptional Drama teacher looking to progress into leadership within a supportive and forward-thinking school.

Head of Drama - The Role

As Head of Drama, you will take responsibility for the strategic leadership and continued development of the Drama department. You will shape an engaging and ambitious curriculum, foster a strong creative culture, and ensure students thrive both academically and artistically.

You will play a key role in promoting the performing arts across the school, offering students rich curricular and extra-curricular experiences that build confidence, creativity and a love of theatre.

Head of Drama - Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Drama curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and Key Stage 5 where applicable)
• Deliver high-quality, inspiring Drama lessons that engage and challenge students of all abilities
• Provide effective leadership, support and guidance to colleagues within the department
• Plan and oversee a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including productions, performances, clubs and showcases
• Maintain high standards of teaching, learning student achievement within the department

For candidates applying as a Drama Teacher, this role offers a clear and supported pathway into departmental leadership.

Head of Drama - The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a committed, imaginative and enthusiastic Drama practitioner who can bring vision, creativity and leadership to the department.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience teaching Drama at secondary level
• A genuine passion for the performing arts and the ability to inspire students
• A proven ability to deliver engaging, creative and well-structured lessons

Desirable

• Experience leading or supporting Drama enrichment activities or productions
• Leadership potential or experience, with the ability to motivate and mentor colleagues
• A strong commitment to raising standards and nurturing student talent

Head of Drama - Why Join This School?

• A welcoming and inclusive school community where creativity is valued
• Strong support for professional development and career progression
• A school with a reputation for both academic success and artistic excellence
• Competitive MPS-UPS salary with Outer London weighting
• Excellent transport links and a convenient Redbridge location

Head of Drama - How to Apply

If you are an inspiring Drama teacher ready to lead a department, or an ambitious practitioner seeking your next step, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV outlining your suitability for the role.

For further details, contact Natalie at Aspire People today.

#aspirepeoplelondon

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.