Head of Learning - Performing Arts

Leighacademiestrust; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A secondary academy in Tonbridge is looking for a Head of Learning - Performing Arts from January 2026. The successful candidate will lead the department, ensuring high teaching standards and developing the curriculum in Drama and Music. This role involves collaboration with a dedicated team and a commitment to student success. Interested candidates should contact the Recruitment Advisor for more information and are encouraged to apply early.

Benefits

Supportive environment

Opportunities for professional growth

Collaborative team ethos

Qualifications

• Experienced Performing Arts practitioner ready for leadership.
• Dedication to student success and personal growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Performing Arts department.
• Develop curriculum in Drama and Music.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning.

Job description

Overview

Leigh Academy Hugh Christie has an exciting opportunity for an engaging and enthusiastic Head of Learning - Performing Arts to join their thriving department from January 2026. Our successful candidate will be responsible for leading the Performing Arts department and ensuring high standards of teaching and learning. If you are an experienced Performing Arts practitioner ready for a role with leadership responsibilities, we want to hear from you!

This is a chance to join and lead an enthusiastic team of Performing Arts specialists who are dedicated, driven and highly creative. The team are generous with their time and very much enjoy sharing resources and expertise; a real team ethos has been created in the Performing Arts department. You will play a key role in developing our curriculum in both Drama and Music, and will have the opportunity to be involved in many exciting projects.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive environment: Collaborate with an experienced team that values innovation and creativity in teaching.
• Opportunities to grow: We value talent and ambition and are committed to supporting the professional growth of all team members, helping individuals take the next steps in their career.
• Room to excel: Teaching both Drama and Music is a possibility, but not essential—what matters is your dedication to student success and your own professional growth.

Working with us

Leigh Academy Hugh Christie is a thriving secondary academy within Leigh Academies Trust, committed to delivering academic excellence, strong pastoral support, and meaningful community engagement. We offer a broad and inclusive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of our students—combining traditional subjects with vocational pathways and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.

Beyond the classroom, we place a strong focus on personal development, wellbeing, and character education, helping our students grow into confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals.

With a proud history and an exciting future as part of Leigh Academies Trust, Leigh Academy Hugh Christie is a supportive and inspiring place for both students and staff to thrive.

Visit our website to learn more.

Applying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you would like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor): [e-mail] / 01634 412 205.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.