Head of Performance

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Derby Academy is seeking an exceptional Head of Performance to lead our new Performing Arts provision, combining Music with Drama and teaching across Years 7-11. You will shape curriculum, raise achievement and nurture creativity, confidence and independence, working collaboratively with colleagues across the Performing Arts to inspire students of all abilities.

Situated within the Tapestry Learning Partnership, the academy offers enrichment opportunities, performances and a vibrant,

Qualifications

• Ambitious, inspirational music or drama teacher to lead our new Performing Arts provision.
• Strong subject knowledge with a commitment to developing confident, creative performers.
• Experience in curriculum development and collaboration across the Performing Arts.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a Performing Arts provision, combining Music and Drama across Years 7-11.
• Teach across Years 7-11 with high-quality teaching and engaging learning.
• Collaborate with colleagues to shape curriculum and raise achievement in arts.

Job description

Closing date: 04 October 2026

Join us on an exciting journey of transformation and excellence!

At Tapestry Learning Partnership, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two strong trusts, QEGSMAT and Djanogly Learning Trust, we are building a future where every child succeeds and flourishes. Now, we are looking for an exceptional Head of Performance at City of Derby Academy. Serving over 900 students and a richly multicultural population with more than 40 home languages, we are a school committed to improving the life chances of every child.

About The Role

As Head of Performance, you will lead the development of an ambitious and inclusive Performing Arts provision, combining our established Music curriculum with the introduction of Drama. You will teach across Years 7-11, inspiring students through high-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences. Working collaboratively across the department, you will shape curriculum development, raise achievement and nurture creativity, confidence and independence. You will also contribute to the wider life of the school through performances, enrichment and opportunities that celebrate and develop students’ artistic talents.

Who We’re Looking For

CoDA is seeking an ambitious, inspirational and passionate music or drama teacher to lead our new Performance provision, bringing Drama into our established Music curriculum. The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom teacher with high expectations, a strong subject knowledge and a genuine commitment to developing confident, creative performers. You will have the vision and drive to shape and establish an ambitious Drama curriculum across Years 7-11, while working collaboratively with colleagues across the Performing Arts. We are seeking someone who can inspire students of all abilities, nurture talent, promote creativity and independence, and contribute positively to the wider cultural and community life of the school.

About City Of Derby Academy

City of Derby Academy is a school where every student and every member of staff is encouraged and supported to realise their full potential. Our culture is grounded in high expectations, strong and respectful relationships, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

Serving a wonderfully diverse community with more than 40 home languages, our vision is simple yet profound: to improve the life chances of every child.

We offer an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, from educational visits and clubs to our thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Students develop academically, personally and socially, gaining the knowledge, skills and character they need for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

City of Derby Academy is a school where:

• Diversity is celebrated, and inclusion underpins everything we do
• Students feel safe, supported and able to thrive
• High expectations drive achievement, ambition and pride
• Relationships are strong, respectful and purposeful
• Staff wellbeing and professional development are valued, and colleagues are proud to work here

City of Derby Academy is a place of possibility; a community united by the belief that every child deserves the very best opportunities, every single day.

Why Join Tapestry?

As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:

• A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
• High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
• A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work-life balance
• Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing

This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.

Tapestry Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a criminal offence to engage or seek to engage in regulated activity or regulated work with children, if you appear on the DBS barred list. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and be eligible to work in the UK.

Further information about our commitment to Safeguarding can be found at: Tapestry Learning Partnership

Please be aware, the Trust may also consider performing an online presence check as part of their pre-employment checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore shortlisted applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions or convictions, and any adult cautions or convictions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Further details about our school can be found on our website: https://www.cityofderbyacademy.org/

Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 12 October 2026