Head of Performing Arts

Astrea Academy Dearne; Goldthorpe; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Progression opportunities

Knowledge-rich curriculum

Collaborative planning

Music & Drama curricula

Feedback approaches

Behaviour system

Senior leaders support

Centralised resources

NPQ qualifications

Career development

Job summary

Astrea Academy Dearne in Barnsley invites applications for Head of Performing Arts to lead Music and Drama and shape the department's curriculum with ambition and integrity.

You will drive high-quality teaching, monitor progress, and provide coaching and professional dialogue to inspire colleagues. The role offers extensive development opportunities within Astrea Academy Trust and a clear path to future leadership while pursuing excellence in creativity and student achievement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Performing Arts, ensuring high standards across Music and Drama.
• Lead curriculum planning and development to deliver engaging, knowledge-rich learning experiences.
• Drive strong outcomes by monitoring progress and implementing effective intervention strategies.
• Support, develop and inspire colleagues through collaboration, coaching and professional dialogue.
• Promote high expectations for behaviour, participation and achievement in all Performing Arts lessons.
• Develop opportunities for performances, showcases and enrichment activities that enhance scholar experiences.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the department.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement and play an active role within the academy's leadership culture.

Job description

Head of Performing Arts

Astrea Academy Dearne

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2D
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 18 October 2026

About Astrea Academy Dearne

Astrea Academy Dearne is a vibrant and inclusive 11-16 secondary academy in Barnsley, serving around 1,100 students. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we are committed to ensuring every young person achieves their very best, both academically and personally. Our approach is centred on a knowledge-rich curriculum, high expectations and a culture that is both warm and disciplined. We believe that all students deserve access to powerful knowledge and exceptional teaching, creating an environment where scholars can thrive, develop confidence and fulfil their potential. Conveniently located within easy reach of Sheffield, Doncaster, Wakefield and Leeds, Dearne is a fantastic place to build and develop your career.

The Role

We are seeking an ambitious and inspirational Head of Performing Arts to lead our Music and Drama provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher or aspiring middle leader to shape the direction of Performing Arts across the academy, driving high standards of teaching, learning and achievement while fostering a love of creativity and performance.

You will lead a dedicated department, ensuring a high-quality curriculum, exceptional classroom practice and enriching opportunities that enable every scholar to flourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Performing Arts, ensuring high standards across Music and Drama.
• Lead curriculum planning and development to deliver engaging, knowledge-rich learning experiences.
• Drive strong outcomes by monitoring progress and implementing effective intervention strategies.
• Support, develop and inspire colleagues through collaboration, coaching and professional dialogue.
• Promote high expectations for behaviour, participation and achievement in all Performing Arts lessons.
• Develop opportunities for performances, showcases and enrichment activities that enhance scholar experiences.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the department.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement and play an active role within the academy's leadership culture.

What We Can Offer

• Extensive support and clear progression opportunities within Astrea Academy Trust.
• A well-sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum supported by high-quality shared resources.
• Collaborative planning and reduced workload through centralised curriculum materials.
• Excellent Music and Drama curricula with strong resources to support delivery.
• Whole-class feedback approaches that allow teachers to focus on impactful teaching.
• Calm, disruption-free classrooms supported by a highly effective behaviour system.
• Visible and supportive senior leaders committed to staff success and wellbeing.
• Centralised behaviour systems, including detentions, reducing unnecessary administrative burden.
• Continuous instructional coaching and professional development, with no formal graded lesson observations.
• Access to NPQ qualifications and outstanding career development opportunities across the Astrea South Yorkshire region.
• An exceptional professional development and progression framework designed to help colleagues grow into future leadership roles.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a key curriculum area within a values-driven academy that is ambitious for every scholar. If you are passionate about Performing Arts and excited by the opportunity to inspire creativity, excellence and confidence in young people, we would love to hear from you.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.