Teacher of Drama

The Oxford Academy; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational institution in Oxford seeks a passionate Drama teacher dedicated to empowering students through creative expression. In this role, you will deliver engaging lessons across all key stages, promoting self-confidence and collaboration among students. The ideal candidate will have a relevant teaching qualification and a strong belief in the transformative power of drama. This position offers a supportive community and the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Free annual flu vaccines

Access to an onsite gym

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Flexible working solutions

Networking opportunities across the trust

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering engaging Drama lessons to diverse groups.
• Strong understanding of the transformative power of Drama in education.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching practices for all students.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Drama lessons across all key stages.
• Foster an inclusive environment that encourages student participation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance the Drama curriculum.

Skills

Communication skills

Creative teaching methods

Flexibility in adapting lessons

Education

QTS or equivalent teaching qualification

Degree in Drama or related subject

Job description

About the Role

Drama plays a vital role in helping our students express themselves, build confidence, and develop teamwork, creativity, and communication skills. We are seeking an inspiring and dedicated Drama teacher who is passionate about improving life chances and supporting students to realise their full potential, particularly within a diverse community. Drama provides a unique space where every student can explore their creativity, showcase their individuality, and experience success, regardless of their starting point or background. You will join a passionate and collaborative performing arts team, committed to developing the drama department, and delivering a high‑quality, engaging curriculum across all key stages. Through imaginative and challenging lessons, thoughtful curriculum planning, and a culture of shared expertise, the department empowers students to explore performance, develop their artistic voice, and build confidence, helping to close gaps, raise aspirations, and enable every learner to progress with purpose and self‑belief. You will deliver high‑quality lessons across the Drama curriculum, supporting students of all abilities and encouraging them to take creative risks.

The role requires a commitment to inclusive practice, ensuring that every student can access enriching learning experiences that promote self‑expression, collaboration, and long‑term personal development. This is a position for a teacher who believes in the transformative power of Drama, someone who recognises how creative expression, performance, and artistic exploration can open doors, broaden horizons, and empower students to grow in confidence and resilience. You will be motivated by the chance to make a genuine and lasting difference in our community, where your expertise, encouragement, and high expectations can have a profound impact on students’ creativity, personal growth, and future pathways.

Why Join Us

At the Oxford Academy, we offer pride, aspiration, and opportunity to every member of our community, with improved learning outcomes and a clear moral purpose. Many of our students face significant barriers, and we are committed to ensuring that both students and staff achieve highly through sustainable, meaningful improvements that make a real difference. We are looking for someone who shares our drive to ensure every student feels valued, challenged, and able to achieve their very best.

Are you an ambitious, committed educator who believes in the power of excellent teaching to change lives, especially for those who need it most? Do you bring energy, resilience, and a solution‑focused mindset to your work? Do you thrive in environments where a tangible difference can be made every day? You will demonstrate reflective practice, openness to learning, and a desire to broaden professional experience within the River Learning Trust. Above all, you will need a deep commitment to securing the best outcomes for disadvantaged students, and the desire to play a significant role in shaping their futures.

About The Oxford Academy (TOA)

TOA is a school in active and ambitious transformation, where 56% of students are eligible for pupil premium. This is a unique opportunity for passionate teachers to make a profound impact on the lives of our most disadvantaged learners. We are looking for high‑calibre, resilient educators who are motivated by challenge and inspired to be part of a genuine solution. TOA offers an environment where your expertise will have maximum influence, and where you will be supported to thrive.

What We Offer

• A dedicated and accessible SLT support model
• Protected time for staff wellbeing
• Centralised behavioural systems that genuinely work
• The chance to broaden your professional experience in a new context while staying within the River Learning Trust
• All secondment posts include a £3,000 recruitment incentive per year of the secondment (£6,000 total for the 2 years) – paid in lump‑sum instalments annually

Employee Benefits

• Free annual flu vaccines
• Free onsite gym available for staff use
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• 24‑hour access to a free counselling helpline (including family and debt advice)
• Flexible working solutions
• Reduced teaching time
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Eligible for a Blue Light Card – hundreds of offers/discounts on local and national stores
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Ample onsite parking (Oxford Congestion Charge relief)
• Staff house offering low‑cost housing for overseas teachers in their first year of employment
• Opportunities for CPLD both within The Oxford Academy and within the wider River Learning Trust
• Developmental performance management conversations
• Networking and development opportunities across the River Learning Trust
• Apprenticeship opportunities
• Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions

Our Values and Community

• Commitment to others and commitment to learning – guiding relationships, mutual respect, and high aspirations
• Inclusive culture where everyone belongs, with warm team relationships and support for staff wellbeing
• A strong partnership with local families, residents and community members to reflect and serve their needs
• A place where teachers recognise the transformative potential of drama and the value of creative expression for all learners
• A collaborative environment that prioritises impact, innovation and continuous improvement across a respected multi‑academy trust

Career Progression

• CPLD and CPD pathways within the Academy and trust
• Performance management conversations to support growth
• Networking and development opportunities across the trust’s schools
• Apprenticeship pathways for staff and students