Curriculum Leader of Drama

Independent School | Southampton, Hampshire | Full-Time

Start Date: January or April 2027

Bring Stories to Life. Lead Creative Learning. Inspire the Next Generation.

Are you an inspiring Drama teacher with a passion for performance, creativity and developing young talent? An established independent school in Southampton is seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Curriculum Leader of Drama to lead its Drama provision, inspire students and play a key role in the continued development of its performing arts offering.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher ready to take on a leadership role, or an existing subject leader looking for a new challenge. You'll have the opportunity to shape the Drama curriculum, introduce fresh creative ideas, support colleagues and create memorable performance opportunities that enrich students' educational experience.

The school is looking for someone who combines excellent classroom practice with creative vision, strong leadership skills and a genuine belief in the importance of the performing arts within a well-rounded education.

What Will You Be Doing?

You'll lead the Drama curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, engaging and carefully planned to develop students' performance abilities, creativity, confidence and understanding of theatre.

Your role will include:

• Leading curriculum planning and reviewing schemes of work to ensure lessons are creative, challenging and engaging.

• Teaching Drama across the relevant Key Stages and preparing students for GCSE and A-Level examinations, where applicable.

• Supporting and motivating colleagues, sharing effective teaching strategies and encouraging professional development.

• Developing students' skills in acting, improvisation, devising, scriptwriting, directing and performance.

• Introducing students to a broad range of theatrical styles, practitioners, genres and performance techniques.

• Monitoring student progress and using assessment information to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and academic achievement.

• Organising and directing school productions, performances, showcases and wider extracurricular activities.

• Creating opportunities for students to explore theatre beyond the curriculum through workshops, performances, competitions and external productions.

• Managing Drama resources, performance spaces, technical equipment and departmental budgets where required.

• Establishing links with local theatres, creative organisations and professionals within the performing arts industry.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues and senior leaders to strengthen the school's creative provision and wider enrichment programme.

What Will Make You a Great Fit?

We're looking for a committed Drama teacher who brings energy, imagination and a genuine enthusiasm for helping students discover their creative potential.

You will ideally have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.

• A degree in Drama, Theatre Studies, Performing Arts or a closely related subject.

• Strong subject knowledge and a genuine passion for theatre and performance.

• Experience teaching Drama at secondary level, ideally including GCSE and/or A-Level.

• Experience contributing to curriculum development, departmental planning or subject leadership.

• Strong practical knowledge of acting, devising, directing, improvisation and theatrical techniques.

• The ability to support colleagues and build a positive, collaborative team.

• A clear understanding of assessment, progress monitoring and strategies for improving outcomes.

• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.

• The ability to create an inclusive learning environment where students feel confident expressing themselves and taking creative risks.

• A commitment to high academic standards and the personal development of every student.

Previous experience as a Subject Lead, Second in Department or Curriculum Leader would be advantageous. Applications from experienced Drama teachers ready to take their first step into formal leadership are also encouraged.

Why Consider This Independent School Opportunity?

An independent school environment can offer exciting opportunities to contribute to a broad educational experience, where academic achievement, creativity, co-curricular activities and personal development all play an important role.

As Curriculum Leader of Drama, you'll have the opportunity to develop the subject beyond the classroom, encouraging students to discover their talents, participate in productions and engage with the wider world of theatre and performance.

The role offers the opportunity to:

• Take ownership of curriculum development and the future direction of Drama.

• Inspire motivated students through practical, creative and academically challenging lessons.

• Lead school productions, performances and extracurricular activities.

• Contribute to a vibrant co-curricular programme and wider school community.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues who share a commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

• Introduce fresh ideas and expand opportunities for students to engage with theatre and the performing arts.

• Develop your leadership experience and progress professionally.

• Make a meaningful contribution to the school's creative identity and educational offering.

The Person Behind the Role

The right candidate won't simply be an excellent Drama teacher. They'll be someone who enjoys bringing creativity to life, supporting colleagues and turning an inspiring vision for the subject into meaningful opportunities for students.

You'll be organised, approachable and confident in making decisions, while remaining open to new ideas and different creative approaches. You'll understand the importance of balancing practical performance with theoretical knowledge, ensuring students develop both their artistic abilities and academic understanding.

You'll also appreciate the wider contribution Drama makes to an independent school community, from building confidence and communication skills to bringing students together through productions, performances and shared creative experiences.

Most importantly, you'll want students to leave your lessons with more than performance techniques: they'll have developed confidence, imagination, resilience and the ability to express themselves, work collaboratively and appreciate the power of theatre.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and uphold the school's safeguarding and child protection policies.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and verification of relevant qualifications, in accordance with applicable requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're passionate about Drama and excited by the opportunity to lead and develop a creative curriculum within an independent school in Southampton, we'd welcome your application.

Whether you're already leading a subject area or are ready to take the next step in your teaching career, this is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to students, colleagues and the wider school community.

Please submit your CV to be considered for the Curriculum Leader of Drama position at an independent school in Southampton.

Bring your creativity. Inspire performance. Shape the future of Drama education.

We look forward to hearing from you!