Francis Holland, Sloane Square - Head of Drama

Location: South West London
School: Francis Holland, Sloane Square
Type: Full-time
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Summary

This post would suit an experienced Drama teacher or current Head of Drama who is well-qualified, energetic, and enthusiastic about their subject and teaching and learning. The candidate would be capable of leading a well-established department and looking for a significant new challenge to dedicate themselves to.

Detail

The Head of Drama is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the Drama Department, ensuring that both curriculum and co-curricular drama offers students a dynamic and creative learning experience. They work closely with the Deputy Head Co-Curricular & Operations, Head of Co-Curricular Music and Events Technician to ensure the smooth running of public performances.

The Role:

To promote the development of the aims of the school by contributing to Heads of Departments’ meetings and, in collaboration with the Drama department, produce and support the departmental development plan in line with the school’s vision.
To participate in the recruitment of subject staff and to delegate teaching and other responsibilities fairly throughout the department, encouraging and guiding professional development through advice and support, both generally and through Annual Review.
To strive to achieve, through collaborative leadership, the highest standards of teaching and learning across the department.
To lead a busy and successful Drama Department, including running and organising afterschool and weekend rehearsals and co-curricular Drama.
To regularly observe lessons and provide feedback for discussion using acoaching approach.
To review approaches to assessment within the department through periodic collection and review of samples of work.
To lead the ongoing development of creative and well-resourced schemes of work which aim to inspire intellectual curiosity and develop life-long learners.
To direct all major school productions, liaising regularly with a range of departments to ensure the smooth running of such productions.
To oversee all production management, including the sourcing of props and costumes, set hire/design commissioning, rehearsal scheduling and manage production budgets.
To promote the sharing of good practice within the department; to hold regular departmental meetings, circulating agendas and ensuring that key decisions and action points are noted and minutes circulated.
To monitor student progress through assessment and attainment data, identifying students in need of interventions; to ensure weekly support clinics are organised for pupils in KS3, IGCSE and A Level.
To ensure that public examination entries are made and that materials required for examinations are available, liasing with the Exams Officer.
To ensure that expert advice about drama schools and higher education choices is available to candidates applying to study Drama beyond the Sixth Form.
To ensure appropriate subject induction for girls new to any year group.
To organise Open Evenings and other promotional events.
To ensure that subject displays are updated regularly.
To ensure the Drama Department risk assessments are up to date.
To support members of the Drama Department in carrying out their duties in supporting practical work.
To support the Drama Scholars in ensuring they have exposure to a rich and varied scholars’ programme.
To participate in the school’s annual review process for staff and departments, completing all examination analysis and other forms as required.
To lead in the organisation of curriculum and enrichment trips.
To organise professional workshops and other enrichment opportunities for Students.
To lead in other Drama initiatives as directed by senior leadership.

Personal Profile:

We are looking for:

A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
A passion for Drama, live theatre and for teaching, and the ability to inspire enthusiasm and confidence in learners.
An excellent classroom practitioner.
Secure subject knowledge at IGCSE and A Level.
Strong academic background and subject knowledge.
Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
A collaborative, approachable leadership style and reflective approach to personal learning.
Confidence in communicating with students, staff, and families.
A commitment to the co-curricular demands of the role.
A commitment to the wellbeing of staff and students.
Experience in contributing to curriculum planning or development and supporting Departmental initiatives and assessment processes.
Experience mentoring colleagues or taking on informal leadership responsibilities.
An ability to analyse student data and use it to drive progress.

Application

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application via My New Term. The closing date for applications is 8:00am on Monday 1st June 2026. First round online interview times will be on Thursday 4th June. Final stage in-person interviews will take place w/c Monday 8th June. Applications will be assessed upon receipt and the Trust reserves the right to appoint at any stage in the recruitment process. Early applications are encouraged.