St Helen & St Katharine - Graduate Assistant - Drama Director in Residence

Summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Graduate Assistant to join the Drama Department from September 2026. We are looking for a graduate who is keen to develop skills in directing and teaching Drama within our high achieving and vibrant department.

Detail

An opportunity has arisen for a full-time Graduate Assistant – Drama Director in Residence to join the Drama Department starting in September 2026. We are looking for a graduate who is keen to develop skills in directing and teaching Drama within our high achieving and vibrant department. The successful applicant will have the ability to inspire and motivate students to develop their performance and theatre making skills to a high level. A genuine passion for drama and commitment to a full and inclusive extracurricular programme are essential.

This post will be a fixed term role for one academic year. It will be full-time, working Monday to Friday during School hours (8.30am to 5.00pm). In addition, the post holder will be required to work during regular evenings and weekends throughout the year, in particular during the weeks leading up to large productions. Flexibility and the ability to work long hours are required. This role will be focused on working during term time, however, there may be some requirement to work occasionally in the holidays for extra-curricular Drama events as needed.

Key responsibilities

The post-holder will take responsibility for directing and producing a large scale production and contribute to a wide range of additional extra-curricular performances, projects, trips and events. In addition they will be required to teach in the region of 6 periods of Year 7-9 Drama per week. The post holder will work closely with the Head of Drama to ensure delivery of a range of high-quality performance projects and skill-based workshops for students. In addition to the duties above, the post holder will support a range of wider school productions, Drama events and trips. They will work closely with the Drama Technician and Drama Assistant to source costumes, props and set for productions, organise and lead rehearsals and take responsibility for managing an allocated budget. We are seeking a candidate with initiative and creativity, who will be able to enthuse the students and contribute to the high calibre output of the department.

This new and exciting role would suit an applicant with a background in theatre and performing arts who is interested in developing their directing and teaching skills, and who would like to gain experience of working with young people, as part of a collaborative team in a fast paced, creative environment.

Duties will include:

Teaching

• Planning, preparing and teaching lessons following the curriculum provided by the Drama Department
• Ensuring full records of attendance are kept
• Assisting the Head of Department as required with the development of appropriate syllabus content and schemes of work
• Providing reports relating to individual students
• Attending Parents’ Meetings for taught year groups
• Attending regular departmental meetings, full staff meetings and annual Open Day
• Providing departmental teaching cover where required

Extra-Curricular

• Directing and producing one large-scale school production and further ambitious performance projects as required throughout the academic year
• Assisting with other large scale Drama productions as necessary
• Supporting departmental workshops, rehearsals, competitions and trips
• Running weekly lunchtime Theatre Clubs
• Contributing to Drama outreach work
• Supporting student led performance initiatives
• Preparing and publishing weekly rehearsal schedules
• Running auditions and rehearsals
• Managing a production budget

What we offer

• Competitive salaries with scope for pay progression
• Generous holiday entitlement
• 20% reduction in working hours during school holidays with no impact on pay
• Fee remission of up to 50% on tuition fees (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Staff Pension Scheme with employer contribution of up to 10% (the School double matches employee contributions). Salary sacrifice for pension contributions is also available.
• Life assurance paying out three times annual salary in the event of death in service
• Diverse training and professional development programme
• A range of other staff benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, access to GP and dental advice lines amongst other services
• Free use of the Sports Centre facilities including a fitness suite, ergo suite and group cycle studio
• Free school lunch, plus refreshments available in the staff room during the day and after school
• On-site parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye tests and annual flu vaccination
• Access to well-stocked school library
• Access to wide range of school events

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents

• St Helen and St Katharine application form PDF Document
• Graduate Assistant - Drama Director in Residence Candidate Pack PDF Document