Director of Learning - Creative Arts

Granville Academy, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 7JR

72 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2026

• Closing date

  6 October 2025 at 9am

• Date listed

  24 July 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subjects: Art & Design, Music, Performing Arts, Physical Education (PE)
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £31,650.00 - £49,084.00 Annually (FTE) TLR 1.2 £12,033

Director of Learning - Creative Arts job summary

TLR 1.2 - Director of Learning Creative Arts

Granville Academy is a part of Affinity Learning Partnership. We are a Multi Academy Trust currently based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. We consist of 3 Secondary Academies and 4 Primary Academies.

Here, at Granville Academy, we are on a truly exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. We are proud that the academy was judged to be good against all areas of the Ofsted framework in our recent inspection and we are committed to continuous improvement to ensure that we give our students the best possible outcomes, experiences and opportunities.

Good behaviour provides the foundations for high quality teaching and learning to thrive. It allows teachers to focus on their craft and to teach well. High quality teaching is sacrosanct and is the absolute focus of our next chapter ensuring that great teaching impacts positively on exceptional outcomes of all within our care. Our visitors tell us that our Academy offers them a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere conducive to high quality teaching and learning. We are a passionate and a committed group of staff who support each other to be the best that we can be.

We are invested in strong pedagogy in a supportive safe learning environment where teachers can teach because systems are strong; where students feel safe to make mistakes, and teachers can select the most appropriate learning activities that enable students to learn well and succeed.

We are passionate about the Arts at Granville, and as such, they form a central part of our broad and balanced curriculum. We aim to instil a love of performance, whilst inspiring self confidence, discipline and respect of the Creative Arts. We believe that studying the Arts enriches student’s lives and provides opportunities for them to develop essential skills, such as creativity, empathy, self-confidence, as well as encouraging them to think about and connect more deeply with the world around them.

The Creative Arts Faculty is staffed by specialist teachers in PE, Music, Art and Drama. The Faculty benefits from the following facilities: sports hall, activity studio, gym, a plethora of outdoor space, drama studio, green room, bespoke music room, art rooms and school stage on which we host musical and theatrical productions.

Students enjoy Drama and achieve successful outcomes at GCSE with 53% achieving 5+. The arts are a key feature of our curriculum and we celebrate our annual productions which are always well received. We also have an extensive offer whereby students have the opportunity to see live performances - our most recent being Much Ado About Nothing at The Globe Theatre and The Devil Wears Prada in the West End.

PE consistently has fantastic outcomes and is a really strong department. In 2024 PE had an incredible SPI of 1.64. FFT analysis suggests this puts them in the top 2% of PE departments in the country, with 80% of students attaining grades 9-5 and 60% attaining 9-7. This is grounded in strong pedagogy, routines and standards. There is also a fantastic enrichment programme with staff delivering extra curricular opportunities, ranging from trampolining, football, netball, rugby, golf and more. We also have a fitness suite for both students and staff.

Music has grown as a department and is taught from Years 7 - 9 and then as an option at KS4. This year’s projected grades are set to be close to national average which is a testament to the hard work from staff, particularly in terms of curriculum. Music permeates so much of the enrichment opportunities, with a strong presence in the annual production, seasonal events and Granville’s Got Talent.

Art is an inclusive subject and is popular at KS3 and then at KS4: this current cohort has two classes. In 2024 Art attained a good SPI and this year the projections are 90% at 9-4 and 60% 9-5. Granville is one of only 20 schools nationally who are participating in the Art in Schools programme and this is going to be developed next academic year.

The Candidate

We are seeking an ambitious and results-driven Director of Learning to lead a dedicated faculty team and drive outstanding student outcomes at Granville Academy. The successful candidate will be an experienced, dynamic, and passionate educational leader with a proven track record of raising achievement and standards across all key stages, and a history of delivering measurable results that move departments forward in all areas. In an already successful department, we need a leader who can take us to the next level - building upon academic attainment but driven to ensure that our offer goes beyond the curriculum touching the lives of as many students in our academy and community as possible.

You will be an ambitious, confident and collaborative team leader, capable of motivating, coordinating and uniting our successful teams so that each area of the Faculty is strong and fulfills our vision for excellence and participation. You will demonstrate the ability to inspire, develop, and support teaching staff to deliver consistently high-quality education that has a tangible impact. Your leadership will be central to shaping curriculum planning, staff development, quality assurance, and academic performance within your faculty.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong pedagogical knowledge, particularly across Key Stages 3 and 4. You will be committed to innovation and continuous improvement, embracing interactive technologies, a rigorous approach to assessment, and effective strategies for behaviour for learning. You must be able to walk the talk and your own practice must exemplify the standards and expectations for all to aspire to achieve.

As a member of the Middle Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and implementing school improvement strategies, contributing to whole-school development and maintaining our ethos of high standards, continuous growth, and strong student-staff relationships.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a relevant degree and PGCE (or equivalent) with evidence of continuous professional development

• Be an outstanding classroom practitioner with subject expertise in either PE, Drama, Music or Art

• Have proven leadership and management experience within an educational setting

• Demonstrate a history of raising standards and securing excellent outcomes

• Be able to lead, develop, and move a department forward across all areas

• Be a confident and collaborative team leader, able to drive a culture of excellence

• Have a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and the well-being of students and staff

• Demonstrate a ‘can do’ attitude, energy, and adaptability to change

• Be committed to the ethos and values of Affinity Learning Partnership

You will support the promotion of excellent standards of student learning, achievement, progress, attainment and behaviour by working effectively and collaboratively. You will be passionate about your subject, understanding the broader impact it has on students' lives, future destinations, and career prospects.

One of the key strengths of the Academy is the positive relationships between staff and students. We have a friendly, respectful, and harmonious environment. We are truly inclusive and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Within our school community, students and staff are known, valued, developed, and supported to be successful.

We believe that every member of our community has the right to feel safe. Tolerance, respect, and fairness underpin our ethos and are promoted through traditional British values. We have a strong commitment to helping and encouraging our students to make a positive contribution to their community. Granville is at the heart of the Woodville community, and we take every opportunity to engage in joint events, projects, and develop links with community stakeholders and external partners. The successful candidate will be keen to support and build upon these extensive opportunities.

Our vision is to ensure that all children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential by achieving highly, regardless of ability or background.

At Granville Academy we believe in working hard, being kind, and choosing wisely. If you are passionate about education, young people, and their life chances—and are ready to lead a high-performing faculty—this is the academy for you.

Our Vision and Values – Affinity Learning Partnership

Affinity Learning Partnership is a Multi Academy Trust comprising three Secondary Academies and four Primary Academies, currently based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

We pride ourselves on being 'a great place to work', Where everyone belongs, progresses and thrives.

Belongs:

We advocate and nurture inclusivity, connectedness and wellbeing by creating opportunities for all and forging a sense of community.

Progress:

Exceptional CPD and career pathways ensure all staff can excel in their roles.

All of our schools deliver quality teaching and learning, underpinned by our aspirational and enriching curriculum. This is enabled by skilled support and business professionals.

Thrives:

We empower staff, pupils and our wider communities to be agents of change both now and in the future. We actively seek to grow our Trust where it supports all in our community to achieve, grow and develop.

Continuing Professional Development

The Trust believes that professional development is key to successful employees and offers excellent opportunities for you to grow and achieve. We provide tailored Continuing Professional Development, mentoring, support and a range of development opportunities across the Trust.

Benefits Package

Affinity Learning Partnership strives to be an ‘Employer of Choice’ and is committed to the wellbeing and development of colleagues. Offering an excellent benefit package which includes:

• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• BHSF Healthcare Scheme
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• Flu Vaccination Vouchers

Additional Information:

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

Please note: Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please ensure to regularly check your junk/spam folder for any correspondence in relation to the progress of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Granville Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 909 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Granville Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/granville-academy

Granville Academy joined Affinity Learning Partnership in 2017. We are a Multi Academy Trust currently based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. We consist of 3 Secondary Academies and 4 Primary Academies.

Here at Granville Academy, we are on a truly exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. We are already seeing results with good behaviour recognised in our recent Ofsted report.

Good behaviour provides the foundations for high-quality teaching and learning to thrive. It allows teachers to focus on their craft and to teach well. High-quality teaching is sacrosanct and is the absolute focus of our next chapter, ensuring that great teaching impacts positively on the outcomes of all within our care.

Our visitors tell us that our Academy offers them a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere conducive to high-quality teaching and learning. We are a passionate and committed group of staff who support each other to be the best that we can be.

Our vision is to ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.

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