Director of Performing Arts (Music and/or Drama Specialism)
King Harold Business & Enterprise Academy, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1LF25 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
11 May 2026 at 3pm
Date listed
16 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Subjects
- Dance, Drama, Music
Working pattern
- Full time (Can be done as a job share): Full time 32.5 hours per week
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L1-L5 Fringe £53,981 - £59,435
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Role: Director of Performing Arts
As Director of Performing Arts and a member of our Extended Leadership Team, you will shape the vision for an outstanding department. Leading a determined team of specialists, you will have a profound impact on the quality of Music, Drama, and Dance education.
We are looking for an experienced Music or Drama practitioner driven to build an exceptional curriculum and a vibrant co-curricular programme.
The successful candidate will be:
Aligned with our values: Kind, hard-working, and ambitious.
A qualfie teacher
An Expert Practitioner: Proven track record of KS4 examination outcomes in Music/PA.
A Visionary Leader: Ability to motivate colleagues and develop a highly ambitious curriculum.
Resilient: A solutions-focused, ‘no excuses’ mindset with a desire to progress their career.
What the school offers its staff
Benefits of TKAT
As part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will benefit from:
Extensive professional development and multi-academy career opportunities.
Flexible working options where possible.
A dedicated focus on staff wellbeing.
Teacher pension
Further information about the job
At King Harold Academy, ‘leaders have high expectations for both the curriculum and pupils’ behaviour…Pupils are happy and feel safe. They have positive attitudes to their learning, and are respectful of each other.’ Ofsted, July 2022.
Director of Performing Arts(Music and/or Drama Specialism)
Start date: September 2026
Leadership Scale: L1-5 (Fringe)
King Harold Academy: Director of Performing Arts
King Harold Academy (KHA) has a clear, ambitious vision: to be one of the kindest, hardest-working, and highest-achieving schools in the UK. We are a proud community school supported by incredible students, involved parents, and a talented, committed staff.
Why Join KHA?
KHA is a genuinely lovely place to work. Visitors often remark on the positive energy exuded by our staff and pupils. Our team is deeply committed to mutual professional development and improving our pupils' life chances - a culture you feel the moment you step on site.
What our teachers say:
"KHA is an amazing place to work. It truly is a place where everyone demonstrates kindness, hard work, and ambition."
"Leaders look after the best interests of both staff and students. Even when the weather is awful, I look forward to my day here."
"Working here feels like being part of one big family."
The Role: Director of Performing Arts
As Director of Performing Arts and a member of our Extended Leadership Team, you will shape the vision for an outstanding department. Leading a determined team of specialists, you will have a profound impact on the quality of Music, Drama, and Dance education.
We are looking for an experienced Music or Drama practitioner driven to build an exceptional curriculum and a vibrant co-curricular programme.
The successful candidate will be:
Aligned with our values: Kind, hard-working, and ambitious.
An Expert Practitioner: Proven track record of KS4 examination outcomes in Music/PA.
A Visionary Leader: Ability to motivate colleagues and develop a highly ambitious curriculum.
Resilient: A solutions-focused, ‘no excuses’ mindset with a desire to progress their career.
Benefits of TKAT
As part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will benefit from:
Extensive professional development and multi-academy career opportunities.
Flexible working options where possible.
A dedicated focus on staff wellbeing.
How to Apply
Download an application pack at www.kha-tkat.org. Please send completed forms to Mrs. Campbell at michaela.campbell@kha-tkat.org.
To arrange an informal conversation with the Headteacher prior to applying, please contact Mrs. Campbell.
Note: CVs are only accepted alongside a fully completed application form.
Safeguarding & Equality
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of protected characteristics and support full-time, part-time, or flexible working.
Closing date: Monday 11th May 2026
Interviews: w/c 11th May or 18th May 2026
King Harold Academy is committed to the protection and safety of its students and the successful candidate will be subject to DBS, Barred List and two reference checks as part of the School’s Safeguarding Procedures. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016.
Commitment to safeguarding
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About King Harold Business & Enterprise Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 797 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- King Harold Business & Enterprise Academy website
- Email address
- michaela.campbell@kha-tkat.org
- Phone number
- 01992 714800
King Harold Academy is a community based school in Waltham Abbey, Essex.
King Harold Academy benefits from being part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT).
Currently we teach KS3 and 4
Arranging a visit to King Harold Business & Enterprise Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email michaela.campbell@kha-tkat.org.
School location
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