School Head of Drama & Dance

Castle Newnham School, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 9DT

4 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Easter 2026

• Closing date

  20 February 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  13 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Drama
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2a
• Additional allowances:

  MPS/UPS + TLR 2a

School Head of Drama & Dance job summary

SCHOOL HEAD OF DRAMA AND DANCE

JOB TITLE: School Head of Drama and Dance

BASED AT: Castle Newnham (based on North Site (Polhill Avenue) with teaching also on South Site)

SALARY/GRADE: MPS/UPS + TLR 2a

RESPONSIBLE TO: An identified member of SLT as appropriate

The formative years of BEST have been a real success story - and we are looking forward to an exciting future, too. The Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is a multi-academy trust providing exceptional education across our community of 11 schools and five nurseries. Since forming in 2016, we have grown significantly into one of the largest trusts in the county. We now educate 8,000 children across the area, from nursery age to advanced level study, and have over 1,000 members of staff. It is our aim to grow the BEST in everyone, and everything we do is driven by our values.

To lead and teach in the subject areas within performing arts; to ensure that the standards of teaching and learning are high by being at the cutting edge of development in the subject, modelling and sharing good practice. To maintain the school as a centre of excellence for performing arts by influencing both curriculum design and extra-curricular programmes across the whole age range. To be accountable for GCSE and other key performance indicators.

As well as a supportive team and strong professional development, Castle Newnham offers:

• well-behaved, happy, confident and enthusiastic pupils who are keen to learn;

• a school highly valued and supported by parents and the community;

• a nurturing, enthusiastic and committed staff, who can rise to a challenge;

• great opportunities to make your mark and to be part of something exciting and unique

Applicants must be willing to undertake a DBS clearance and the Academy must receive two satisfactory references before the successful candidate can commence employment.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 20th February at 9.00am

INTERVIEW DATE: Tuesday 24th February (or sooner for a suitable candidate)

START DATE: Easter 2026

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THE TRUST RESERVES THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT A SUITABLE CANDIDATE BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE

Applications may be made online via the MyNewTerm website, if you would prefer a Word Application Form, one may be obtained by directly emailing Castle Newnham via the contact details provided below.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children's welfare and offers of employment are subject to DBS clearance and two satisfactory references.

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

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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 Castle Newnham School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 750 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Castle Newnham School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/castle-newnham-school-mk41-9dt

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