Head of Department of Drama

The Priory Learning Trust (Somerset Business Award winner for Employer of the Year) is looking to recruit an ELP (Enhanced Learning Provision) Teacher to work at The King Alfred School - An Academy, rated 'Good' by Ofsted November 2022. A school at the heart of the community, where we believe it is our role to develop the next generation into successful citizens.

The school is seeking an ambitious and creative individual to lead and build upon TKASA' Drama legacy, setting and implementing the strategic direction for Drama across and throughout the School. The ideal candidate will inspire and engage students both on and off stage, fostering a love for drama and the performing arts. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about drama education and ready to encourage pupils to think beyond conventional boundaries.

This position is your opportunity to make an impact on young minds and ignite their love for drama!

The King Alfred School Academy is a happy school where staff and students enjoy working together. We provide a calm purposeful learning environment where all students are supported and encouraged to 'do their best'. Our ethos is strong with core values of respect, tolerance and courtesy. We set high standards of behaviour and promote respect and responsibility - values needed to support our young people in being successful throughout their lives.

At TKASA, we also look after our colleagues. We offer high quality development opportunities and a supportive, dynamic and diverse workplace, highly supported by a hands-on team in all areas, from support, to teaching, to senior leadership.

As part of this role, you will;

• Contribute to the progress and successful implementation of the academy and Departmental Developments Plans with specific responsibility for the PE department.


• Lead a team of teachers in the delivery of the subject within the department, ensuring high quality learning experiences within the classroom.


• Develop and enhance the teaching practice of teachers in the department.


• Promote the faculty as a subject across the academy.


What you will need to succeed;

• Qualified Teacher Status.


• Relevant teaching experience in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, experience within KS5 is also desirable.


• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.


• Effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post.


• Commit to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.


• We invest in staff to develop them as classroom practitioners. Our staff benefit from:


• A coaching programme to develop their practice within the classroom, working together to find solutions to improve learning and progress for all students.


• An excellent CPD programme based around WalkThrus materials that really allows staff to make use of research informed pedagogy to embed effective teaching strategies in the classroom.


We are a flexible employer and will do our best to accommodate all types of working, so please do apply. We are an employer who takes staff workload seriously. We work together as one team to support each other, with the added benefit of being a part of a large Trust in the local area with opportunities that reflect this.


• The PLaTform - Access to our dedicated wellbeing centre & exclusive shopping discounts.


• Healthshield - A fully funded Healthcare Scheme which provides services such as a 24/7 GP Line & Healthcare cashback.


• Discounted nursery fees at our Academy pre schools.


• CPD opportunities both internally & externally.


• A very friendly school community with dedicated, supportive & inspiring colleagues.


About The Priory Learning Trust:

TPLT grew from an intent to bring the power of partnership and sharing to bear and provide a first-class education to a wide range of children, from all backgrounds.

At our heart is a passion to put 'Students First' and deliver exceptional education; beyond outstanding for every single child. We do this with a relentless drive for academic excellence, shared moral purpose and values combined with lots of fun and happiness. We believe that happy schools are also high-achieving, successful schools.

We strive for partnerships between students, families, staff and the wider community to create exceptional student outcomes. We also 'cherish' our staff. We believe they are amazing and are passionate to empower them through support, training, and career opportunities. With such brilliant people all aiming for the same goals, we are able to ensure every student achieves all that they are capable of and more, regardless of their background.

TPLT is also a successful Training School Alliance. This has been a great foundation on which to build for excellence. We know that this key focus on staff development will deliver exciting and effective learning to our children and young people.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

The Priory Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All paid positions which involve working regularly within academies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must declare all convictions (including convictions with Absolute Discharge), cautions or bind-overs you may have, even if they would otherwise be regarded as 'Spent' under this Act and where applicable any disqualifications under the Childcare Act.

The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service filtering guide.

This role involves working with children on a daily basis and is therefore in regulated activity.

Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, online searches and Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.

Please see the following links to our Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and Recruitment and Selection policy.