HEAD OF DRAMA / LEAD PRACTITIONER
MPS T1-T9 (£32,916 - £51,048) + TLR 2C (£3,527)
1.0 FTE
PERMANENT CONTRACT
REQUIRED - 1st September 2026
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our exceptional, outward looking, oversubscribed high achieving school which welcomes pupils of all abilities.
St James’s is a member of the Bishop Fraser Trust, a C of E Multi Academy Trust established in 2017. This is an exciting time to join us as it provides a great opportunity to work closely with the other three schools in the MAT: Bury C of E High School, Canon Slade School and Bolton St Catherine’s Academy; sharing good practice and building on our ongoing progress.
WE ARE SEEKING A PASSIONATE CANDIDATE WHO:
· Is a well-qualified, highly motivated and enthusiastic Head of Department/Lead Practitioner. They will require great organisational skills and demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and a passion for Drama
· Is someone who has an excellent track record in their own work and in leading and inspiring others.
· Is pupil centred and motivates pupils to strive for excellence.
· Is a leader with a strong ethos and vision, who demonstrates emotional intelligence, is solution focused and has the desire to continue the development of our strong team of staff.
· Is committed to their own professional development.
· Is an enthusiastic and innovative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to achieving high standards within a successful department.
· Has a clear understanding of the characteristics of high-quality teaching and be able and willing to teach across the whole age and ability range.
· Will quickly build rapport and effective professional relationships with both our young people and colleagues.
· Understands that behaviour management starts with the quality of teaching in the classroom.
· Demonstrates personal resilience and role model those personal qualities we wish to instil in our young people.
YOUR MAIN DUTIES WOULD BE:
· To provide professional leadership and management for Drama
· To be role model to members of the department, demonstrating excellent teaching and learning in their own practise and providing innovative curriculum thinking to drive the curriculum forwards in all linked subjects
· To raise standards across the subject in teaching, learning and curriculum leading for better outcomes for all
IN RETURN, WE OFFER:
· Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Access to National College training, subject-specific CPD, leadership pathways, and mentoring programs.
· Career Progression: Clear pathways for growth, from early careers to leadership roles. We use a ‘touchbase’ informal approach to focus on professional development as well as an annual career conversation with your manager
· Wellbeing & Support: Leadership training focused on wellbeing, mental health resources, and staff networks.
· Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, with ongoing EDI training and initiatives.
· Automatic pay progression for teachers – we don’t have performance related appraisals and pay reviews
· Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for all year-round support staff. This increases to 28 days after 5 years
· A paid premium to a Healthcare Cash Plan to claim back contributions towards dental, optical and other medical costs via UK Healthcare.
· 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Benefits and discounts via UK Healthcare.
· Fantastic facilities.
· A lunch allowance for those colleagues volunteering to assist in lunchtime duties or activities.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
For more information visit our website www.st-james.bolton.sch.uk or contact our Business Operations Team on 01204 333000 or by emailing hr@stjames.tbft.uk
To apply please complete the attached application form via the link
Head of Drama | SAMpeople Recruit
Please do not send CVs as they will not be considered.
We reserve the right to close the recruitment early should sufficient suitable candidate applications be received.
The Bishop Fraser Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and past employment checks. We are an equal opportunities employer. References will be sought prior to interview.