Job Description
* Ipswich School
* Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
* Salary: £11,499 per annum
* Hours: 20 hours per week, 35 weeks per year*
* Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
* Reference: 0477
*With occasional weekend and evening commitments.
Drama - Wardrobe and Costume Lead.
Ipswich School is one of the top 100 schools in the country and is certainly one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. We were established prior to 1399, although we moved to our present site in 1852. We have circa 1000 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 years and are fully co-educational. The school operates a 5-day week during term time, with representative sports played during the week and on Saturdays.
We pride ourselves on ensuring our pupils develop into confident young people and promote in them an active appreciation of the performing arts, through creative and practical explorations of their world. We provide an exciting wealth of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
This post is based in the Senior School Drama department. You will work closely with our Head of Drama and Drama Teacher to source costumes and props for performances and rehearsals. You will also assist with the smooth administration of the department.
This role requires an organised and proactive individual to manage the Drama Department's wardrobe and props, from acquisition, making, and tailoring of costumes to organising, inventorying, and maintaining the store. You will also be responsible for managing stock levels and supporting the organisation of the drama office. The role involves close collaboration with the whole department, and successful candidates must be prepared to attend weekend and evening rehearsals for the main productions each academic year.
Person Specification:
* you will have a 'can do' mindset, with a positive, flexible and proactive approach to being asked to undertake a variety of tasks
* this role is varied, and we are looking for someone who will be excited to take on a creative challenge to improve the way our extensive costume and wardrobe is organised and utilised. You will work well under pressure and be able to use your initiative to solve problems and meet important deadlines
* you will have the ability to interact well with staff, parents, colleagues and pupils and be able to follow the school's health, safety and welfare and safeguarding children's policies and procedures at all times
* it is of course essential in this role that you have a creative flair for costume design, and the expertise to source, tailor and repair them as required. Some previous experience of costume making, sourcing and repairing in a theatre environment would be highly desirable.
Hours, Salary and Benefits
Your normal working hours during Ipswich School term time (35 weeks per year) in this post will be 20 hours per week to be worked between 8.30 am pm each week, with some fixed working hours, and some flexible hours. Your working schedule will be discussed further at the interview. There is some flexibility with working hours in this role to ensure your needs and those of the department can be met.
In addition, there will be some weekend and evening commitments each term in this role, which may vary according to the needs of the department. Full details are available in the Job Description.
* this is a permanent position, subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
* the salary for the working hours outlined above will be £11,499 per annum which includes paid holiday per annum in accordance with the Working Time Regulations. Salaries are paid monthly in arrears by BACS on the last working day of each month and are reviewed annually
* annual leave may only be taken during Ipswich School holiday periods and outside of any weekend/evening work as set out above
* please note you are always expected to work your normal hours on the two days prior to the start of the Michaelmas (Autumn) term each year, and on the INSET day (currently in February each year). These days are staff INSET days for training and development activities, and they are included in the definition of Ipswich School term time
* free lunch is provided in the Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation
* staff are able to use the school's swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations)
* support staff with 3+ years contracted service are eligible for fee remission based on their contracted working hours
* in line with workplace pension legislation, you will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme after 3 months' service, and you will receive 3 x death in service life cover
* you will have access to Smarthealth, the school's wellbeing app for staff which offers 24/7 GP access and mental health support. We also offer a Cycle to Work Scheme.
How to apply
We would encourage you to download an application form and a full job description for this role fromour website, call the HR team on or email
Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview.
If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us.
Completed application forms should be posted by 12 pm on Thursday 20 November 2025 to the Director of Human Resources, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or email to
Closing date: 12 pm, 20 November 2025.
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised after the closing date and interviews will be arranged as soon as possible thereafter. If we have not been in touch with you by the middle of December then we regret that your application will have been unsuccessful, but we would like to thank you for your interest.
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
About the Team
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