Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2B Dependent on Experience
Education Phase: Secondary
Working Pattern: Full-Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Application Deadline: Monday, 5th May 2025
Interview Date: 12th May 2025
About us
Darwen Vale High School (DVHS) is an 11-18 academy, with a newly evolving sixth form which sits as part of collaboration with the two other Aldridge Education schools in the town: DACA and DAES. The school’s students are drawn not only from Darwen, but also from neighbouring Blackburn, and around 30% of students qualify for free school meals.
DVHS opened in redesigned and refurbished buildings in September 2012, and has grown from year groups of 150 to 240. It is widely recognized as a school which has seen rapid improvements in recent years: student achievement has improved significantly and as a result, the school has been oversubscribed for the past several years.
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, Darwen Vale has been given a ‘Good’ rating in all areas; a great achievement, and one which Aldridge and the whole DVHS team are very proud of. The school's motto - We aim high. We work hard. We care. We are Vale. - embodies the commitment of the community of staff, students, and parents to ensuring the school continues to go from strength to strength.
We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic Head of Drama to lead our Drama Department and shape the future of performing arts at our school. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator to make a lasting impact on students’ academic and personal development.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead with Excellence: Oversee the Drama Department, driving high-quality teaching that fosters student progress and achievement.
2. Curriculum Development: Design and implement a curriculum that meets the diverse learning needs of all students, ensuring inclusive access to Drama education.
3. Promote Excellence Across All Learners: Champion equal opportunities for all students, regardless of background, to excel in Drama and engage fully in their learning journey.
4. Foster a Positive Learning Environment: Cultivate a culture of hard work, creativity, and passion for Drama, motivating students to engage deeply with their studies and develop a lifelong love for the subject.
What We Are Looking For:
* A strong leader with a proven ability to inspire and guide a team of educators.
* Experience in delivering high-quality teaching and strategically developing a curriculum.
* A commitment to narrowing achievement gaps and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
* A passion for Drama and a deep understanding of its role in students’ broader educational experience.
If you are ready to take on a leadership role that will have a profound impact on the education and development of young people, we invite you to apply for the position of Head of Drama at Darwen Vale High School.
Further details about the role including the full job description and person specification can be found in the document link at the bottom of the page.
Completing the application: Candidates will need to create an account and are asked to complete all the standard information required on the application form. Please also address the mission alignment and capacity to meet the requirements of the Essential and Desirable criteria of the Person Specification and Job Description. CVs are not accepted as part of the application process.
We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date, so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time.
Disclaimer:
Any unsolicited CVs sent to any member of our HR team on a speculative basis will not be recognized nor will we accept liability for any fee or commission should we subsequently employ a candidate who applied to us directly or was introduced by an instructed agency that may also have been submitted speculatively by an uninstructed agency.
* Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website
About Aldridge Education:
Darwen Vale High School is a member of the Aldridge Education family of schools, which locally also includes Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, and Sudell Primary School.
Aldridge Education is a charitable Trust of entrepreneurial community schools and colleges that help young people reach their potential. We support our schools’ Principals and teachers in rapidly improving the quality of education on offer at early years, primary, secondary, and sixth-form levels to transform the life chances of our students.
Operating Norms
We believe that the way we operate at all times and with all partners is of paramount importance.
Our agreed operating norms are as follows:
* We are Aldridge Education
* The standard is excellence
* We’re in the work together
* We behave with integrity
* We lead by example
* We use time well
References
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy and KCSIE 2024 guidelines, we cannot accept personal email addresses for referees. A total of two professional references are required, and they must come from different employers. Please provide the name of your current or most recent employer, along with the email address of your line manager or a representative from the HR department.
Safeguarding Statement:
Aldridge Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Following successful application, Aldridge Education will carry out the necessary prohibition checks for all teaching staff, as well as for all candidates undertaking regulated activity. If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, you will be required to complete a Declaration giving details of any relevant criminal offences and other relevant information relating to our safeguarding duty. Further information will be provided on that form.
Given the nature of the Trust’s activities and the regulatory framework it is subject to, any offer of employment will be made conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and barred list check carried out by the Trust (where applicable to the role in question). It is an express condition if you are appointed to the role that you join the DBS update service.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, Aldridge Education will undertake online searches (including social media) in accordance with KCSIE 2024.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, and 2020. This means standard and enhanced DBS checks will now always show all unspent records, including youth conditional cautions, meaning some previously unrecorded details will now be disclosed.
Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Equal Opportunities
At Aldridge Education, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed and thrive.
We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is essential for driving innovation and achieving success. Our commitment to equality and fairness is embedded in all aspects of our recruitment, employment, and educational practices. We continuously strive to maintain an environment that provides all individuals with the opportunity to realize their full potential.
Why work with us?
Looking for a fulfilling career with great benefits? Here’s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
* Aldridge Benefits Scheme in Partnership with Sodexo: Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
* Employee Assistance Programme: Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
* Flexible Working Opportunities: Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
* Free On-Site Parking: No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
* Good local transport links: Local train and bus links
* Pension Schemes: Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
* Refer a Friend Scheme: Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!
Desired Criteria
Requirements
Experience and Current Practices
Applicants should demonstrate from their experience and current practice the ability to:
* Develop the curriculum or pastoral care, including awareness of how specialisms such as Entrepreneurship can be developed across the school/academy
* Experience of Quality Assurance processes and monitoring and managing staff performance
* Successful leadership of transformation and change management
Education
Qualified Teacher Status
Experience of teaching in the 11-16 sector
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
Applicants should demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of:
* Current educational issues
* Strategies for raising standards
* Effective learning and teaching strategies
* Knowledge of the Secondary Drama Curriculum
* Effective use of ICT
* Awareness of whole school issues
* The ability to translate vision into practice
* Developed partnerships with stakeholders
* Excellent subject knowledge and awareness of the latest initiatives in that subject
Additional Skills and Qualities
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:
* Prioritize, plan, and organize
* Show a passion for Drama demonstrated in the classroom
* Act as a role model by setting high standards
* Motivate and inspire various stakeholders
* Handle conflicts sensitively
* Use different leadership styles effectively
* Demonstrate impact of teaching on progress
* Provide high-quality feedback
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