Head of Secondary Performing Arts (Drama) - 2027/2028

About the role

Safa Community School, an all-through UK curriculum school in Dubai, is seeking a Head of Secondary Performing Arts with a Drama specialism to lead and grow the department. The successful candidate will lead the Performing Arts curriculum from KS3 to KS5 and teach Drama across the age and ability range, to GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level. This is a leadership role advertised as part of the school's strategic growth to meet increasing enrolment and programme demand.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for Performing Arts (Drama, and Music/Dance where applicable), setting and delivering a development plan aligned to the school improvement plan.
• Design, review and quality-assure schemes of work and assessment across KS3-KS5, and lead, coach and support department staff, including performance management, CPD and mentoring beginning teachers.
• Monitor teaching, learning and student progress through data analysis, lesson observation and work scrutiny, and plan timely interventions.
• Take responsibility for examination entries, coursework and practical assessment, moderation and results analysis.
• Manage the department budget, resources, performance spaces and equipment, including health and safety and safeguarding in rehearsal and performance settings.
• Direct and oversee productions, concerts, showcases and festivals, and develop co-curricular and enrichment programmes.
• Build links with the wider community, including external performances, theatre visits, workshops and competitions.
• Contribute to the senior secondary leadership team and whole-school development.
• Plan and deliver lessons, set and mark work, assess and report on progress, and prepare students for public examinations and practical assessments.
• Communicate with parents, write reports, attend Parents' Evenings and Open Evenings, and maintain good order and discipline among students.
• Keep up to date with curriculum innovation, engage in CPD, and familiarise yourself with the DSIB inspection framework and the expectations of outstanding teaching and learning in the UAE.

Required profile

• A degree in Drama, Theatre or a related discipline plus a recognised teaching qualification.
• Experience teaching Drama in British Curriculum schools at both GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level.
• Middle or senior leadership experience, or demonstrable readiness for a first Head of Department post.
• Strong record of directing productions and running co-curricular performing arts.
• Enthusiasm for the performing arts and understanding of assessment and examination requirements for KS3, KS4 and KS5.
• Outstanding teacher and confident, collaborative leader who builds strong teams.

Applications close on Friday, 11 December 2026 at 10:00 UAE time and are assessed in order of receipt. Only applicants with GCSE and A-Level teaching experience will be considered, and applications must be submitted through the TES/Schrole portal with a full CV, a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages, and at least three referees (one current employer). A demonstration lesson and possibly a short leadership presentation are required.