Head of Performing and Creative Arts - August 2027 start

ROLE SUMMARY:

Sotogrande International School, part of the Inspired Education Group, is seeking to appoint an outstanding Head of Performing & Creative Arts to join our Senior Leadership Team from August 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Drama specialist, senior educational leader and practising artist to lead the development of Performing and Creative Arts across the whole school, while launching and directing our new Elite Pathway in Performing Arts & Film for students aged 16–18.

Based at our new SIS Global Arts Centre, featuring a 400-seat professional theatre, dance and drama studios, music facilities and film editing suites, the successful candidate will play a key role in establishing Sotogrande International School as a leading destination for aspiring performers, artists and filmmakers.

In addition to this position, you may also be interested in our in-person Inspired Careers Event in London on Saturday 23rd January 2027. This school and over 30 other UK and international Inspired schools will be attending to connect with teachers seeking new roles starting from August 2027. For more information and to register, please click here: https://jobs.inspirededu.com/job-invite/10814/

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership for Drama, Music, Dance, Film & Media and Visual Arts across the whole school.
• Lead the development and implementation of a coherent arts curriculum across the IB and UK pathways.
• Design, launch and lead the new Elite Pathway in Performing Arts & Film for 2027/28, including specialist training, external qualifications and industry partnerships.
• Oversee teaching standards, curriculum development, assessment and student outcomes across the arts departments.
• Personally teach Drama on a reduced timetable, modelling outstanding teaching and professional artistic practice.
• Lead an ambitious programme of productions, performances, concerts, exhibitions, screenings and creative events.
• Build partnerships with drama schools, conservatoires, universities, theatres and creative industry organisations.
• Recruit, lead and develop teaching staff, specialist tutors, visiting practitioners and technical teams.
• Manage departmental budgets and oversee the strategic use of the SIS Global Arts Centre.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• A degree in Drama, Theatre, Performing Arts or a closely related subject.
• A recognised teaching qualification and QTS or equivalent.
• Extensive experience teaching Drama within the IB and UK curriculum, ideally MYP, DP Theatre and A Level.
• Proven senior leadership experience in Performing Arts or Drama.
• A strong track record of academic results, directing productions and preparing students for LAMDA, Trinity and drama school auditions.
• Professional experience in theatre, film, television or the wider performing arts, with established industry contacts.
• A practising artist with recent experience as a performer, director, writer or creative practitioner.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to inspire students and colleagues.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken. Previous international school experience and Spanish language skills would be an advantage.
• Visa sponsorship can be arranged for the right candidate.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.