Director of Performing Arts

Job Role: Director of Performing Arts

Salary: Main / Upper Pay Range (plus TLR 1c Allowance up to 14,860.00)

Location: Lister Community School, St Mary's Road, London, E13 9AE.

Interview Date: Week Commencing 12th October 2026

***We are seeking to appoint a Director of Performing Arts with a strong specialism in Drama***

About this Role

We are seeking a dedicated and inspirational Director of Performing Arts to lead, develop, and deliver a high-quality Drama and Music curriculum across the school. You will provide strong subject leadership for Drama and Music and will foster a creative, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment in which students develop confidence, creativity, communication, collaboration, and performance skills. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and the wider school community to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate, perform, develop confidence and experience success. You will develop and lead excellent performances in our school and create a vibrant enrichment programme.

About the School

Lister Community School is a large 11-16 Academy at the heart of its community, and is part of the Newham Community Learning Trust. Our vision is to provide a world class international education for young people in Newham. We firmly believe our young people have the right to the same quality of teaching and range of opportunities as at any school in the country, and our ethos is one of continuous improvement, with a focus on strong partnerships and staff development. Over the last ten years we have significantly raised academic standards and are now the school of choice for our local community.

In October 2024, Ofsted found that the school has maintained the good quality of education and ‘made strong progress in many aspects of the school’s provision‘ since our previous inspection in December 2018. Our many strengths are highlighted, including how students are ‘courteous and articulate’ and ‘enjoy school and value the wide range of opportunities they are given’. We are very proud that the report recognises our high aspirations, the hard work and good behaviour of our students, and the dedication and commitment of our staff.

At Lister Community School, we recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

What we offer:

• Pension scheme - Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, as applicable.
• Employee assistance programme and support
• Free gym onsite
• Subsidised staff cafe
• Cycle to work scheme
• Long service awards
• Eye care vouchers
• Staff wellbeing initiatives
• Occupational Health Support to promote your health and wellbeing
• Flexible working opportunities, where appropriate
• Trust-wide career progression and promotion opportunities
• High -quality CPD and professional development
• Leadership development opportunities
• Whole- school away days for staff development days
• A supportive and collaborative working environment where staff are valued and encouraged to thrive
• Opportunities to contribute beyond your role and make a wider impact across the school and Trust

Why Join us?

• Make a real impact - play a key role in shaping and developing Performing Arts across the school.
• Inspire young people - create opportunities for students to discover their talents, build confidence and experience success.
• Lead and develop a talented team - work with committed teaching and peripatetic staff who share a passion for Music and Drama.
• Be part of a supportive community - join a collaborative school where staff are valued and encouraged to contribute to wider school life.
• Develop professionally - benefit from opportunities for leadership development, professional learning and career progression.
• Bring Performing Arts to life - lead performances, enrichment activities and events that make Music and Drama a vibrant part of school life.

Application Process

Interested candidates should read the Job Description & Person Specification, before submitting a completed Application Form.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the advert early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. We will only be contacting those candidates who have been selected to progress to the next stage of the process. Please note we do not have parking facilities onsite.

Lister Community School and Newham Community Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This appointment will be conditional on successful pre-employment checks. Identity, Prohibition, Qualification, Barred List, Enhanced DBS, Section 128, Overseas, Right to work, Reference, Criminal Record and Medical Checks are essential for all applicable posts at the School.

In accordance with paragraph 221 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2026), Lister Community School and Newham Community Learning Trust will carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates. If shortlisted for the role an appropriate online search will be undertaken on your name(s). Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.