Job Description
Are you an inspiring and ambitious Performing Arts specialist ready to lead, motivate, and shape an exceptional creative department? Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Department - Performing Arts to join our thriving all-through academy from September 2026.
At Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo, we are more than just a school; we are a rapidly transforming community where high expectations, creativity, and collaboration sit at the heart of everything we do.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop Performing Arts at a pivotal stage in our academy’s journey. As Head of Department, you will drive excellence in teaching and learning across Drama, Dance and Music, inspiring students to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Within our unique all-through setting, you will have the opportunity to shape and strengthen Performing Arts from primary through to secondary. You will help build a vibrant and inclusive programme that encourages creativity, confidence, and a love of performance in all our pupils.
What makes Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo a special place to work:
✨ Shape the Vision - Be part of an academy on an exciting journey of growth and development, helping to shape an ambitious and forward-thinking learning environment for our secondary pupils.
✨ Cross-Phase Collaboration - Benefit from a unique all-through setting where primary and secondary expertise meet to create an exceptional curriculum.
✨ Bespoke Career Development - We invest in you. From instructional coaching to leadership pathways, our CPD is tailored to help you take the next step in your professional journey.
✨ A Supportive Community - Join a warm, close-knit staff team where your wellbeing is valued and your ideas are heard.
If you are a passionate and ambitious leader ready to inspire creativity, develop outstanding provision, and shape the future of Performing Arts within a flourishing academy, we would love to hear from you.
Working with us at Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo (Secondary Phase)
Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo (Secondary Phase) is a place where 21st-century innovation and creativity combine with good manners to empower globally-minded citizens. We passionately believe all students deserve a world-class education, striving to ensure they become well-rounded, lifelong learners ready for their futures.
As a Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate school for the International Baccalaureate, we approach learning in a spirit that values academic success while also fostering problem-solving, creativity, integrity, and active community participation. We are a well-disciplined academy with high expectations, where pupils thrive in a culture of mutual respect and good behaviour. We are proud to be acknowledged with a National Area of Excellence for Behaviour & Inclusion, celebrating the transformative power of education and the consistently improving academic progress of our pupils.
We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge digital offer, with all pupils having access to their own Chromebook. This enables them to take ownership of their learning and challenges them in the digital age, while also providing our staff with a wealth of digital training and certification opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our academy family.
To find out more about our academy, please click here.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor): amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 205.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.