Music & Performing Arts Lead

Music and Performing Arts Lead

Contact information: careers@kedlestongroup.com

Location: High Peak School

Salary: M1 £34,069 – UPS3 £52,835 + SEN allowance £2,885

A TLR of £3,651 per annum will be available for the additional leadership responsibilities for the right candidate

Closing date: 19/11/26

Job Type: Permanent – Full Time

Music and Performing Arts Lead

High Peak School | Kedleston Group

Inspire creativity. Transform lives. Bring the arts together.

Are you a passionate Music Teacher with the creativity, ambition and leadership skills to make performing arts a flagship area of school life?

High Peak School is seeking an inspiring and ambitious Music and Performing Arts Lead to lead the development of music and performing arts across our school, while working collaboratively with our Art Department to create a joined-up, exciting and inclusive arts provision.

This is an opportunity for a talented teacher to go beyond the classroom, developing a vibrant creative culture that brings music, drama, performance and visual arts together. You will champion the contribution of the arts to pupils' confidence, communication, emotional wellbeing, personal development and sense of achievement, ensuring that creative opportunities are accessible to every pupil.

Alongside delivering high-quality Music teaching, you will provide leadership and direction for performing arts, coordinate productions and performances, develop partnerships with the local community and work closely with colleagues across the school. You will also support the continued development of the Art Department, helping to establish a shared vision for the arts, encourage collaboration between departments and maximise creative opportunities for our pupils.

A Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) of £3,651 per annum will be available for the additional leadership responsibilities of the role.

About Us

High Peak School, part of the Kedleston Group, is an independent specialist primary and secondary school for children and young people aged 7–16. We support pupils with autism, ADHD and associated needs, speech, language and communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, including anxiety, mental health difficulties and emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA).

We provide tailored education for children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who may be finding mainstream education challenging, whether due to the pace of learning, a loss of confidence, sensory overload or other barriers to engagement. We also support pupils who have experienced periods out of education, helping them rebuild trust, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning in an environment that recognises and responds to their individual needs and previous experiences.

It is an exciting time to join High Peak School as we expand our RAISE pathway, which supports pupils who have experienced emotionally based school non-attendance to re-engage successfully with education. Through safe, nurturing relationships, personalised support and a strong understanding of each child, we help pupils rediscover their confidence, develop their strengths and make meaningful progress. Seeing our pupils grow in confidence, reconnect with learning and achieve things they may once have thought impossible is one of the most rewarding aspects of working at High Peak School.

Set within 20 acres of beautiful Derbyshire countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, our school offers a unique environment for learning, personal development and wellbeing. With small class sizes, specialist provision and a nurturing ethos, we create the conditions for pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

We currently have approximately 90 pupils on roll and are expanding to accommodate up to 110, reflecting the continued growth and development of our provision. High Peak School is proud to be part of the Kedleston Group, a respected provider of specialist education with 14 schools across the country. We are also proud to have maintained a Good Ofsted rating across our last three inspections.

We are passionate about helping every pupil discover their strengths, develop their confidence and achieve their potential. We are looking for creative, enthusiastic and dedicated professionals who share this commitment and want to make a meaningful, lasting difference to the lives of the children and young people in our care.

About the Role

As Music and Performing Arts Lead, you will play a key role in developing an ambitious, inclusive and connected arts provision at High Peak School.

Music and performing arts will be at the heart of your role, with responsibility for developing high-quality teaching, leading performances and productions, expanding enrichment opportunities and raising the profile of the arts across the school.

You will work closely with the Art Department to connect music, drama, performance and visual art through collaborative projects, exhibitions, productions and whole-school events. Depending on the agreed leadership structure, this will include supporting and coordinating the work of the Art Department and may include line management responsibilities.

Working with the Senior Leadership Team, teachers, support staff, families and external partners, you will develop a shared creative vision that celebrates pupils' talents, strengthens collaboration between staff and establishes the arts as a recognised area of strength at High Peak School.

This role is particularly suited to someone who wants to combine excellent classroom teaching with the opportunity to lead, innovate and make a lasting difference to the wider school community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Development of Music and Performing Arts

• Develop and lead a clear vision for music and performing arts across the school, aligned with the school's values and development priorities.

• Establish performing arts as a flagship area of provision and a distinctive strength of High Peak School.

• Lead the planning and development of a whole-school programme of music, drama, singing, performance, movement and creative enrichment.

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to identify priorities, set development goals and evaluate the impact of performing arts on pupil engagement, progress and wellbeing.

• Create opportunities for pupils of different ages, abilities and educational pathways to discover and develop their creative talents.

• Develop an annual programme of performances, productions, workshops and creative events that enrich the school experience.

• Promote high expectations, participation, creativity and achievement, ensuring all pupils have meaningful opportunities to take part.

• Contribute to school improvement planning and communicate the impact and successes of performing arts across the school.

2. Bringing the Arts Together

• Work closely with the Art Department to develop a collaborative approach to arts education across the school.

• Identify opportunities to connect music, drama, visual art, set design, costume, creative writing and technical production through shared projects.

• Support the Art Department in developing its provision, identifying opportunities for improvement and increasing the visibility of pupils' creative work.

• Where agreed as part of the school's leadership structure, undertake line management responsibilities for Art Department staff, including supporting professional development, setting objectives and reviewing provision.

• Encourage cross-departmental planning and collaboration so that pupils experience the arts as connected and complementary disciplines.

• Coordinate whole-school arts initiatives, including exhibitions linked to performances, collaborative creative projects and themed arts events.

• Work with colleagues to ensure that the arts are celebrated throughout the school environment and contribute positively to its identity and culture.

• Share effective practice and identify opportunities to strengthen resources, facilities and creative opportunities across both performing and visual arts.

3. Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Development

• Plan, deliver and assess high-quality Music teaching up to Key Stage 4.

• Develop an engaging, inclusive and appropriately sequenced Music curriculum that supports pupil progress and personal development.

• Adapt teaching to meet the needs of pupils with autism, ADHD, speech, language and communication needs, SEMH needs, anxiety and other barriers to learning.

• Use practical, creative and multi-sensory approaches to encourage participation, communication, emotional expression and confidence.

• Work with colleagues to identify opportunities for music and performing arts to support learning across the wider curriculum.

• Support the development of enrichment and accreditation opportunities where appropriate.

• Monitor pupil engagement and progress, using feedback and assessment to continually improve provision.

• Model effective, inclusive teaching practice and share ideas that support colleagues in engaging pupils through creative approaches.

4. Productions, Performances and Enrichment

• Lead and coordinate school productions, concerts, performances, showcases and celebrations throughout the academic year.

• Create opportunities for pupils to perform, compose, rehearse, direct, design, create sets and costumes, and contribute to technical or backstage activities.

• Work with the Art Department to develop visual elements for performances, including scenery, props, costumes, promotional artwork and exhibition displays.

• Establish regular opportunities for pupils to share their achievements with peers, staff, families and the wider community.

• Develop clubs, workshops and enrichment activities that extend creative learning beyond the classroom.

• Collaborate with colleagues to incorporate performances and creative contributions into assemblies, celebrations and key school events.

• Ensure that events are appropriately planned, resourced, inclusive and sensitive to pupils' individual needs.

• Celebrate pupils' progress, teamwork, resilience and confidence alongside their artistic achievements.

5. Staff Collaboration and Leadership

• Build enthusiasm for music, performing arts and wider creative collaboration among teaching staff and support staff.

• Work with colleagues across curriculum areas, pastoral teams and specialist provision to develop meaningful creative opportunities.

• Support staff in identifying ways to use music, drama and performance to improve engagement, communication and participation.

• Encourage colleagues to contribute their own interests, skills and talents to creative projects and school events.

• Where line management responsibilities apply, provide clear direction, supportive professional challenge and opportunities for staff development.

• Foster a collaborative culture in which colleagues share ideas, celebrate success and contribute to the continued development of the arts.

• Work with school leaders to ensure that creative opportunities support the school's wider educational and pastoral priorities.

6. Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop links with local theatres, musicians, performers, artists, arts organisations and community groups.

• Arrange visiting artists, workshops, performances and collaborative creative projects.

• Identify opportunities for pupils to attend performances, participate in community events and showcase their talents beyond the school.

• Work with the Art Department to explore exhibitions, community art projects and opportunities to display pupils' work.

• Build relationships with families and carers, creating opportunities for them to celebrate pupils' creative achievements.

• Explore opportunities for funding, grants, sponsorship and external partnerships to enhance arts provision.

• Promote the achievements of pupils and establish High Peak School as a positive contributor to the local creative community.

7. Inclusion, Wellbeing and Personal Development

• Champion the arts as a means of communication, self-expression, belonging and achievement for pupils with additional needs.

• Create safe and supportive opportunities for pupils to explore creativity, develop confidence and take positive creative risks at their own pace.

• Use music and performing arts to support emotional expression, communication, sensory engagement, resilience and positive relationships.

• Work with colleagues and families to understand pupils' individual needs and remove barriers to participation.

• Ensure every pupil has opportunities to participate in ways that reflect their interests, strengths and abilities.

• Recognise and celebrate individual progress, including increased confidence, independence, engagement and teamwork.

• Ensure that all activities are appropriately planned and follow school policies, safeguarding requirements and health and safety procedures.

About You

We are looking for a creative, motivated and collaborative teacher who combines excellent classroom practice with the ambition to lead and develop performing arts across the school.

You will ideally:

• Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.

• Have experience teaching Music up to Key Stage 4.

• Have a strong musical background and a genuine passion for performing arts.

• Have experience, or the potential, to lead projects, coordinate productions, develop enrichment activities and drive curriculum improvement.

• Be enthusiastic about working collaboratively with colleagues in visual arts and other curriculum areas.

• Have the ability to inspire and motivate pupils and colleagues around a shared creative vision.

• Have strong organisational, communication and relationship-building skills.

• Have experience working with pupils with SEND, ideally including autism and associated communication, sensory, social, emotional and mental health needs.

• Be confident in developing partnerships with families, external organisations and the wider community.

• Have the leadership skills and interpersonal approach to support colleagues and, where required, undertake line management responsibilities.

• Share our belief that every pupil deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their confidence and experience success.

You do not need to be an expert in every creative discipline. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in Music, a passion for performing arts and the ability to bring colleagues and different areas of the arts together.

Why Join High Peak School?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing area of provision and establish performing arts as a defining strength of our school.

As part of the Kedleston Group, you will benefit from a supportive professional environment, opportunities to develop your career and access to a wider network of specialist education colleagues.

You will benefit from:

• The opportunity to lead and develop music and performing arts across the whole school.

• A TLR of £3,651 per annum in recognition of the additional leadership responsibilities.

• The opportunity to work collaboratively with the Art Department and help bring the wider arts together.

• The chance to develop school productions, exhibitions, community partnerships and creative enrichment opportunities.

• A supportive and collaborative team committed to achieving the best outcomes for pupils.

• The opportunity to work in a unique specialist setting within 20 acres of beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• An attractive staff benefits package which includes:

• Health and wellbeing programmes, including a free, confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service.

• Retail, travel and leisure discounts through our employee benefits platform.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• Generous life cover.

Salary: Main Pay Scale to Upper Pay Scale (MPS–UPS), plus a TLR of £3,651 per annum.

Make Your Mark at High Peak School

If you are an inspiring Music Teacher with the ambition to lead, the creativity to bring the arts together and the belief that performing arts can transform the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in building an ambitious, inclusive and community-connected arts provision that celebrates the individuality of our pupils, inspires our staff and establishes High Peak School as a place where creativity and achievement thrive.

Lead the performance. Connect the arts. Inspire every pupil.

Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies, and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of safeguarding or child protection concern. You will

remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and always be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues.

The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming application from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Teaching 1002