Job Description

An inspirational and encouraging teacher, who embraces and embodies our ethos and values, is sought to lead and develop the Drama Department as Head of Department. Bedales Prep and Pre prep is a unique educational setting, homed in 120 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and students expect of each other the best kind of relationships - co-operative, authentic and trustful.

Experience & Background

As an outstanding classroom practitioner, you will have a degree in English or Drama or have a relevant professional qualification and/or industry experience. You will have the vision and ability to lead the department to ensure it remains exciting, engaging and relevant to the curriculum. At Bedales schools, creativity is highly valued and Drama is a well-respected outlet for many students. You will oversee the planning, development and implementation of schemes of work, enabling students to attain their optimum potential. Candidates should be abreast of recent pedagogies that promote innovative, enjoyable and successful engagement with the subject. You should be passionate about the Performing Arts and have experience of sharing this through classroom events, visits and events. You will manage LAMDA and Dance programmes in school, as well as lead on and support productions across the whole school. As an effective communicator, your collegiate approach will inspire colleagues to work collaboratively across the whole school towards achieving these outcomes.


Teachers at Bedales Prep and Pre prep are not only excellent teachers but also have a commitment to strong pastoral care and student development.


You should also be keen to play a full and inclusive role in the wider life of our busy Prep boarding community and be able to contribute to the development of our innovative school both pastorally and through co-curricular activities. Taking part in our annual camps week and/or experience of teaching Games would be desirable.

Timetable

You will be timetabled to teach 28 lessons a week. Learning takes place throughout the day and encompasses a form tutor role, co-curricular activities, and support and extension sessions as well as subject lessons. Most core curriculum commitments for students are scheduled from 08:20 to 17:30 hrs on Monday to Friday, and until 12:35hrs on Saturday. Staff who work on Saturdays receive a half day in lieu in the week. Teachers at the Prep also deliver activities once a week until 19:00hrs.


This post is Regulated Activity.

Benefits

APTIS pension

Funded Healthcare Cash Plan

Salary Extras Benefits Platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Free lunches provided during term time

Free on-site parking

Fee Remission for eligible staff

On-site nursery (subject to availability)

Gymnasium & swimming pool

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK, on an on-going basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this post, please read the which includes full details regarding the post. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines, CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.


Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Closing date: 09:00am, Monday 29 September 2025

Application screening via TEAMS: week commencing 6 October 2025

Interview date: week commencing 13 October 2025

To find out more about this opportunity, candidates can contact Belinda Usmar, PA to the Head of Prep by email to busmar@bedales.org.uk.


All other enquiries relating to the recruitment process should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk.


Safeguarding Statement:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, Prohibition from Management Checks.


The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection; providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to; playing a key role in prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm; When concerned about the welfare of a student, acting in the best interests of the student.
All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the school Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.


The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.