Job Description

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a thriving Senior School department with a strong track record of placing students in prestigious drama schools and universities, many of whom go on to successful careers in the arts. Both our curricular and extra-curricular performances are highly accomplished, and we pride ourselves in offering this excellence in a range of genres.


Based in our oak frame theatre, this role works with teachers, visiting teachers, directors, designers and guest practitioners to deliver a deeply enriching student calendar. Creative problem solving alongside academic rigour is the aim for students and staff alike, resulting in a positive and invigorating experience for all.


An inspirational and encouraging teacher, you will have a good degree in Drama & Theatre Studies or equivalent in a related area, with a proven track record of experience and excellence in teaching. You should also be keen to play a full and inclusive role in the life of our busy boarding community and be able to contribute to the development of our innovative school. A team player with good communication skills, you will have an enthusiastic approach in all your dealings with students, colleagues and parents. Directing experience Is expected to deliver the curricular and co-curricular offerings.


The successful candidate will have outstanding subject knowledge, excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills, an ability to build up positive rapports with colleagues and students and an appreciation of the ethos and aims of Bedales and the way in which the subject contributes to the aims of the school.

Start date - 1 September 2026.

Bedales School is a unique educational establishment, set in the 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

We are looking for a well-qualified and inspiring drama teacher with a track record of success. This success may have come from exciting work in the state or independent sectors. The role is perfect for someone keen to ensure drama is a vital and important subject.

Timetable

A full-time teaching commitment at Bedales Senior School is 32 lessons per week. Learning takes place throughout the day and encompasses tutoring, co-curricular activities, and support and extension sessions as well as subject lessons. Most core curriculum commitments for students are scheduled from 09;00 hrs to 17:30 hrs on Monday to Friday (with assemblies until 18;00 at least once a week), and until 13:00 hrs on Saturday. Students also have access to optional activities before and after the main school day with rehearsals typically running in the evening. Bedales is a busy boarding school, and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute fully to school life. This may include working during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This role is Part time (70%) but full time will be considered for the right candidate.

This post is a

Regulated Activity.

Benefits

APTIS pension Funded Healthcare Cash Plan Salary Extras Benefits Platform Employee Assistance Programme Life Assurance Personal Accident Cover Free meals provided during term time Free on-site parking 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.

Closing date: 9.00am, Friday 20 February 2026

Application screening via Teams: on a rolling basis during the advertising period

Interview date: Friday 6 March 2026

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


To find out more about this opportunity, candidates can contact our Co-Director of Dance & Drama by email to: hcole@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