Head of Drama - Full-time

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

• Ref:KCC886-6016-348T
• Posted:06/02/2026
• Pay:St Michael's Main Pay scale
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:09/03/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:18th & 20th March 2026

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We are looking for an inspiring and dynamic individual to lead our Drama Department from September 2026.

Performing Arts at St Michael’s is highly valued and widely celebrated. Both timetabled lessons and co‑curricular activities attract strong participation and enthusiasm. Recent productions include Aladdin, A Monster Calls, My Family and Other Animals and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Rehearsals are currently underway for a major staging of Oliver! featuring a cast of around 70 pupils and a live orchestra.

As Head of Drama, you will be an inspirational, passionate and forward‑thinking educator who engages pupils, staff and parents with confidence and warmth, acting as a highly visible ambassador for St Michael’s Prep School. You will champion the effective use of drama-based strategies to enrich teaching and learning across the school.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will model, develop and embed drama techniques that enhance pupil engagement, deepen comprehension and strengthen oracy skills. You will also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the wider life of the school and be prepared to contribute to teaching in additional subject areas as required.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.

Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.

In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Emma Blakiston
• Address:Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
• Telephone: 01959 522137
• Email: recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01959 522137