About the School
William Ellis School is a thriving, voluntary aided, non-denominational, inclusive comprehensive boys’ school serving the educational needs of boys from the ages of 11 to 18. It is an attractive site on the edge of Hampstead Heath with excellent access to Central London. It is a neighbourhood of great social and cultural diversity, and this diversity is very well represented at William Ellis.
The school is committed to nurturing successful students and good citizens through strong relationships in line with the school motto, “rather use than fame”. The school is part of the longest established and most successful mixed sixth form consortium in London, LaSWAP, which enables our students to access a wide range of subject expertise. We provide excellent professional opportunities for staff and are part of the Camden family of schools.
About the role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed Head of Drama and Music to join William Ellis on a one-year maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead two highly valued departments, both of which play an important role in the creative and cultural life of the school.
Music at William Ellis has a strong history of excellent results at GCSE and A Level, with consistently high levels of student engagement and uptake. In some years, up to 40% of a year group have opted to study Music at GCSE. The department offers a thriving programme of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities, including ensembles within the school and in collaboration with neighbouring girls’ schools, with students regularly performing at external venues and events. We are proud to be part of a strong Camden schools’ music partnership and benefit from the continued support of our Parents’ Association, which actively fundraises for musical equipment. Music is a key part of our school identity, with 10% of places each year offered to students demonstrating a particular aptitude for the subject.
Drama is equally valued within the school, offering an ambitious, creative and engaging curriculum. Taught to all students throughout Key Stage 3 and offered as an option at Key Stage 4, the subject has a strong record of outcomes and benefits from excellent cross-curricular links, particularly with Music.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build on the strengths of both departments, inspiring students through high-quality teaching, creative collaboration and a rich programme of performances and enrichment activities. We are looking for an individual with the vision, enthusiasm and leadership skills to maintain the high standards of both subjects and further develop the performing arts provision at William Ellis School.
The successful candidate will be:
• an outstanding teacher with excellent subject knowledge and a track record of securing excellent student progress from all starting points;
• an inspirational and collaborative leader with the skills and determination to make a significant difference to the lives of young people, and to work effectively with and through others;
• a caring and principled professional committed to social equity.
If you are seeking a challenging and highly rewarding position, enriching the lives of students and the local community, we look forward to hearing from you.
If you are seeking a challenging and highly rewarding position, enriching the lives of students and the local community, we look forward to hearing from you.
Applications can be submitted through the school website or through ETeach
Interested Candidates are welcome to contact the school for an informal conversation about the role, the school and to arrange a visit. We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.
William Ellis School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
All appointments are subject to DBS checks and excellent references and an online media search