Performing Arts Teacher

Performing Arts role at High Peak School

Inspire creativity. Transform lives. Lead the performing arts in a specialist setting where every child matters.

Are you an enthusiastic Performing arts teacher looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people? High Peak School is seeking a motivated and inspiring Performing arts teacher to join our dynamic team and inspire pupils through engaging, high-quality performing arts lessons.

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

We help children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who may be struggling to keep up with the pace of work, may be losing confidence, or struggling with the overwhelming sensory environment of their mainstream school. We also help children who have been out of education for a period of time, to positively re‑engage in an education which takes into account any negative experiences they may have had in schools so far.

It is an exciting time to join us with the expansion of the RAISE pathway designed to support pupils to successfully re‑integrate back into education who have experienced emotionally based school non‑attendance. Developing safe and secure relationships with pupils and staff and watching personal growth of pupils is amazing to see. Set over 20 acres of beautiful countryside amongst the rolling hills of Derbyshire, our unique environment provides an exceptional setting for learning, personal development, and wellbeing.

We currently have 90 pupils on roll and are expanding to accommodate up to 110 pupils, reflecting our continued growth and success. Our small class sizes, specialist approach, and nurturing ethos enable pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

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 hold a Good rating from Ofsted for the past 3 inspections.

We are looking for creative, enthusiastic professionals who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for every pupil.

As Performing Arts Teacher at High Peak School, you will play a key role in a team that places children and young people at the heart of everything we do.

• Plan, deliver and assess high‑quality teaching and learning in Music and Performing Arts that engage and challenge our pupils
• Use proven approaches to ensure all pupils can access learning and make strong progress
• Foster a positive learning environment that supports pupils educational and personal growth
• Support pupils with ASC, ADHD, and a range of additional learning needs to achieve their full potential
• Create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment
• Deliver high‑quality provision, foster community engagement and creative collaboration
• Meet pupils’ pastoral as well as academic needs
• Inspire trust, confidence and engagement across the school community
• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with pupils, colleagues, families, external professional, and the wider school community to support pupil outcomes
• Contribute to curriculum development and the wider life of the school
• Demonstrate high expectations for both academic achievement and personal development
• Participate in school activities, extracurricular programs, and professional development opportunities

You will lead school shows and performances, raise the profile of the arts across the school, and drive a vision that puts performing arts at High Peak School firmly on the map, establishing it as a recognised area of strength.

• Has experience teaching Music and Performing Arts up to Key Stage 4
• Holds QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant teaching qualification
• Has experience working with children with autism and associated needs
• Has experience teaching pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in…