Performing Arts Teacher (Drama or Music Specialist)

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Position: Performing Arts Teacher (Drama or Music Specialist)

Location: Manor House School, Slinfold, Horsham, RH13 0QX

Salary: Up to £46,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you a passionate and talented Performing Arts Teacher with specialist expertise in either Drama or Music? Do you want to inspire and empower students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in the vibrant town of Horsham, West Sussex?

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate practitioner to join our independent school, where we specialise in supporting students with SEMH challenges. Whether your background is in Drama, Music, or both, you will play a key role in nurturing creativity, confidence, emotional expression, and personal growth through the performing arts.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging Performing Arts lessons tailored to the needs of SEMH learners.
• Develop a flexible, individualised curriculum aligned with school aims and the National Curriculum, with a specialist focus in Drama or Music.
• Create a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment that promotes emotional well‑being and creative expression.
• Use a range of teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Assess and monitor student progress, providing personalised feedback and guidance.

Collaboration & Support

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider support team to ensure holistic support for students.
• Integrate performing arts approaches into therapeutic and SEMH-supportive practice where appropriate.
• Contribute to whole‑school initiatives, events, and cross‑curricular projects.

Enrichment

• Organise and lead extracurricular performing arts activities, clubs, or productions that support social and emotional development.
• Encourage student participation in performances, showcases, and creative projects.

About You

Essential

• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
• Proven experience teaching Drama or Music, ideally with SEMH learners.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and patient approach.
• Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the unique needs of SEMH students.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Driving licence is required.

Desirable

• Experience with music technology, performance direction, or creative arts therapy approaches.
• Knowledge of relevant policies, codes of practice, and legislation.

About Us

Manor House School is an independent co‑educational school for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We provide a small, supportive environment where personalised learning helps pupils rebuild confidence and engage with education. Our dedicated staff foster positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and a calm, nurturing atmosphere. Through tailored support and a broad curriculum, we empower pupils to achieve success and prepare for life beyond school.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales

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