Job Introduction
Thornden School are seeking an outstanding individual to join our successful Performing Arts team as a Teacher of Drama. Thornden School offers an outstanding induction, training, and development opportunities.
Our Drama department fosters a vibrant, creative, and highly collaborative environment where students enjoy developing their skills. As part of a dynamic Performing Arts team, we work closely with our Music and Dance colleagues to deliver exciting cross-disciplinary projects and performances. We stage two full school productions each year, alongside a range of enriching trips and workshops that bring learning to life. At the heart of our department is a warm, supportive, and friendly team who are passionate about inspiring every student to shine.
Our school prides itself on fostering a positive, collaborative ethos where staff are well supported and students are ambitious, motivated, and proud of their achievements.
Salary: MPR /UPR
Hours: Full-time 1FTE (32.44 hours per week) / we will also consider applications for Part-time (please specify)
Contract: Temporary Maternity Leave Cover
Responsible to: Head of Performing Arts
Start date: 1st September 2026
Closing Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 20th April 2026
Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
We warmly welcome ECTs and offer an excellent, structured induction programme to help you thrive in your first teaching role. At Thornden, you will benefit from:
- A dedicated subject mentor with regular protected meeting time
- A reduced timetable and protected CPD/development time
- High quality‑ ECF-aligned training
- Opportunities to observe excellent practice across the department and wider school
- Strong, consistent behaviour systems, enabling you to focus on teaching
- A nurturing, team based‑ culture that values new teachers and invests in their confidence
- A well-resourced Drama department with shared schemes of work, teaching materials‑ and collaborative planning
- Clear and supportive pathways for career progression within Thornden and across HISP Trust
We are committed to helping you grow into a confident, skilled and fulfilled practitioner.
About the role:
- To teach Drama (and possibly Dance) to an outstanding standard to all Key Stage 3 and 4 year groups.
- To assist in raising and maintaining standards of student attainment and achievement in the Drama department.
- To promote learning and to monitor, support and be accountable for student progress in Drama.
- To ensure consistently high levels of professionalism are maintained.
- To promote the school’s belief in creating a safe environment for students through robust safeguarding practices and maintaining an environment where students feel confident to approach any member of staff with a concern.
We are seeking an individual who has:
- Vision, energy and enthusiasm innovation and perseverance in supporting achievement
- Willingness to pursue high standards, both academic and behavioural
- Professional image and high personal standards
- An excellent team-player who relates well to students, staff, parents and the wider community
- Flexibility and adaptability to meeting the changing needs of the department
- The ability to work under pressure and maintain a good sense of humour
- Resilience, realism and a sense of perspective
- Willingness to contribute to all aspects of school life
In return we can offer you:
- A positive working environment focused on wellbeing, teamwork and high standards
- Excellent CPD and professional development opportunities
- Access to our in‑house Teaching School
- Career pathways through our Teaching School Hubs and Trust-wide leadership development
- Eligibility for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
About Thornden School
Thornden is a popular, oversubscribed school serving Chandler’s Ford and the surrounding area, with around 1,470 students on roll. We have a strong ethos of ambition and high expectations for all. Our students’ achievements extend far beyond the classroom, with many progressing to excel at local colleges and in higher education.
For more details about Thornden School see https://www.thornden.hants.sch.uk/joining-us/recruitment
About HISP Trust:
HISP MAT is committed to creating excellent educational environments that inspire and unlock potential.
With a growing family of schools across the region, we are proud to be outward‑facing and research‑informed, hosting both a Research School and two Teaching School Hubs.
We also offer exceptional training routes through the Hampshire SCITT Partnership and strong career development pathways for staff at all stages.
How to apply:
For further information regarding this vacancy, click on https://www.hispmat.org/vacancies?vacid=643. Download and complete the Teaching Staff Application form. Please can you state in your application if you are requesting full time or part time (how many days).
Completed applications should be emailed to:
📩 hr@thornden.hants.sch.uk
Please note: CVs will not be accepted. No agency applications.
Internal applicants, please email hr@thornden.hants.sch.uk including in your email how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
For informal enquiries, contact:
📩 hr@thornden.hants.sch.uk
Safeguarding Statement
The HISP Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to DBS and other relevant employment checks.
We are committed to equality of opportunity throughout all stages of the recruitment process and ensuring that candidates are treated fairly and lawfully throughout the process.
