Pre-Prep Performing Arts Specialist

Hendonprep; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent preparatory school in Greater London is looking for a warm and inspiring Pre-Prep Performing Arts Specialist to teach music and drama across Early Years to Year 3. This full-time role involves shaping the Pre-Prep arts curriculum, contributing to school productions, and engaging in the vibrant co-curricular life of the department. Candidates should have a relevant degree, QTS, and experience in teaching young children. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience

Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme

Free lunch during Term Time

Generous holidays

School fee discount

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• A degree or specialist qualification in music, drama or performing arts.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Experience teaching music and/or drama to young children, including Early Years.

Responsibilities

• Teach music and drama across Pre-Prep, including Early Years to Year 3.
• Contribute to the wider performance calendar of the school.
• Lead Pre-Prep performing arts provision and support whole-school productions.

Skills

Teaching music and drama to young children

Strong communication skills

Classroom management skills

Engaging approach to teaching

Commitment to safeguarding

Education

Degree in music, drama, or performing arts

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

About the School - Brighton College Prep Kensington: We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. We emphasise confidence, curiosity, and kindness, with a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that prioritises creativity, academic excellence, and outstanding pastoral care. As part of the Brighton College family of schools, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our distinctive character. London Independent School of the Year finalists in 2025, we are located beside Exhibition Road in London’s cultural quarter, and we make exceptional use of our location to inspire artistic creativity through access to world-class galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Pre-Prep Performing Arts Specialist to join our team.

About Cognita Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries, serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is unique, with a collective purpose to create an environment where everyone can thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We nurture students academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world. We open classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child receives a world-class education. It is an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher, and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

About the Brighton College Family of Schools Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools, which includes Brighton College, three other UK-based Prep Schools, and a growing network of schools worldwide. Brighton College is known for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits. Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff.

About the Role

We are seeking a warm, energetic, and inspiring Pre-Prep Performing Arts Specialist to teach music and drama across the Pre-Prep, including Early Years through to Year 3. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and ambitious Performing Arts Faculty, working alongside the Head of Performing Arts and the Head of Drama. As a new and growing department, soon to be rehoused in purpose-built specialist facilities, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the Pre-Prep performing arts curriculum and contribute to the wider performance calendar of this ambitious school.

As a member of the Performing Arts team, the postholder will embrace the rich co-curricular life of the department. Rehearsals, ensembles, and clubs, including those before and after the school day by departmental arrangement, are a valued and integral part of the role, sitting naturally alongside curriculum teaching and contributing to a vibrant performance culture.

In addition to leading Pre-Prep performing arts provision, the role includes supporting whole-school productions and performances as needed, working collaboratively across the faculty. For the right candidate, there may also be opportunities to contribute to Prep School teaching as the department continues to expand.

The ability to teach dance or creative movement would be a significant advantage. As an Apple School, a desire, ability, or interest in exploring the role of technology within the creative arts curriculum would also be highly valued.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a proposed start date in the new academic year in September 2026.

To view our job description, please click here.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential

• A degree or specialist qualification in music, drama, performing arts, or a closely related field.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, or relevant Early Years teaching experience.
• Experience teaching music and/or drama to young children, including Early Years.
• A warm, creative, and engaging approach to teaching young learners.
• Strong communication and classroom management skills.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Experience contributing to performances or productions and a thorough understanding of the quality expected in a premium independent school.

Desirable

• Ability to teach dance or creative movement.
• Experience working in an independent or preparatory school.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to Prep School teaching for the right candidate.
• Interest in, or experience of, using technology creatively within the performing arts curriculum, in keeping with the school’s Apple School ethos.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the co-curricular life of the performing arts, including rehearsals, ensembles, clubs, and performances.
• Enthusiasm for enrichment activities and the wider life of a school.

Benefits

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in Teachers\' Pension Scheme
• Free lunch and refreshments provided during Term Time
• Generous school holidays and public holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Ongoing professional development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Friday 27th February 2026.

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.