School Details –

At HeadStart we aim to stimulate students’ minds, as well as to encourage them to push beyond perceived traditional academic boundaries. It is our intention that through employing dedicated, enthusiastic and inspiring teachers, we will enthuse all our students to reach their potential and exceed expectations. We deliver a well-rounded personalised educational experience. We pride ourselves on being a community school, emphasising individual learning.

HeadStart is based in the centre of Phuket Island and gained ‘International School’ status in 2010, and is a fully accredited International School with The Education Development Trust. In our most recent inspection, we were awarded the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) with accreditors recognising the school to be a ‘Good School with Outstanding Features’.

Our curriculum is based on the national curriculum of England, and we offer Cambridge & Pearson qualifications in secondary school, including IGCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs.

The school's main campus at Chaofah has 1000 students and is oversubscribed in most year groups. We will be expanding our Upper School site and provision to make 'HeadStart College' the premier educational institution in the South of Thailand.

In August 2023, we opened a new campus in the north of the island, Cherngtalay. Having started as a one-form Foundation and Primary school, our Cherngtalay Campus is now a three-form entry Foundation, Primary and Secondary School (KS3 only) for up to 500 students. We will be expanding into KS4 in the near future.

Director of Creative & Performing Arts - CAPA (Responsibilities across both Chaofah & Cherngtalay Campuses)

The Director of Creative and Performing Arts is responsible for all CAPA programmes throughout the school across both our campuses. This includes curriculum subjects (such as Drama, Music, DT and Art), related ECA programmes, peripatetic lessons, and performance academies. They line manage the Heads of Creative Arts, and Performing Arts.

The Director of CAPA is a member of the school's Senior Management Team and reports to the Cross-Phase Principal.

Organising the various events and productions that HeadStart hosts (for example, whole-school theatrical productions, arts festivals, and external examinations) is a key feature of the remit of this role.

We are looking for a highly committed team player with drive, energy, and passion, who will lead all CAPA programmes across both our campuses. A strong academic background in British Curriculum Creative and Performing Arts is essential.

Requirements / Application Details

Essential Requirements:

• Significant experience of leadership in CAPA provision within a school environment (at least 3 years in a leadership and management role)

• Experience of working in an international school setting

• Proven ability to develop and articulate a clear strategic vision and annual plan for CAPA programmes

• A deep understanding of outstanding Teaching & Learning (T&L) across diverse CAPA subjects, with the ability to model best practices and develop staff

• Knowledge of EYFS/KS1 to A-level and BTEC programmes in CAPA subjects

• A strong creative vision with a proven track record of directing and producing high-quality performances

• Ability to logistically organise and manage multiple performances and productions simultaneously, with a keen eye for detail

• Experience in overseeing, scheduling, and managing peripatetic lesson programmes

• Experience in organising and managing external examinations (e.g., LAMDA)

• A collaborative approach to working with students and colleagues, ensuring all key stakeholders are involved when managing students' time and workload around productions

• Excellent time management and self-direction skills to effectively fulfil responsibilities without a dedicated teaching timetable

• Outstanding communication and people skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff and drive improvement

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university

• A recognised teaching qualification: BEd.; PGCE; or equivalent

• Must be a fluent English speaker

Remuneration Package:

(Full details of salary package and terms and conditions will be sent to short-listed candidates)

· Private medical insurance

· 3 year renewable contract

· Free lunch and beverages during the school day

· Significant end of contract bonuses.

Application Process:

The closing date for applications is 11th December 2026; however, we encourage early applications and reserve the right to make an appointment with the ideal candidate before this date.

PLEASE NOTE: HeadStart International School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS (in the UK) or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent full salary details and be invited for interview (via Google Meet).

CANDIDATES WITHOUT A DEGREE AND A RECOGNISED TEACHING QUALIFICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

We do not accept applications from candidates with only a TEFL or equivalent qualification.