Director of Performing Arts
-
School:
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust -
Location:
County Durham -
Salary:
MPS/UPS (£32,916 - £51,048 per annum) plus TLR1c £14,866 -
Hours:
Full Time -
Contractual Status:
Permanent -
Closing Date:
12th Jan 2026
Location: St Leonard’s Catholic School, North End, Durham, DH1 4NG
Grade: MPS/UPS (£32,916 – £51,048 per annum) plus TLR1c £14,866
Hours: Full Time, Permanent
St Leonard’s Catholic School is a thriving, oversubscribed secondary school with a vibrant sixth form, located in the historic cathedral city of Durham. We are proud to have been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted (October 2024), with inspectors praising our culture of care and achievement where every pupil is known and loved. They highlighted our expertly designed curriculum, exceptional teaching, and strong personal development programme that builds character and resilience. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and value the high-quality education they receive.
Our Catholic Schools Inspection (2025) commended St Leonard’s as a community where faith and learning flourish together, describing our mission as “lived and visible in every aspect of school life.” Inspectors noted the strength of our pastoral care, the commitment of staff to pupils’ spiritual and moral development, and the inclusive, supportive environment that makes our school a joy to be part of.
We are entering an exciting new chapter as part of the national School Re-Building Programme, with a stunning new building opening in Spring 2026. This will combine cutting-edge facilities with the charm of a restored Victorian house at the heart of our site.
As one of the highest-achieving schools in the North East—with almost 50% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and excellent A Level outcomes (Overall Grade B)—we have a strong track record for Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications.
We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the largest Catholic education trust in the North East, offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and career progression across 48 schools.
Why work with us?
- Outstanding behaviour and a calm, respectful learning environment.
- A supportive, faith-driven community where staff are valued and developed.
- High-quality professional development opportunities through the school and Trust.
- A school culture that prioritises wellbeing, collaboration, and excellence.
- Exciting future with state-of-the-art facilities opening in 2026.
An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an inspirational and dedicated individual to lead and shape performing arts within our school from September 2026.
The successful candidate will be passionate about performing arts and will be highly skilled in this area as well as being able to lead and inspire within our school community.
As this is a newly-established post, an early conversation with the Head of School is advised prior to submitting an application. Please contact him via kwoodall@stl.bwcet.com
For an application form and further details about this vacancy please visit our website http://bwcet.com/vacancies/ where applications can be completed online.
Closing date: 12 January 2026
Interview date: TBC
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, formerly The Trinity Catholic Multi Academy Trust was set up on 1 February 2012. Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead was the first school in the trust.
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, is currently a family of 5 secondary schools and 21 primary schools from across Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham and Northumberland, in the west of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The Trust is expanding rapidly and will reach a total of 48 schools by Summer 2022.
We feel very privileged to be able to work with our wonderful children and the amazingly gifted and dedicated staff and leaders across all of our schools. Our motivation and general philosophy are built on ever improving standards of discipline, nurture and care, teaching and learning and quality of leadership. Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust will be a partnership that affirms the dignity of the individual. The person is at the heart of Christ’s teaching: this is why the promotion of the human person is the goal of our Trust.
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