The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts
Head of Stage and Screen
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Head of Stage and Screen – Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA)
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is a national network of performing arts academies, delivering outstanding extracurricular training in:
- Comedy & Drama
- Musical Theatre
- Film & Television
for students aged 4–18.
The Head of Stage and Screen will lead teaching, learning, creative content, and performance opportunities across the network. This role champions student-led, project-based learning to drive high-quality educational experiences that enhance student engagement, progression, and retention.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Student Experience, this position will be a key member of the Pauline Quirke Academy’s Senior Management Team and oversee all aspects of curriculum development, team leadership, and performance initiatives in alignment with PQA’s learning framework, Our Learning Approach.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Shape and deliver the strategic vision for Stage and Screen, ensuring all activities align with PQA’s educational philosophy, student experience goals, and wider business objectives.
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Team Management: Lead and manage the Stage and Screen team, fostering a collaborative and positive culture, while representing the department on the Senior Management Team.
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Framework Embedding: Champion and embed Our Learning Approach across PQA’s HQ and the wider network through:
- Development of training programs
- Creation of learning resources
- Support for Principals and teachers
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Quality Assurance & Improvement: Oversee continuous improvement in teaching and learning to ensure:
- Stage and Screen resources support Principals
- High-quality learning experiences are delivered
- Meaningful student outcomes are achieved
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Student Engagement & Retention: Ensure Stage and Screen initiatives enhance:
- Student engagement
- Progression
- Long-term retention across the network
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Content Development:
- Maintains the relevance, diversity, and engagement of student-led, project-based learning.
- Expands project offerings across the network.
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External Partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships to:
- Enhance the student experience
- Strengthen PQA’s reputation
- Create new opportunities for the network
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Productions & Events Leadership: Lead the Productions and Events function, including:
- Strategic development of PQA’s West End experience.
- Creation of high-quality performance opportunities nationwide.
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Operational Management:
- Manage departmental budgets, KPIs, and objectives effectively.
- Ensure strategic resource allocation and achievement of business plan priorities.
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Risk & Safeguarding Compliance:
- Continuously assess risk and safeguarding in all HQ-run productions, projects, and events.
- Act as the primary escalation point for Stage and Screen-related complaints.
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Ad Hoc Responsibilities: Execute additional duties as required by the organisation.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role will be evidenced by:
- Strong adoption of Our Learning Approach
- Continued quality improvement in teaching and learning
- High student engagement, progression, and retention
- Successful delivery of productions, projects, and events
- Effective leadership of the Stage and Screen team
Essential Skills & Experience
- Leadership Experience: Significant history in education, performing arts, productions, events, or a related sector.
- Change Management: Ability to lead organisational change and embed new initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
- Team Leadership: Proven track record in leading, coaching, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, enabling effective operation at both strategic and operational levels.
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Communication & Organisation:
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication.
- High organisational skills with ability to manage complex workloads.
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Inspirational Leadership: Capacity to inspire and motivate Principals, teachers, and teams across a geographically dispersed network.
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Innovative Approach: Forward-thinking mindset in teaching and learning, underpinned by:
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Deep passion for the performing arts and young people.
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Compliance & Legal Awareness:
- Developed understanding of all safeguarding, legal, and health and safety requirements.
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Creative Management Experience:
- Experience in managing creative teams.
- Experience in directing and producing shows.
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Conflict Resolution:
- Positive, flexible, and service-focused approach.
- Ability to resolve challenges and complaints in a calm and professional manner.
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Supplier Relationships: Proficiency in building and managing partnerships with external organisations.
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Tools & Licensing:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
- Ability to work with franchise or licensing environments.
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Flexibility & Availability:
- Willingness to work unsocial hours (including evenings and weekends) as required.
- Full UK driving licence is essential.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Teaching experience.
- Digital learning & development expertise (e.g., platforms, e-learning).
- Experience in franchise/licensing environments.
- Professional training or industry experience in:
- Performing arts.
- Theatre productions.
- Technical and stage management.
- Ability to develop or implement digital learning resources/solutions.
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