Teacher of Drama and Music

Do you have what it takes to nurture today's young people and inspire tomorrow's leaders? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to deliver outstanding learning and teaching to young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, becoming a Star teacher might just be the best career move you ever make. About The Valley Leadership Academy The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16-year-olds in Bacup. We joined Star Academies in 2019 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism. When inspected by Ofsted under the new framework and 'report card' grading system in April 2026, the school secured its best-ever outcomes. We achieved 'Expected standard' in three areas and 'Needs attention' in the remaining three areas, reflecting the significant progress made since the previous inspection. We are a rapidly improving school with high ambitions and expectations for all our pupils. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader. Who we're looking for We're looking for an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of success and raising pupil outcomes. As a Star teacher, you'll join the Star Academies family, a high-performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best teachers in education. The successful candidate will have the ability to deliver quality teaching that drives achievement and inspires a love of learning. You will be able to demonstrate experience of achieving positive outcomes for pupils, as well as being passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people. As a committed team player, you will have excellent organisational skills and the natural ability to motivate both pupils and peers. You will have:

• A degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• The ability to teach to GCSE standard.
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement.
• Experience of innovation and creativity to engage, enthuse and progress learners.
About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Find out more The school reserves the right to interview before the closing date should the right candidate become available. Please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please call us on . Key Dates Closing Date: Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at midnight. Interview Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026. Proposed Start Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026. Our Commitment Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

We're looking for an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of success and raising pupil outcomes. As a Star teacher, you'll join the Star Academies family, a high-performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best teachers in education. The successful candidate will have the ability to deliver quality teaching that drives achievement and inspires a love of learning. You will be able to demonstrate experience of achieving positive outcomes for pupils, as well as being passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people. As a committed team player, you will have excellent organisational skills and the natural ability to motivate both pupils and peers. You will have:
• A degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• The ability to teach to GCSE standard.
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement.
• Experience of innovation and creativity to engage, enthuse and progress learners.
  
  The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16-year-olds in Bacup. We joined Star Academies in 2019 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.
When inspected by Ofsted under the new framework and 'report card' grading system in April 2026, the school secured its best-ever outcomes. We achieved 'Expected standard' in three areas and 'Needs attention' in the remaining three areas, reflecting the significant progress made since the previous inspection. We are a rapidly improving school with high ambitions and expectations for all our pupils. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader., Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.