About this role
We are looking for an experienced teacher of Drama ( with a second subject - not PE) to join Smiths Wood Academy.
Please see video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KpsPE5pdJRQ from the Principal with further details about the Academy.
Our recent Ofsted inspection shows we have improved in all areas. Leadership, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing were all graded ‘expected standard’ and we are committed to building on this success. The Ofsted visit in January 2026 found that Smith's Wood Academy is the most improved school in England- after a dramatic and fast paced turnaround.
Key points from the report included that
"Staff know that their wellbeing and professional development matters deeply to leaders: They value the training that they receive and the opportunities that they have to pursue leaderships qualifications. Leaders have ensured that staff and pupils benefit from a happy and collaborative place to learn and work."
"Pupils' increasingly positive behaviour reflects the high expectations that leaders have of them."
"Pupils are calm and happy around the school. The school is a friendly, respectful community where pupils can be themselves. Pupils and staff share warm relationships. Increasingly, more pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive school. They speak positively about the support and care that they receive from staff. Pupils feel safe and well looked after."
Please see link below to the Academy Website and the full Ofsted Report. Smith's Wood Academy – Part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. A comprehensive school based in Solihull, West Midlands.
The successful candidate will:
Set high expectations which motivate and challenge students in a productive learning environmentPromote good outcomes by students, planning well-structured lessonsDemonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledgeAdapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all studentsMake accurate and productive use of assessmentFulfil wider professional responsibilities with high standards of personal and professional conductIn return we will offer you:
Access to support and guidance from other subject leaders across the MAT and form subject expertise within the Academy SLTBespoke Continual Professional Development (in the academy and online via the National College)Perkbox example benefits;Discounts at nationwide retailersGym discountCinema discountsEmployee assistance programmeUp to 4 structured counselling sessions per yearA MAT wide focus on staff well-beingThis is an exciting time to join us, and a great opportunity to be involved in the next stage of development of this strong team. Over the last few years, there has been a real drive to develop collaborative planning of a well sequenced knowledge rich curriculum in order to ensure our curriculum is inclusive and all students can achieve highly.
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as well as providing evidence of qualifications.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020).
This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of[1]offenders-act-1974
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive suitable applications. Early application is therefore strongly advised.