Performing Arts Teaching Assistant

Performing Arts Teaching Assistant

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £13.44 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)

Vacancy Type: Fixed Term – Term time only Regular hours will be Friday 16:30 – 18:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 12:30. Additional hours may be offered.

The Perse Academy of Performing Arts, known as PAPA, forms part of The Perse’s wider performing arts provision. It offers drama, musical theatre, dance and singing opportunities for children and young people and is open to all. PAPA welcomes a broad range of ages and abilities, encouraging confidence, creativity and community through high-quality performing teaching and performance opportunities. We are seeking to appoint a part time, fixed hours Teaching Assistant to support the Academy on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and strong and demonstrated performing arts experience. Key responsibilities will include preparing studios and classrooms, assisting teachers during lessons, supervising small groups or rehearsals in teachers’ absence, and all attendance administration including reporting.

The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18.  

Our aim is to be a leading employer of choice. This means we strive to be a school where staff say they are proud and excited to work, and feel valued, respected and motivated.

We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful. 

Classroom & Studio Support

• Prepare studios/classrooms (chairs, mirrors, speakers, props).
• Assist teachers during lessons (demonstrations, group work, warm-ups).
• Support differentiated learning and individual student needs.
• Supervise small groups or rehearsals while the teacher works elsewhere.
• Maintain a safe working environment (spacing, flooring, equipment use).

Rehearsals & Performances

• Support rehearsals.
• Help with costume organisation, quick changes, and prop management.
• Supervise students backstage during performances.
• Assist with technical rehearsals (timings, entrances/exits).
• Help maintain focus, discipline, and safety during productions.

Administrative & Organisational Tasks

• Take attendance and report absences.
• Assist with signing students in and out, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Help prepare lesson materials and rehearsal schedules.
• Assist with running the PAPA café on occasion. All roles will be expected to help us foster a supporting and inclusive atmosphere for all learners and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding.

Skills & Experience Essential:

• Proven experience working with children.
• Strong and demonstrated performing arts experience.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A patient, energetic and creative approach.
• Share in the Perse values of kindness and care.

Desirable:

• Experience in a performing arts or stage school environment.
• Professional theatre experience

Closing date: Friday 14th August at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Perse School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Recruitment

The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations).All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity.  This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.