Casting Call: Head of Visual and Performing Arts (Junior School)

General

St. Paul's School, São Paulo · Junior School, Nursery to Year 6 · Middle leadership post

The house lights dim. A Nursery child hums her first tune. A Year 6 pupil steps into the spotlight for the final scene. Between those two moments lies seven years of music, drama, the arts and growing confidence — and we are looking for the person to direct it all.

We are casting a Head of Visual and Performing Arts for our Junior School: a specialist visual and/or performing arts (music and/ or drama) teacher and inspiring leader who will shape how every year group, from Nursery to Year 6, will sing, play, create, act and find their voice.

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

School Values

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school’s values which are:

KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, ASPIRATION, INCLUSION, RESPONSIBILITY, ADVENTURE

Watch a video of the school:

More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br

The Role: Your Programme in Three Acts

Act I — In the classroom. Teach specialist drama or another one of the visual or performing arts to pupils across the Junior School, creating a safe space where children take creative risks, perform with confidence and build their oracy skills.

Act II — On the stage. Direct and produce the Year 6 Production, and lead an annual programme of concerts, assemblies, choirs, orchestra, ensembles and drama clubs — for absolute beginners and the most able alike.

Act III — Behind the scenes. Lead the visual and performing arts curriculum from Nursery to Year 6, line manage the Junior School visual and performing arts team, manage the budget and resources, and build a smooth pathway into our Senior School.

You will work with the Director of Visual and Performing Arts (whole school) to raise the status of the visual and performing arts across the whole school community.

Why Take This Stage?

• A starring role, not a supporting one. This is a middle leadership post with real influence over the curriculum, the team and the school's performing arts pathway.

• An audience that matters. Every pupil, from first-time performers to rising talent, gets access to music and drama.

• A whole-Junior School ensemble. You'll collaborate with creative leaders across every section of the Junior School, from Nursery through to Year 6.

• A vibrant home. Join St. Paul's, The British School of São Paulo, and bring the performing arts to life in one of the world's great cultural cities.

Your Audition

Curtain closes:

Closing date 26 November 2026 at 5pm.

Read the full Job Description and Person Specification, then send us your application. In your covering letter, as well as telling us why you fit our criteria, also tell us about one performance you've directed that you're proud of, and what it changed for the children involved.

Start date: August 2027 for an expat requiring a work visa in Brazil or January 2027 for a local professional who does not require a work visa.

Application Details

Please ensure your entire application is in English. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the school reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time.

Benefits to be confirmed based on the selected candidate’s status: expatriate or local.

For expatriate candidates, we offer comprehensive relocation support and the chance to live in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, if you’re not already here! For both local and expatriate candidates, we offer a competitive package and professional development opportunities.

“It only took a matter of months for me to fall in love with Brazil: the warmth of its people; their optimism and zest for life; their willingness to help strangers and their ever-readiness for a party! This, against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife and some of the best beaches I have ever seen make Brazil an unrivalled country to call home away from home. More locally, São Paulo is an elating metropolis to live in: I love how diverse it is demographically; how green and leafy it is; the excellent arts and culture options; the food offering is second-to-none and the nightlife is awesome. In all, São Paulo (and Brazil) are the best places to live if you value good people, fun, quality of life and heady adventure.” - Mr Jonathan Tarrant, Head of English in Senior School.

Safeguarding

St Paul’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and voluteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and other checks to ascertain their suitability to work with children.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Character Breakdown: Who We're Casting

The lead we're looking for:

• A qualified teacher (Pedagogia, QTS, PGCE or equivalent) with a degree in music, drama or a related visual or performing arts discipline

• Substantial, successful primary teaching experience, including music and/or drama

• Experience in an international or British-curriculum school

• A proven director of school productions, concerts and performances

• Instrumental or vocal skills strong enough to accompany or lead ensembles

• A strong understanding of the National Curriculum for music and the EYFS (Expressive Arts and Design)

Special skills that would steal the show: experience leading a subject area, line managing or mentoring colleagues, managing a budget, or building links with arts organisations.

Personality notes: energetic, approachable, proactive — and with a sense of humour.