RECRUITMENT

Principal – Performing Arts College

Location: Scotland (with national and international reach)

Salary: Competitive + performance-related incentives

 

Lead the next chapter of an exceptional performing arts institution

 

After 35 years of visionary leadership, we are seeking an outstanding Principal to lead one of the UK’s most dynamic and respected performing arts colleges into its next phase of growth and innovation.

 

Founded in 1994, the college has built a national reputation for excellence in professional training, with graduates working across theatre, television, and the wider creative industries. In recent years, the organisation has reached a series of transformative milestones, including the validation of degree programmes through a UK university partnership and the award of an international sponsorship licence—enabling us to attract emerging talent from across the globe.

 

We now seek a Principal who can build on this momentum and shape an ambitious, future-facing vision.

 

The Role

 

As Principal, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership across all aspects of the college. You will:

 

• Set and deliver a compelling vision for the next stage of growth

• Lead on academic quality, student experience, and outcomes

• Strengthen and expand higher education provision and partnerships

• Drive student recruitment both in the UK and internationally

• Champion industry relevance and professional progression routes

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing staff team

• Ensure strong financial sustainability and organisational resilience

 

The Person

 

We are looking for an exceptional leader with:

 

• Proven senior leadership experience within FE, HE, or specialist arts education

• A strong track record of delivering growth, innovation, and organisational development

• Deep understanding of performing arts training and/or the creative industries

• Experience of academic partnerships, quality assurance, and regulatory frameworks

• Commercial awareness, with the ability to balance creativity and sustainability

• Inspirational leadership style, with the credibility to engage staff, students, and industry

 

Why This Role Matters

 

This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, high-performing institution at a pivotal moment in its journey.

 

You will inherit:

 

• A strong brand with national recognition

• Degree-awarding partnerships and international reach

• A loyal and talented staff team

• A clear platform for growth and innovation

 

 

And you will have the opportunity to:

 

• Shape the future of performing arts training

• Expand global reach and reputation

• Build on a powerful legacy while defining your own

 

 

 

 

To Apply

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Please send covering letter and CV to hr@gamta.co.uk

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Closing date:  Friday 3rd April 2026