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- Tasks: Lead and innovate the academic direction of a prestigious architectural school.
- Company: The Architectural Association, a historic leader in architectural education.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of architecture education in a creative and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in UK architectural education and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse community in the heart of Central London.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The AA is an independent architectural school and an international cultural institution that serves as a forum for ideas. Being a major Centre for debate, the AA offers an unparalleled public programme of lectures, symposia, and exhibitions, together with accompanying publications.
The Architectural Association was founded in 1847, opening as a day school in 1901. The AA is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. The School is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. The academic and professional programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, up to and including doctoral level, are validated by external professional and academic bodies.
The AA campus is located in historic 18th century Bedford Square in London with a 350 acre woodland setting in Hooke Park in Dorset. The AA has an annual revenue of £18 million, a student body of 1000 students, 200 faculty, 90 staff, 6,500 members and thousands of visitors that come to engage with the most relevant debates in architecture today.
The Head of Teaching is a critical role within the Architectural Association, helping to shape the academic direction of a school that has a uniquely flexible and rapidly evolving curricular focus. The AA may be the oldest school of architecture in the UK, but its independent status has always enabled it to shape the debate. With graduates from over 130 different countries, this is an international and ever-growing conversation with a network of collaborators that include some of the most significant voices in the field.
The Head of Teaching is a senior academic role (and member of the Senior Management Team) that oversees the delivery, assessment, staffing and monitoring of the existing academic offering and the development of new courses and programmes. They support and oversee the performance of academic staff in their delivery of the school’s curriculum. They are also responsible for the preparation of materials for regulatory oversight and internal revalidations.
The role requires an individual with an active understanding and involvement with the current landscape in UK architectural education, evidence of clarity and rigour in the development of academic frameworks, and excellent communication skills and transparency in their interaction with colleagues.
We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including up to 40 days’ leave per annum, in addition to Bank Holiday, a defined pension scheme, season ticket loans and access to professional development opportunities. You will also be able to take part and be involved in a creative and unique teaching environment, where the students display their amazing work with various on-site exhibitions, public programmes and lectures.
Our Bedford Square campus is based just a 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station, right in the heart of Central London.
Please email the below documents by the closing date of 16th February 2026 stating the job title in the subject heading.
- AA Application Form
- Cover Letter / Email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role. This should be no more than two pages
- Outline your salary expectations.
- Full CV
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Informal enquiries should be addressed to recruitment@aaschool.ac.uk or 02078874110.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Please note that it will not be possible for the AA School to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for successful candidates. Therefore, the appointed candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of their employment with the AA School, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
Thank you for your interest in the AA and this role.
Head of Teaching employer: ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Contact Detail:
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Teaching
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the AA, attend relevant events, and engage in discussions about architectural education. This will not only give you insights but also help you make connections that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for architecture! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the AA, share your thoughts on current trends in architectural education and how you envision shaping the future. This will demonstrate your commitment and vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the AA's curriculum and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their unique teaching environment. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the AA community. Get your materials ready and hit that submit button!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Teaching
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what the AA is all about. Dive into our history, values, and current projects. This will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely interested in being part of our community.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Teaching role. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and make sure to connect your experience with what we’re looking for in this position.
Showcase Your Experience: When you’re putting together your CV, focus on relevant experiences that demonstrate your understanding of architectural education. Highlight any leadership roles or innovative teaching methods you've implemented, as these will resonate with us.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your documents in as soon as you can. Remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the current academic offerings and any recent changes in architectural education. This will help you discuss how your vision aligns with the AA's unique curricular focus.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to overseeing academic staff and how you foster a collaborative environment. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or developed new courses.
✨Engage with Current Debates
Stay updated on the latest discussions in architecture and education. Be ready to share your thoughts on these topics, as it shows your active involvement in the field and your ability to contribute to the AA’s public programme.
✨Communicate Clearly and Transparently
Practice articulating your ideas clearly, especially when discussing complex academic frameworks. Good communication is key in this role, so be prepared to demonstrate how you would interact with colleagues and students alike.
