Head of Teaching in London

Head of Teaching in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the academic direction and oversee innovative teaching at a prestigious architectural school.
  • Company: The Architectural Association, a historic leader in architectural education.
  • Benefits: Up to 40 days leave, pension scheme, professional development, and a vibrant teaching environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of architecture education in a creative and collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in architectural education and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community in the heart of London with opportunities for growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.

Role Overview: 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.

What we offer: 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.

How to Apply: 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 in London employer: ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The Architectural Association (AA) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment in the heart of London. With a commitment to public benefit and a focus on innovative architectural education, employees enjoy generous benefits including up to 40 days' leave, professional development opportunities, and the chance to engage with a diverse international community of students and faculty. The AA's unique campus setting fosters creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of architecture.
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Contact Detail:

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Teaching in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the AA through LinkedIn or alumni groups. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your name on the radar.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the AA's recent projects and public programmes. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the school’s history but also excited about its future direction and how you can contribute.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the Head of Teaching role clearly and confidently. We want to hear how your experience aligns with the AA’s mission and how you plan to innovate in architectural education.

✨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 us you’re serious about joining the AA community.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Teaching in London

Academic Leadership
Curriculum Development
Assessment and Evaluation
Staff Performance Management
Regulatory Compliance
Communication Skills
Understanding of UK Architectural Education
Collaboration and Networking
Transparency in Interaction
Creative Teaching Environment
Public Engagement
Organisational Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability

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 mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely interested in being part of our community.

Craft Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and engaging. Highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Teaching role and how your experience aligns with our goals. Keep it concise, ideally no more than two pages, and don’t forget to mention your salary expectations.

Showcase Your CV: Your CV should be a clear reflection of your academic and professional journey. Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights relevant experiences that relate to the role. Use bullet points for easy reading and focus on achievements that demonstrate your leadership and teaching capabilities.

Apply Early!: We might close the application process early if we get enough great candidates, so don’t wait until the last minute! Submit your application through our website as soon as you can to ensure you’re in the running for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the current landscape in UK architectural education. Brush up on recent trends, debates, and innovations in the field. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you're well-prepared to lead discussions about the curriculum.

✨Showcase Your Vision

As the Head of Teaching, you'll need to shape the academic direction of the school. Be ready to articulate your vision for the curriculum and how you plan to enhance the learning experience. Think about specific courses or programmes you would like to develop and be prepared to discuss them.

✨Engage with the Team

Communication is key in this role. During the interview, highlight your experience in supporting and overseeing academic staff. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and transparency in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the school's values.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the AA's current programmes, future goals, and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school aligns with your own educational philosophy.

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