Prep School Art Specialist

Prep School Art Specialist

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

  • Tasks: Inspire creativity and teach art to students from Year 1 to Year 8.
  • Company: Brighton College Prep Kensington, part of the leading Cognita education group.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, free lunches, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape a vibrant art curriculum in a supportive, creative environment in central London.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Art or related subject, QTS, and experience teaching art.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team with exciting new facilities and enrichment opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About the School – Brighton College Prep Kensington

Welcome to Brighton College Prep Kensington. We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places strong emphasis on creativity, academic excellence, and outstanding pastoral care.

As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co-educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. Named London Independent School of the Year finalists in 2025, we are recognised for our innovative approach and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Situated beside Exhibition Road, at the heart of London’s cultural quarter, we make exceptional use of our location to inspire artistic creativity through access to world-class galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Prep School Art Specialist to join our fantastic team.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring Art Specialist to teach pupils from Year 1 to Year 8, nurturing imagination, technical skill, and artistic confidence. The successful candidate will work alongside the Head of Art as part of a collaborative and expanding department, contributing to the delivery of a vibrant and ambitious art curriculum. You will contribute to a growing and forward-thinking department, helping to shape a vibrant curriculum and make full use of new and enhanced art facilities. You will plan and deliver high-quality lessons across a wide range of media—drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, digital art, and photography—encouraging pupils to develop both strong technical foundations and imaginative expression.

You will play an active role in enrichment, organising clubs, exhibitions, competitions, and creative events, and will make the most of the school’s central London location through gallery and museum visits. You will also contribute to whole-school life through trips, events, and pastoral support, acting as a positive role model who embodies confidence, curiosity, and kindness. A passion for photography and an interest in developing photographic work within the curriculum and co-curricular programme would be a particular advantage.

Who We Are Looking For

You bring a degree in Art or a related subject, QTS (or equivalent), and experience teaching art at Key Stage 1, 2, and/or 3. You are an inspiring communicator with excellent classroom management, a commitment to safeguarding, and a passion for developing young artists. An interest in photography, enrichment activities, curriculum development, or experience preparing pupils for senior school exams will be a strong advantage.

Benefits at Cognita

  • Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience.
  • Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme.
  • Free lunch and refreshments provided during Term Time.
  • Generous school holidays and public holidays.
  • School fee discount.
  • Exclusive third-party discounts.
  • Ongoing professional development.

The School Offers

  • The opportunity to work alongside an experienced and supportive Head of Art.
  • The chance to help shape an art department with exciting new facilities on the horizon.
  • A warm, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
  • Exceptional enrichment opportunities through our central London location.
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience (pro rata for part-time appointments).
  • A vibrant and welcoming school community.

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.

Prep School Art Specialist employer: Cognita Schools

Brighton College Prep Kensington is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment where creativity thrives. With access to London's cultural quarter, staff can inspire students through world-class artistic experiences while benefiting from generous professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a supportive community. As part of the esteemed Brighton College family, employees enjoy a unique chance to shape an ambitious art curriculum and contribute to a school recognised for its commitment to academic excellence and pupil wellbeing.
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Contact Detail:

Cognita Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Prep School Art Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Brighton College Prep Kensington. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your creativity! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best art projects and teaching methods. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to give potential employers a taste of your style and skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the school and express your interest in joining their team. A personal touch can make you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on trends in art education! Follow relevant blogs, attend workshops, and engage with online communities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to continuous learning.

We think you need these skills to ace Prep School Art Specialist

Art Education
Creativity
Technical Skill in Art
Classroom Management
Communication Skills
Curriculum Development
Photography
Enrichment Activities
Imaginative Expression
Collaboration
Passion for the Arts
Safeguarding Commitment
Experience with Key Stage 1, 2, and/or 3

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Art: When you're writing your application, let your love for art shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your creativity and how you've inspired students in the past. We want to see your enthusiasm for nurturing young artists!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Prep School Art Specialist. Mention how your skills align with our values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness. This shows us you understand what we're all about!

Highlight Your Experience: Don’t forget to include your teaching experience, especially with Key Stage 1, 2, and 3. Talk about any innovative projects or techniques you've used in the classroom. We love hearing about what makes you unique as an educator!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Brighton College Prep Kensington!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools

✨Know Your Art Curriculum

Familiarise yourself with the art curriculum at Brighton College Prep Kensington. Be ready to discuss how you would approach teaching various media like drawing, painting, and digital art. Show your passion for nurturing creativity and technical skills in students.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your artistic work and any projects you've led in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your creative flair and how you can inspire young artists. Think about how you can incorporate photography into your lessons too!

✨Engage with the School's Ethos

Understand the core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness that the school promotes. Be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these values in your teaching and how you plan to instil them in your students.

✨Plan for Enrichment Activities

Think about how you can contribute to the school's enrichment activities, such as organising art clubs or exhibitions. Be ready to discuss your ideas on how to make the most of the school's central London location for gallery visits and creative events.

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