At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Art department, developing a knowledge-rich curriculum.
- Company: Join a thriving, inclusive secondary school in beautiful Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, clear progression opportunities, and excellent CPD.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with no graded lesson observations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' love for Art and their learning journey.
- Qualifications: Strong subject knowledge in Art and leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 45746 - 48746 £ per year.
Cottenham Village College is seeking to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Head of Art to lead and develop our successful Art department from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher or current subject leader ready to take the next step in their career within a highly supportive and forward-thinking school.
About Cottenham Village College
Cottenham Village College is a thriving, inclusive secondary school set in a pleasant location in beautiful Cambridgeshire. As part of the Astrea Academy Trust, the college benefits from a shared commitment to high academic standards, strong pastoral care, and staff development. We are proud of our calm, focused learning environment and our belief that all pupils, regardless of background, can succeed through access to a knowledge-rich curriculum and excellent teaching.
The Role
As Head of Art, you will:
- Lead, manage, and inspire the Art department, establishing a clear vision for excellence in teaching and learning
- Develop and deliver a knowledge-rich art curriculum rooted in ‘powerful knowledge’ and subject specificity
- Line manage staff within the department, supporting professional growth and high-quality practice
- Use assessment effectively to drive progress and attainment
- Contribute to whole-school improvement priorities
- Promote a love of Art across the school and within the wider community
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Is an excellent Art practitioner with a strong subject knowledge
- Has, or is ready to develop, leadership and management skills
- Is aligned with evidence-informed practice, including Rosenshine and Lemov
- Is committed to high standards, equality of opportunity, and disruption-free learning
- Thrives in a collaborative culture and values shared planning and resources
- Is ambitious for pupils and for their own professional development
What We Offer:
- Huge levels of support and clear progression opportunities
- A knowledge-rich curriculum built on ‘powerful knowledge’ and subject-specific excellence
- Collaborative planning with centralised, shared units of work and resources
- A feedback policy focused on whole-class feedback — no onerous marking
- Disruption-free learning with clear systems and expectations
- Highly visible and supportive senior leadership
- Centralised detentions, including homework detentions
- No graded lesson observations — ongoing, no-stakes feedback cycles
- Excellent CPD, career development and promotion opportunities across the Astrea Cambridgeshire region
- Opportunity to complete NPQs
- An unrivalled professional progression model
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free on-site parking
Interested in Applying?
We would love to hear from you. Find out more about the role and how to apply or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.
Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities. In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.
Head of Art in Cambridge employer: Cottenham Village College
Cottenham Village College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development for its staff. Located in the picturesque Cambridgeshire, the college provides a knowledge-rich curriculum and a commitment to high academic standards, ensuring that educators can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. With excellent CPD opportunities, a focus on disruption-free learning, and a strong emphasis on equality and inclusion, this role as Head of Art promises not only career advancement but also the chance to inspire the next generation of artists.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Art in Cambridge
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