At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Art & Design department, shaping vision and curriculum.
- Company: Join Lift Beacon High, a diverse and inclusive secondary school in Islington.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous benefits, career development, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role starting September 2026 with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creativity and success in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Exceptional teaching skills and a passion for art and cultural enrichment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Salary: MPRTLR2
Hours: Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Are you an Art specialist ready to lead, inspire and build something exceptional? This is a rare opportunity to join Lift Beacon High as Head of Art & Design, a pivotal leadership role where you will shape the vision, curriculum and culture of a creative department at the heart of the school, while delivering high-quality teaching across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and driving excellent outcomes for all students.
The role
- Provide inspirational leadership, setting a clear vision and identity for the department
- Lead on curriculum design, implementation and assessment, ensuring strong progression across all key stages
- Drive high-quality teaching and learning, using data to secure strong outcomes for all students
- Develop a culture of high expectations, consistency and excellence
- Play a key role in delivering whole-school priorities, including closing achievement gaps
Who we're looking for
- An exceptional classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact
- Passionate about Art, creativity and cultural enrichment
- Committed to ensuring every student succeeds, regardless of background
About Lift Beacon High
Lift Beacon High is a good, inclusive secondary school in the London Borough of Islington, proudly reflecting the diversity of our local community. We serve a vibrant, multicultural cohort of pupils and believe our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Ofsted (November 2022) recognised the positive culture at Beacon High, noting that "leaders and governors have worked together effectively to improve all areas of the school's work" and that "staff value leaders' consideration of their well-being, professional development and workload." Lift Beacon High is a caring school where pupils feel safe, valued, and supported. Strong relationships sit at the heart of our work, and pastoral care and inclusion are key strengths. Staff know students exceptionally well and provide additional care and guidance where needed to ensure every pupil can thrive.
From January 2026, Lift Beacon High has joined Lift Schools, a high-performing trust of 59 primary, secondary and special schools across England. Lift Schools is recognised nationally for sector-leading professional development and strong outcomes. The trust is united by a clear moral purpose: to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
Who is Lift Schools?
We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
The role is due to commence September 2026. This is a full time, permanent position.
Closing date: 15 May 2026
Interview date: 20 May 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Head of Art & Design in London employer: Employer near you
Lift Beacon High is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. As part of Lift Schools, employees benefit from extensive career growth opportunities, generous benefits, and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Islington, this role offers the chance to lead a creative department while contributing to a school community that celebrates cultural enrichment and high expectations for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Art & Design in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the art and education sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and teaching methods. Use social media to share your insights on art education and engage with others in the field. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the subject.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Lift Beacon High and its values. Think about how your vision aligns with theirs and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent education for every child.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lift Schools and contributing to our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Art & Design in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art:When writing your application, let your love for art and creativity shine through. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your passion and how it has influenced your teaching style.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Art & Design role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what Lift Beacon High is looking for.
Highlight Leadership Experience:As this is a leadership position, be sure to emphasise any previous roles where you've led a team or driven change. Share examples of how you've inspired others and improved outcomes in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Employer near you
✨Know Your Art & Design Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your vision for the Art & Design department. Be ready to discuss how you would inspire and lead a creative team, and how you plan to implement a curriculum that excites students and drives their success.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Impact
Prepare specific examples of how you've driven high-quality teaching and learning in your previous roles. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate how your approach has led to strong outcomes for students, especially in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Lift Beacon High values diversity, so be sure to highlight your commitment to inclusivity in your teaching practices. Share experiences where you've successfully engaged a multicultural cohort and how you plan to ensure every student feels valued and supported.
✨Align with Whole-School Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Lift Schools' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership in the Art & Design department can contribute to closing achievement gaps and supporting whole-school priorities, showing that you're not just focused on your subject but the school as a whole.
