At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and engage students in Art and Media while supporting their emotional and mental health.
- Company: Join a passionate team at New River College, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work across multiple sites with a collaborative staff team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives and help them thrive creatively.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching with a focus on SEMH and a flexible approach.
The predicted salary is between 40317 - 62496 £ per year.
About The Role
Salary grade: £40,317- £62,496 + £2,787 (MPS/UPS + SEN1)
Maternity cover (September start)
Thinking about the next step in your teaching career? Ready for a new and rewarding challenge? New River College can offer both.
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Art and Media Teacher to join our committed and passionate team at New River College. This is an exciting opportunity for a teacher who is looking for a fresh challenge, has a flexible approach, and is keen to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives.
Many of our pupils arrive with literacy and numeracy levels below age-related expectations. The ability to positively engage children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) is more important than the phase you have previously taught. Applications are therefore welcomed from both primary- and secondary-trained teachers.
The successful candidate will be:
- A confident and effective classroom practitioner with high expectations for all pupils
- Skilled in planning and delivering engaging, motivating and accessible lessons
- Flexible, reflective and willing to adapt teaching approaches to meet individual needs
- Committed to inclusive, trauma-informed and restorative practice
- Passionate about supporting pupils with SEMH, behavioural needs and complex life experiences
- Keen to contribute positively to a collaborative, supportive staff team
- Experienced or with willingness to develop a second subject
New River College is a multi-site pupil referral unit in Islington (primary, secondary and medical provision) supporting children and young people aged 5–16 who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or have complex SEMH or medical needs. Secondary provision operates across two sites, so flexibility and a willingness to work across multiple locations is required.
We offer all pupils a broad core curriculum, including English, Maths, Science and Humanities, alongside a range of foundation subjects. We also work closely with alternative providers to offer enhanced learning opportunities tailored to individual needs.
This role offers the chance to work in a supportive environment where staff development, collaboration and pupil progress are highly valued.
Closing date: 23:59 Monday 29th June 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Interviews will be held on: Thursday 9th July 2026
For background information visit our website www.newrivercollege.co.uk or for an informal discussion about the post or to arrange a visit please contact Michele Lamberton 020 7504 0534 – opt 2 or email michele.lambert@nrc.islington.sch.uk.
New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with barred list check will be required. Also, if this post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations, the successful applicant will be required to declare.
In line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.
Art & Media Teacher — Maternity Cover (SEMH Focus) employer: Islington Council
New River College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff while making a significant impact on the lives of young people with SEMH needs. Located in Islington, the college fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, offering opportunities for continuous development and the chance to engage in meaningful teaching experiences across multiple sites. With a commitment to inclusive practices and a focus on trauma-informed approaches, New River College provides a rewarding environment for educators looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Art & Media Teacher — Maternity Cover (SEMH Focus)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, check out New River College's website and social media. Familiarising yourself with their values and approach will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with supporting pupils with SEMH needs and how you can contribute to a collaborative team.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your passion to the table! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' lives. Highlight your flexible teaching methods and commitment to inclusive practices to really stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you're keen and professional—qualities that are always valued in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Art & Media Teacher — Maternity Cover (SEMH Focus)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about making a difference in the lives of young people, especially those with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role. We’re looking for someone who can engage and motivate pupils, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Reflective:We value flexibility and a reflective approach, so don’t hesitate to mention how you adapt your teaching methods to meet individual needs. Share any experiences where you’ve successfully modified your lessons for different learners.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Brush up on trauma-informed practices and be ready to discuss how you can create an inclusive environment that supports these students.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since this role requires working across multiple sites, highlight your adaptability. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully adjusted your teaching methods to meet diverse student needs or changing circumstances.
✨Engage with Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for art and media education. Prepare to discuss innovative lesson plans or projects you've implemented that have engaged students, especially those who may struggle with traditional learning methods.
✨Collaborative Spirit
New River College values teamwork, so be ready to talk about how you’ve worked collaboratively with colleagues in the past. Share specific instances where your contributions helped foster a supportive environment for both staff and students.
