At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and engage students in Art and Media while supporting their emotional and mental health needs.
- Company: Join New River College, a supportive environment dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple sites with excellent staff development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' lives and grow your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching with a passion for inclusive education and SEMH support.
The predicted salary is between 40317 - 62496 £ per year.
About The Role
Salary grade: £40,317 - £62,496 + £2,787 (MPS/UPS + SEN 1)
Maternity cover (September start)
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 or for an informal discussion about the post or to arrange a visit please contact us.
New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects 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) in London 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, our collaborative work culture fosters inclusivity and innovation, providing teachers with the opportunity to develop their skills across multiple sites and contribute to a supportive environment dedicated to student progress. Join us for a rewarding teaching experience where your passion for art and media can truly shine and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Art & Media Teacher — Maternity Cover (SEMH Focus) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, check out New River College's website and social media. Understanding 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 – that’s what they’re really looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your passion to the table! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've engaged students in the past, especially those with complex needs. Show them you’re not just a teacher, but a mentor who cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Art & Media Teacher — Maternity Cover (SEMH Focus) in London
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 Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's working with SEMH students or delivering engaging lessons. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at New River College!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of students 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 caters to these needs.
✨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 or lesson plans to meet diverse student needs.
✨Engage with Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for art and media shine through! Prepare to discuss how you can make lessons engaging and motivating, especially for students who may struggle with traditional learning methods.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your commitment to teamwork. Be ready to talk about how you’ve worked collaboratively with colleagues in the past to support student progress and create a positive learning environment.
