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- 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 competitive salary, well-being cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Access extensive career development and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creativity and cultural enrichment.
- Qualifications: Exceptional classroom practitioner with a passion for Art and student success.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: MPR + TLR2a + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
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's, while delivering high-quality teaching across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and driving excellent outcomes for all students.
The role as Head of Art & Design includes:
- Providing inspirational leadership, setting a clear vision and identity for the department
- Leading on curriculum design, implementation and assessment, ensuring strong progression across all key stages
- Driving high-quality teaching and learning, using data to secure strong outcomes for all students
- Developing a culture of high expectations, consistency and excellence
- Playing 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.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- 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 City of London employer: Lift Beacon High
Contact Detail:
Lift Beacon High Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Art & Design in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the art and education sectors. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and teaching methods. Use social media to share your creative projects and engage with the art community. This will make you stand out!
✨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.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Lift Schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Art & Design in City of 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 drives your teaching.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Art & Design role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As this is a leadership position, be sure to showcase any previous experience in leading teams or projects. Talk about how you've inspired others and driven positive outcomes in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Beacon High
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, think about how you would shape the vision and identity of the Art & Design department. Be ready to share your ideas on curriculum design and how you can inspire both students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Demonstrate your passion for art and creativity during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've enriched students' learning experiences in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Lift Beacon High.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Prepare to discuss how you use data to drive teaching and learning outcomes. Bring examples of how you've previously assessed student progress and adapted your teaching strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Lift Beacon High values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to highlight your commitment to these principles. Discuss how you’ve supported students from various backgrounds and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment in your department.