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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, pension scheme, healthcare, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role starting September 2026 with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' creativity and cultural enrichment.
- Qualifications: Exceptional teaching skills and a passion for Art and student success.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ 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, you will:
- 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 You will be:
- 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 inline 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 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
✨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 can really set you apart!
✨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 the Lift Schools family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Art & Design
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. Highlight your leadership experience and how you can contribute to the vision and culture at Lift Beacon High.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and fit for the role quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about Lift Schools while you're at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Beacon High
✨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 both students and staff, and how you plan to implement a curriculum that fosters creativity and cultural enrichment.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Impact
Prepare specific examples of your past teaching experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive high-quality outcomes. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used and how they have positively impacted student learning, especially across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Lift Beacon High values diversity, so be sure to articulate how you would create an inclusive environment in your department. Discuss strategies you've employed to ensure every student succeeds, regardless of their background, and how you would continue to promote this ethos.
✨Engage with Whole-School Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Lift Schools' mission and whole-school priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your role as Head of Art & Design will align with these goals, particularly in closing achievement gaps and fostering a culture of high expectations and excellence.