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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 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: 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
- 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 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 in 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who are already at Lift Schools or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Lift Beacon High's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just passionate about art but also about how it fits into our school culture and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your creativity to the table during the interview! Think of innovative ideas for the Art & Design curriculum that align with our vision. We love fresh perspectives that can inspire our students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we want to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
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 specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past or how you plan to enrich the curriculum at Lift Beacon High.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative teaching methods you've used to drive student success.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality and vision, so make sure your writing reflects who you are as an educator.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Lift Schools.
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 excellence.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Impact
Prepare specific examples of how your teaching has positively impacted student outcomes in the past. Highlight any innovative methods you've used to engage students and drive their success, especially across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Lift Beacon High values diversity, so be sure to discuss how you would create an inclusive environment in your department. Share your experiences working with diverse student groups and how you plan to ensure every student feels valued and supported.
✨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 contribute to closing achievement gaps and supporting the overall goals of the school.