Head of School - Art (Fixed Term - 1 year)

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager and educator to lead the Art School as Head of School, driving excellence in teaching and learning, student experience, curriculum innovation, community engagement and organisational performance. Reporting to the Campus Principal and working closely with the College Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Art School, delivering outstanding outcomes for students, staff, employers and local communities.

As Head of School for the Art School, you will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering the vision for your School, creating an inclusive and high-performing culture where both students and staff can thrive. You will lead curriculum innovation and quality improvement, ensuring provision remains responsive to the needs of learners, employers and communities while supporting the College's strategic ambitions for growth and excellence. The role includes a teaching commitment of 144 hours per academic year, ensuring leaders remain connected to current educational practice and the student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing strategic and operational leadership for a curriculum School.
• Leading and developing Deputy Heads of School and wider staff teams.
• Driving excellence in teaching, learning, assessment and student outcomes.
• Ensuring outstanding student experiences across adult, community, 16‑18 and higher education provision as appropriate.
• Leading curriculum planning, development and innovation.
• Managing budgets and resources to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
• Building productive partnerships with employers, community organisations and sector stakeholders.
• Leading safeguarding, Prevent and compliance within the School.
• Driving continuous improvement through quality assurance and self‑assessment processes.
• Contributing to College‑wide strategic priorities and change initiatives.

Qualifications

• A degree‑level qualification or equivalent.
• A relevant teaching and/or professional qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, including leadership development.
• Successful management experience within an educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of further, adult and/or higher education.
• Experience of curriculum planning, quality improvement and performance management.
• Experience of leading and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Strong financial and resource management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, Prevent, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about education, committed to social justice and capable of inspiring others to achieve exceptional results.

About Morley College London

Established in 1889, and with our roots stretching back even further, Morley College London is one of the country's oldest and largest specialist providers of adult education. We provide long‑term, sustainable and affordable programmes of lifelong learning across our centres in North Kensington, Chelsea, Waterloo and Stockwell.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement 40 days plus Bank Holidays Christmas closure period.
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Access to an employee retail savings platform offering discounts at major retailers.
• 100% discount on the cost of undertaking a Morley course of your choice.
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• On‑site cafeterias.
• A vibrant events calendar including exhibitions, performances, awards ceremonies and concerts.
• A welcoming and inclusive working environment with committed and supportive colleagues.