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- Tasks: Lead and innovate the Art & Design curriculum, shaping future creative talent.
- Company: Newcastle College, a vibrant hub for creative education.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, student discounts, and pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the creative industries and inspire future artists.
- Qualifications: Strong background in art and design with leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on innovation and student success.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of art and design education? At Newcastle College, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Curriculum (Art & Design) to lead one of the most vibrant and ambitious areas within our Digital & Creative Industries faculty. This is a career-defining opportunity to drive strategic growth, innovation, and excellence across a multidisciplinary curriculum spanning art, fashion, ceramics, interiors, and architecture.
As a senior leader, you will set the vision, direction, and culture for the department, ensuring that our curriculum is not only outstanding in quality, but also deeply connected to industry, responsive to regional skills needs, and future-focused. You will play a critical role in positioning Newcastle College as a leading provider of creative education, developing talent that fuels the North East's creative economy and beyond.
You will lead a high-performing team of Assistant Heads, lecturers, and specialist staff to:
- Define and deliver a compelling curriculum vision and strategy aligned to local, regional, and national priorities
- Drive excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring all learners achieve their full potential
- Develop a coherent, industry-informed curriculum offer that prepares learners for employment, higher study, and freelance careers
- Lead curriculum innovation and growth, identifying new opportunities in response to emerging creative and digital trends
- Embed a culture of high expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Ensure strong financial performance, balancing quality with sustainable growth and effective resource management
You will also lead the department's contribution to college-wide strategic priorities, acting as a key member of the leadership team and an ambassador for the creative industries. This role extends far beyond the classroom. You will:
- Build and sustain high-impact partnerships with employers, creative organisations, and industry leaders
- Position the department as a hub for creative collaboration, innovation, and talent development
- Engage with schools, community organisations, and regional stakeholders to grow the pipeline of future creatives
- Champion opportunities for students to engage in live briefs, exhibitions, competitions, and enterprise activity
- Respond proactively to Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and wider policy priorities
Your leadership will ensure that our provision is not only relevant but influential across the region. We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who:
- Has a strong background in art and design disciplines (e.g. fashion, interiors, ceramics, architecture or fine art)
- Brings proven experience of leading teams and delivering strategic outcomes
- Has a track record of driving quality improvement and curriculum excellence
- Demonstrates strong commercial and financial awareness, including curriculum planning and budget management
- Is highly effective in building partnerships and influencing stakeholders
- Has a deep commitment to student success, inclusion, and widening participation
- Is passionate about developing future creative talent and shaping industry-ready graduates
You will be a visible, values-driven leader able to inspire teams, challenge thinking, and create an environment where both staff and students thrive. At Newcastle College, we are proud to invest in our creative disciplines, with industry-standard facilities and a strong reputation for innovation and collaboration.
This is an opportunity to lead a department that is ambitious, outward-facing, and central to the region's creative future.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
NCG is a great place to work, with a whole host of benefits such as:
- Generous Annual Leave
- Flexible Working
- Student Discount
- Government Pension Schemes
- Cycle to Work
- Employee Assistance Programme
For more information, please see our website - Our Benefits
NCG VALUES
Our values are not just about what we do, but also how we do things. Shaped by our colleagues, customers and learners, they set the standard of how we should behave, how we work together and give us the opportunity to make the right decisions based on the values we all share.
- Being both inclusive and diverse
- Trusting and respecting our communities
- Taking ownership whilst working collaboratively
- Inspiring excellence and curiosity
For further detail about our Values and Strategy, please visit our website - Values and Strategy
Head of Curriculum: Art & Design in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: NCG
Contact Detail:
NCG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Curriculum: Art & Design in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage in conversations. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for art and design shine through. Share your ideas and vision for the future of the curriculum – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its creative initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and drive innovation in the curriculum. Tailor your approach to what they value most.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Curriculum: Art & Design in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for art and design shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission at Newcastle College, so don’t hold back on sharing your creative ideas!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of Curriculum role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative projects you've led in the art and design field. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the job description. We appreciate clarity and want to understand your journey easily.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our values there, which can help you craft a standout application.
How to prepare for a job interview at NCG
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the curriculum areas you'll be overseeing. Familiarise yourself with current trends in art and design, and think about how you can innovate and improve the existing offerings. This will show your passion and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven quality improvement or fostered a culture of high expectations. This will help demonstrate your capability as a strategic leader.
✨Connect with Industry Needs
Be ready to talk about how you plan to align the curriculum with local and regional industry needs. Research potential partnerships and be prepared to share ideas on how to engage with employers and creative organisations to enhance student opportunities.
✨Emphasise Student Success and Inclusion
Articulate your commitment to student success and how you plan to widen participation. Share any previous initiatives you've led that focused on inclusion and developing future creative talent, as this aligns perfectly with the college's values.