Head of Curriculum: Art & Design in Newcastle upon Tyne

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.

Partnership and External Engagement

• 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.

Leadership Skills & Qualities

• 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.

Faculty & Values

• Champions STEAM and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Works closely with industry partners and employers.
• Delivers high-profile events, exhibitions, and live projects.
• Is committed to developing work-ready, confident, and creative graduates.

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.

Additional Information

Disability confident. A disability confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave.
• Flexible Working.
• Student Discount.
• Government Pension Schemes.
• Cycle to Work.
• Employee Assistance Programme.