At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through creative Art & Design lessons and foster their self-expression.
- Company: Join a leading specialist education provider dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4-day work week, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while nurturing creativity in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and experience with special educational needs required.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant rural setting with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 ÂŁ per year.
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Location: Heath Farm School, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AX
Salary: Up to ÂŁ45,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 35 per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
As our Art & Design Teacher, youâll deliver engaging, inclusive, and imaginative lessons that encourage pupils to explore their ideas, experiment with materials, and celebrate their individuality. Youâll plan and deliver a curriculum that balances creative freedom with key skills development, helping each learner grow in confidence and ability.
Youâll:
- Design and deliver inspiring Art & Design lessons across a range of mediums
- Encourage self-expression while developing pupilsâ technical and creative skills
- Adapt teaching to meet individual learning needs and abilities
- Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued
- Maintain accurate records of progress, assessment, and achievement
- Support pupils in preparing for accredited qualifications where appropriate
- Collaborate with the wider teaching team to contribute to whole-school creativity and enrichment
About You
Weâre looking for someone who is:
- Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
- Collaborative: A clear communicator who thrives in a team environment
- Creative & Flexible: Youâll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
Heath Farm School is an independent specialist day school in Charing Heath, Kent, supporting children with SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties, including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and attachment disorder. Set in a spacious rural environment, pupils learn in small classes with personalised support and tailored therapy. Our curriculum combines academic, vocational, and wellbeing-focused learning to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Working closely with families, we empower every pupil to achieve their potential and prepare for life beyond school.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young peopleâs lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a âGreat Place to Workâ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay**Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Art and Design Teacher in Dartford employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Art and Design Teacher in Dartford
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, attend local education events, and connect with people in the art and design community. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, bring along a portfolio of your work or examples of your lesson plans. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your passion for teaching art and design.
â¨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research Heath Farm School and understand their ethos. During interviews, mention how your teaching style aligns with their focus on inclusivity and creativity. This shows youâre genuinely interested in being part of their team.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining #teamOFG and making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Art and Design Teacher in Dartford
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion for Art & Design: When writing your application, let your love for art and design shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past or innovative projects you've led. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and needs of Heath Farm School. Highlight your experience with SEN and how you can adapt lessons to meet individual learning needs. This shows us you're a great fit for our team!
Be Authentic: We appreciate honesty and authenticity in applications. Donât be afraid to share your personal teaching philosophy or experiences that have shaped you as an educator. This helps us get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. Itâs super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure youâre well-versed in the curriculum and teaching methods relevant to Art & Design. Brush up on your knowledge of SEN, as understanding how to adapt lessons for diverse needs will show that youâre the right fit for the role.
â¨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your creative teaching strategies and how you encourage self-expression in students. Bring examples of lesson plans or projects you've implemented that highlight your ability to inspire and engage pupils.
â¨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your compassion and resilience when working with students who have faced challenges. This will help them see your potential to create a positive classroom environment.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the schoolâs approach to creativity and inclusion. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the schoolâs values align with yours, especially regarding pupil wellbeing and support.