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 £ 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 45,000.00 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, you'll deliver engaging, inclusive, and imaginative lessons that encourage pupils to explore their ideas, experiment with materials, and celebrate their individuality. You'll plan and deliver a curriculum that balances creative freedom with key skills development, helping each learner grow in confidence and ability.
- Design and deliver inspiring Art & Design lessons across a range of mediums
- Encourage self-expression while developing pupils' 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
We're 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: You'll 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 people's 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 Great Place to Work 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
- Your Wellbeing Matters 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. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Locations
Art and Design Teacher (Maidstone) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Art and Design Teacher (Maidstone)
✨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 a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work and teaching methods. When you get an interview, bring it along to showcase your skills and give them a taste of what you can bring to the classroom.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on answering questions about your teaching philosophy and how you adapt lessons for different learning needs. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity and wellbeing, just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Art and Design Teacher (Maidstone)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 in action!
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: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re looking for someone compassionate and resilient, so share stories that demonstrate your ability to build trusting relationships with pupils. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join #teamOFG!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum and teaching methods relevant to Art and Design. Brush up on your knowledge of SEN, as understanding how to adapt lessons for diverse needs will be crucial. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you’ve used in the past.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of your previous work or lesson plans that highlight your creative approach to teaching. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to inspire students and encourage self-expression through art.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your compassionate nature and resilience. This role is all about relationships, so showing your ability to connect with students and colleagues is key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to creativity and inclusion. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school’s values align with yours. It’s a two-way street, after all!