Director of Creative Arts in Salford

Salford City Academy is a secondary school with a very high aspirational culture and all our staff provide a vital contribution to our relentless pursuit of providing the highest standards of educational excellence. We are rated as a good provider of education by Ofsted and the Academy is maintaining this significant progress with solid foundations in teaching and learning; aiming to achieve even more highly for the future.

Salford City Academy is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

This is a really exciting opportunity to join not only a thriving school but also a very high performing Trust with a national profile. You will benefit from working as part of a dynamic, forward-thinking Middle Leadership Team and benefit from a wealth of support from the United Learning Trust subject association. There is a unique and exciting opportunity to appoint a Director of Creative Arts to the Middle Leadership Team at Salford City Academy.

We wish to appoint an outstanding individual with a record of impactful leadership in their current role and a strong track record of securing excellent outcomes in Art in particular. We are looking for a leader who can support us in our journey towards excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for the leadership of the Art, Textiles and Food Technology Departments. Therefore, we are keen to hear from those candidates who have developed themselves and their expertise in these areas and who believe they can contribute to the leadership of the school at this exciting time.

The role would suit someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for students and wants to develop their leadership skill to take on wider responsibilities in the future. To be successful in this leadership post you will be a confident leader. You will be relentless, never satisfied and constantly reviewing what is working and what needs refinement or change. This is an exciting opportunity and one where commitment, ideas and strategic planning will be key in delivering success.

The Art department at Salford City Academy has achieved strong outcomes, with results improving year on year. The Creative Arts team at Salford City Academy is an exciting team to join, with members of the department recently being recognised with the termly Salford City Academy REACT awards. Textiles has been recently introduced as a new course for students to opt for in KS4. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, supportive, and experienced team with improving the life chances for our students at the core of its values.

As a leader at SCA you will be a prominent, visible presence around the academy and will promote strong relationships with all stakeholders. To be successful, you will lead with confidence and conviction and will be passionate about the power of education to transform lives. You will demonstrate impeccable professionalism, unwavering determination, and relentless optimism. Able to lead by example and be a source of inspiration, you will support and guide colleagues and will have the highest expectations of every student in terms of achievement, character, and conduct.

Why apply for a leadership position at Salford City Academy? As part of United Learning we pay an average of 5% above national scales – the best rates of pay in the sector; We offer a health cash plan giving you money towards essential medical treatment - including eyecare and flu vaccinations; All our academies start every term with an additional INSET day set aside for your own planning (in addition to the usual five INSET days – giving you eight in total); At least one guaranteed paid personal day each year, to use as you want; and we offer opportunities for flexible working. Every teacher benefits from a bespoke development plan to support your progression and aspirations; Salford City Academy sits within the top schools in Salford for progress in the DFE’s performance tables. In 2025 students achieved 72% in both English and Maths. Progress for pupil premium students has narrowed with academic results at the academy improving year on year. We are highly ambitious to be one of the highest performing schools in the Northwest.

Culture of Excellence: We believe that students learn best in a calm and purposeful environment. We set high standards for students and our disruption free behaviour policy ensures that teachers can teach with clear and simple systems designed to facilitate good teaching and a calm environment. Our students are fantastic, they are polite, courteous and well-mannered. All guests to the academy comment on the warm, welcoming and delightful culture that we have fostered.

Facilities and benefits include membership to either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme, technology scheme and vehicle leasing scheme, access to an extensive discounts platform, 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner for you & your household, state of the art onsite gym and gym & fitness discounts, cycle to work scheme, and free annual flu jab.

The Ideal Candidate: To be successful, you will lead with confidence and conviction and will be passionate about the power of education to transform lives. You will align with our values and be committed to working hard to improve the lives of our young people. You will believe and be committed to high standards and strong behaviour management to enable all students to learn in a safe and calm environment. You will demonstrate impeccable professionalism, unwavering determination, and relentless optimism. You will have a track record of improvement and be able to lead by example and be a source of inspiration. You will support and guide colleagues whilst demonstrating a love of your subject to cultivate a similar passion in your students.

To truly understand if this role is right for you, it is highly encouraged that you attend to meet the Principal and join a tour. It is advisable to come and see us during the school day to really understand if the school is the right fit for you. To book your place please contact the Associate Principal’s PA Miss Samantha Cass.