At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Creative Arts curriculum across Art, Design Technology, Music, and Drama.
- Company: Lift Greenwood, part of an ambitious multi-academy trust focused on excellent education.
- Benefits: Career development, generous benefits, lifestyle perks, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Creative Arts education and inspire students from diverse backgrounds.
- Qualifications: Passion for Creative Arts education and leadership experience in curriculum development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to shape Creative Arts. Lift Greenwood is seeking an ambitious and inspiring Head of Creative Arts to lead and develop Art, Design Technology, Music, and Drama across the school. This is a genuine opportunity to shape curriculum, provision, and outcomes across the Creative Arts, inspiring students through high-quality practical and creative learning.
While the role spans all Creative Arts subjects, this post would ideally suit a candidate with a Design Technology background and a readiness to take on broader faculty leadership.
Your New School: Lift Greenwood is part of Lift Schools, an ambitious multi-academy trust of 58 schools, including 10 across the Midlands. Lift Schools is committed to excellent professional development and clear career progression. Under the leadership of Daniel Opoku, Lift Greenwood is a progressive secondary school with a clear and ambitious vision. The school has a strong sense of community, fosters positive relationships, and is committed to ensuring every pupil is supported to succeed.
Your New Role: As Head of Creative Arts, you will lead Art, Design Technology, Music, and Drama, setting a clear vision for an engaging, inclusive, and ambitious Creative Arts curriculum. Drama is a popular subject at Lift Greenwood, particularly at Key Stage 3, where all learners study it, and it remains well established at Key Stage 4. The department is well-resourced, providing strong foundations for creativity, performance, and student engagement.
As national discussions around future curriculum development continue, this role offers a genuine opportunity to help shape and refine Greenwood’s Creative Arts curriculum, ensuring it is future-facing, relevant, and aligned with emerging national direction. Working with a committed team, you will inspire students—many from disadvantaged backgrounds—to develop creativity, confidence, and practical skills, while raising standards and outcomes across the Creative Arts.
What You’ll Need to Succeed: You will be invested in Creative Arts education and committed to high-quality teaching and learning. You will be able to lead, coach, and support colleagues, bringing ambition and clarity to curriculum development. The successful candidate will benefit from middle leadership development, including CIPD-aligned leadership training delivered through Lift Schools, as well as bespoke leadership support from Lift Greenwood.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school, please contact Sue Britland, PA to the Principal, on sbritland@liftgreenwood.org. Please don’t wait until the closing date to apply; we will review and interview applications as we receive them.
Closing Date: 27th February 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Head of Creative Arts in Birmingham employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Lift Greenwood is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and career progression for its staff. As part of the ambitious Lift Schools multi-academy trust, employees benefit from tailored leadership training, generous benefits, and a strong sense of community, all while inspiring students to excel in Creative Arts education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Creative Arts in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Greenwood and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Creative Arts during interviews. Bring examples of your work or projects you've led. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can inspire students and colleagues alike!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their vision for the Creative Arts curriculum or how they support teachers' professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Creative Arts in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Creative Arts shine through! We want to see how invested you are in inspiring students and shaping the curriculum. Share your vision and what makes you excited about this role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Creative Arts position. Highlight your experience in Art, Design Technology, Music, and Drama, and how you can contribute to our ambitious vision at Lift Greenwood.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts better!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the deadline to submit your application! We review applications as they come in, so getting yours in early could give you an edge. Plus, it shows us you're proactive and eager to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your Creative Arts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and developments in Art, Design Technology, Music, and Drama. Familiarise yourself with Lift Greenwood's current curriculum and think about how you can enhance it. Bring specific ideas to the table that show your passion and vision for the Creative Arts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Creative Arts, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Think about how you can support and coach colleagues while fostering an inclusive environment that encourages creativity.
✨Connect with the School's Vision
Research Lift Schools and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal educational philosophy aligns with their commitment to providing excellent education for every child. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's future plans for the Creative Arts and how they support professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.