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- Tasks: Lead the Art & Design department, inspiring creativity and driving high-quality teaching.
- Company: Lift Beacon High, an inclusive secondary school in Islington with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Career development, generous benefits, lifestyle perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through art and creativity in a diverse setting.
- Qualifications: Exceptional teaching skills and a passion for art and cultural enrichment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Posted on: 06/05/2026 – Application Deadline: 15 May 2026
Hours: Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: September 2026
The role
- Provide inspirational leadership, setting a clear vision and identity for the department
- Lead on curriculum design, implementation and assessment, ensuring strong progression across all key stages
- Drive high‑quality teaching and learning, using data to secure strong outcomes for all students
- Develop a culture of high expectations, consistency and excellence
- Play a key role in delivering whole‑school priorities, including closing achievement gaps
Who we’re looking for
- An exceptional classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact
- Passionate about Art, creativity and cultural enrichment
- Committed to ensuring every student succeeds, regardless of background
About Lift Beacon High
Lift Beacon High is an inclusive secondary school in the London Borough of Islington, proudly reflecting the diversity of our local community. We serve a vibrant, multicultural cohort of pupils and believe our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Ofsted (November 2022) recognised the positive culture at Beacon High, noting that leaders and governors have worked together effectively to improve all areas of the school’s work and that staff value leaders’ consideration of their well‑being, professional development and workload. From January 2026, Lift Beacon High joined Lift Schools, a high‑performing trust of 59 schools across England. The trust is recognised nationally for sector‑leading professional development and strong outcomes.
We offer you
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute’s Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we provide a comprehensive benefits package.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
Employment Information
Salary: MPR + TLR2a + well‑being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Additional Information
Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including enhanced DBS checks, references and prohibitions from teaching where applicable. We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We welcome students of all religious and ethnic backgrounds and with diverse cultures and socio‑economic circumstances. We are a diversity‑focussed organisation that endorses equal opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
Head of Art & Design employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Contact Detail:
SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Art & Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who are already at Lift Beacon High or similar schools. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's values and recent achievements. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around diversity and high expectations for all students.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your passion for art and design to the forefront! Share specific examples of how you've inspired creativity in your previous roles. We want to see that spark in you!
✨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 love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Art & Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for Art and Design shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about creativity and cultural enrichment, so share your experiences and what inspires you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Art & Design role. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive high-quality teaching and learning.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and vision for the department. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lift Beacon High.
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, think about how you would set a clear vision and identity for the Art & Design department. Be ready to share your ideas on curriculum design and how you can drive high-quality teaching and learning.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your passion for art, creativity, and cultural enrichment during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Lift Beacon High.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Prepare to discuss how you use data to secure strong outcomes for students. Bring examples of how you've previously assessed and implemented changes based on data analysis to improve student performance.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since Lift Beacon High values diversity, be sure to highlight your commitment to ensuring every student succeeds, regardless of their background. Share experiences where you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles.