At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through creative art and design lessons while fostering their artistic talents.
- Company: Gracemount High School, a vibrant community-focused secondary school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to nurturing every student's potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young artists and make a lasting impact in their lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for teaching art and design with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 35022 - 52740 £ per year.
Gracemount High School is a six-year non-denominational secondary school located in south-east Edinburgh, serving approximately 700 pupils. Established in 1959 as a junior secondary school, it became a fully comprehensive six-year high school in the late 1960s. The current school building, developed through the PPP programme, opened in 2003.
Our associated primary schools are Gracemount Primary School and Frogston Primary School, with whom we maintain strong and effective partnerships. The school employs approximately 55 FTE teaching staff, supported by a highly committed team of more than 20 support staff. Our Senior Leadership Team, led by Headteacher Ross Hunter, currently consists of three Depute Headteachers, a Senior Development Officer, and a Business Manager. Together, they lead on a range of strategic, curricular, and operational responsibilities that support high-quality learning, teaching, and pupil wellbeing.
The changing social demographics of our community present both opportunities and challenges in meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of our learners. Gracemount High School is an ambitious school, committed to delivering the highest quality educational experience and securing the best possible outcomes for every young person, regardless of background. Attainment levels continue to improve, and the proportion of pupils progressing to positive destinations remains consistently above expected levels.
Our curriculum is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for future success. This includes SQA National Qualifications, alongside a range of wider accreditation opportunities such as NPAs and Foundation Apprenticeships. The school is firmly committed to raising attainment and promoting achievement. Our School Improvement Plan aligns with the priorities of the City of Edinburgh Council and national priorities, and is informed by How Good Is Our School? 4 (HGIOS4) and the National Improvement Framework.
Staff joining our dynamic and forward-looking school will benefit from a range of professional learning and development opportunities. The school recently reviewed its Vision and Values for 2026. We have a clear vision statement and set of values that are promoted throughout the school and wider community. We are committed to challenging all pupils to achieve their full potential academically, while also recognising and nurturing their wider talents and strengths. We aim to develop responsible, respectful young people who will make a positive contribution to their community. All staff are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to this shared vision. We also place a strong emphasis on high-quality pastoral care and personal development.
As a member of staff at Gracemount High School, you will be expected to uphold the school’s ethos and values, promoting a caring environment, a strong sense of belonging, and a commitment to learning and achievement.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
Salaries will be in accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Happy to talk flexible working.
Teacher of Art and Design - Gracemount High School in Edinburgh employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Gracemount High School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a commitment to high-quality education and a clear vision for the future, teachers can expect ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing the talents of every pupil. Located in the vibrant community of south-east Edinburgh, the school not only values academic achievement but also promotes a strong sense of belonging and personal development among its staff and students alike.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Art and Design - Gracemount High School in Edinburgh
✨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 at Gracemount High School or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with school leaders or during interviews, share your vision for art education and how you can contribute to the school's ethos. Let them see your enthusiasm for nurturing young talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Gracemount High School's values and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to show how your teaching style aligns with their commitment to high-quality learning and pupil wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Gracemount High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Art and Design - Gracemount High School in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art & Design:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching 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 creative flair!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and vision of Gracemount High School. Highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to raising attainment and nurturing wider talents. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Know Your Art and Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in art and design, as well as the curriculum you'll be teaching. Familiarise yourself with SQA National Qualifications and any wider accreditation opportunities like NPAs and Foundation Apprenticeships. This will show that you're not just passionate about art but also committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience.
✨Embrace the School's Values
Gracemount High School has a clear vision and set of values. Before your interview, take some time to understand these values and think about how you can embody them in your teaching. Be ready to discuss how you would promote a caring environment and contribute to the school's ethos of respect, integrity, and flexibility.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Care Skills
Pastoral care is a big deal at Gracemount High School. Prepare examples of how you've supported students' personal development in the past. Whether it's through mentoring, providing feedback, or creating a supportive classroom atmosphere, make sure you highlight your ability to nurture young people's talents and strengths.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess how you align with the school's behaviours of respect, integrity, and flexibility. Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated these qualities in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who not only has the skills but also the right mindset for the job.
