Head of Art and Textiles in Bedford

To start: September 2026

Full Time

Harpur Trust Teachers’ Pay Scale

About Bedford Girls’ School: At Bedford Girls’ School, we believe in empowering our students to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals who aspire to change the world around them. We achieve outstanding academic excellence and are dedicated to offering a truly holistic education.

About the Role: This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and creative leader to lead the Art and Textiles Department. The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for leadership, management and development of the department, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and achievement for all pupils. Working closely with the Headmistress and the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Art and Textiles will play an active role in whole‑school planning and academic leadership, contributing thoughtfully to the wider life and strategic direction of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for Art and Textiles, contributing to whole‑school vision and policy
• Lead, support and develop staff within the department, including teachers and a technician
• Ensure excellent teaching and learning across KS3‑KS5, with strong outcomes at GCSE and A Level
• Develop, monitor and review schemes of work and the departmental development plan
• Promote innovation and the creative use of technology within the department
• Oversee departmental resources and budget, ensuring effective and safe use
• Champion extra‑curricular opportunities such as clubs, trips, events and exhibitions, including a fashion show
• Play a prominent role in marketing the department and developing external links
• Actively contribute to the wider life of the school

Qualifications and Experience:

• A reflective, creative teacher with experience teaching across KS3‑KS5
• Experience of, or a willingness to develop expertise in, Textiles
• Confident in the ability to inspire pupils and earn the respect of colleagues
• Organised, proactive and keen to take responsibility
• Eager to develop as a leader, with a commitment to ongoing professional learning
• Excited by the opportunity to contribute to whole‑school initiatives and academic innovation
• Passionate about girls’ education and committed to helping pupils think critically, argue persuasively and engage confidently with the world

Benefits:

• Excellent pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Hospital surgical treatment insurance
• Cash plan scheme including a range of wellbeing benefits

EEO and Diversity Statement:

At Bedford Girls’ School, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We believe that a diverse team enriches our school community and helps us better meet the needs of our students.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self‑declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.