Teacher of Art and Design (Maternity Cover)

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time, Maternity Cover

Salary: Commensurate with skills and experience

Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a full‑time Teacher of Art & Design. The vacancy represents an opportunity for an outstanding practitioner to make a high‑profile contribution to the success of one of Scotland’s leading schools. The post is to cover maternity leave and is likely to start in April 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you, which role you are applying for and why you would like that role, addressed to Louise Clarke, Head of Senior School. Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be put directly to the Head of Department, Sara Conlan by email s.conlan@gwc.org.uk. Candidates called for an interview will be asked to teach a lesson as part of the selection process. If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Monday 16 February 2026

Interviews are scheduled to take place in the week beginning Monday 23 February 2026.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Standard for Full GTCS registration. They will be required to undertake relevant CPD, be observed and write up all activities in the GTCS Profile.
• Work effectively as a member of the department to facilitate outstanding teaching and learning and ensure pupils are properly prepared for examinations.
• Set high expectations for all pupils, to deepen their knowledge and understanding to maximise achievement.
• Prepare and provide activities that are appropriate to each year group and suitable for learners’ needs.
• Be confident of their ability to work and respond to the needs of pupils and inspire the next generation of adults.
• Develop new resources and course materials, as directed by and/or in collaboration with the other staff in the department.
• Assess, record and report on the work of pupils as required by the School, ensuring that assessments are punctual, meaningful and informative.
• Contribute to the extra‑curricular life of the School.
• Attend parent evenings and communicate with parents whenever necessary and contribute effectively and positively to the corporate life and welfare of the School.
• Act as a Form Tutor and/or S6 Tutor as required, carrying out the administrative, pastoral and advisory responsibilities of these roles.
• Contribute to enrichment provision of the Senior School by developing and implementing opportunities for pupils both in lesson time and at other times.

For full details of the main responsibilities, please refer to the job description.

Qualifications

• Be a trained and qualified graduate Teacher of Art and Design, eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
• Have experience teaching Primary, S1–S3, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Art & Design.
• Have some experience in Photography.
• Have a good command of relevant IT skills using the Adobe Suite, in particular, Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues from different disciplines and across both Junior and Senior Schools.
• Be flexible and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources, as well as adapting to curriculum changes.
• Be prepared to contribute to the extracurricular programme of the department and/or to the wider school.
• Have significant personal commitment to the making of Art and Design as demonstrated in a personal portfolio.