Head of Art

Are you a collaborative and inspiring leader with a passion for art and community? We are seeking an exceptional Head of Art to join and lead our thriving department at an Outstanding mixed secondary school in Essex. This full-time, permanent role from September 2025 offers a unique opportunity to foster artistic talent within a supportive and engaged school environment. Our Outstanding School Community Our Outstanding mixed secondary school in Essex is built on strong community values, where every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves on our inclusive ethos and the strong relationships between staff, students, and parents. Art plays a crucial role in enriching our school culture, providing opportunities for expression, collaboration, and celebrating diverse perspectives. The Art Department: A Collaborative Space Our Art Department is a vibrant and highly collaborative team, dedicated to delivering an outstanding art education that goes beyond the curriculum. We believe in hands-on learning, interdisciplinary projects, and fostering a supportive environment where students and staff alike can explore their creative potential. Our modern studios are equipped to facilitate a wide range of artistic practices, and our students consistently achieve impressive academic results, often progressing to top universities and art institutions. We are proud of our extensive extracurricular programme, which includes community art projects, workshops with visiting artists, and regular exhibitions. What We Offer * A Collaborative Environment: Lead a supportive team of art specialists, sharing best practices and contributing to a dynamic departmental culture. * Excellent Facilities: Access state-of-the-art art studios and resources to deliver an engaging and practical curriculum. * Community Engagement: Opportunities to lead and participate in school-wide and community art initiatives, showcasing student work and enriching the school\’s cultural life. * Professional Development: Committed support for your ongoing professional growth, including leadership training and opportunities to expand your artistic and pedagogical skills. * Motivated Students: Teach bright, curious, and well-behaved students who are eager to engage with art and express themselves creatively. * Competitive Rewards: An attractive salary and benefits package that recognizes your experience and commitment. * KS5 Impact: The chance to teach and inspire students at Key Stage 5 (A-Level), preparing them for future artistic and academic pathways. Your Role and Responsibilities As Head of Art, you will: * Lead the development and implementation of an outstanding Art curriculum from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, fostering a love of art and design. * Plan and deliver engaging and challenging Art lessons across all key stages, with a significant focus on Key Stage 5. * Inspire students to develop their artistic skills, critical understanding, and appreciation for the arts. * Foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere within the Art Department, promoting teamwork and shared best practices. * Organise and lead a diverse range of extracurricular art activities, community projects, and exhibitions that enhance student engagement and showcase their talents. * Oversee student assessment and progress, providing timely and constructive feedback. * Act as a form tutor, contributing to the pastoral care and overall well-being of students. * Actively contribute to the wider life of the school community, promoting the value of art across all disciplines. Who We\’re Looking For * Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong academic background in an Art & Design discipline at degree level or equivalent. * Proven experience teaching Art successfully across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. * Demonstrable experience teaching Art effectively at Key Stage 5 (A-Level) is essential. * A genuine passion for art and a commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression in students. * Strong leadership potential with a collaborative and supportive approach to team management. * Excellent subject knowledge across the art curriculum, with the ability to inspire students in various artistic techniques and media. * A dynamic, adaptable, and innovative teaching style. * Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive, inclusive, and productive learning environment. * Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a desire to engage with the wider school and local community. How to Apply If you are an ambitious and dedicated Art Teacher with proven Key Stage 5 experience, ready to take on a leadership role within a supportive and collaborative Outstanding secondary school, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, explicitly stating your leadership aspirations, artistic specialisms, and experience teaching at Key Stage 5. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and early application is strongly encouraged