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- Tasks: Lead and inspire students in Foundation Art & Design programmes with a creative curriculum.
- Company: Join West Dean, a unique creative institution in the stunning South Downs National Park.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community in a heritage setting with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of art education and empower diverse students to thrive creatively.
- Qualifications: Experience in Art, Design or Craft, with teaching skills and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 24340 - 24340 £ per year.
0.6 FTE (21 hours per week)
£24,340 per annum (0.6 FTE)
Based at West Dean, West Sussex
West Dean is one of the UK’s most distinctive creative institutions, combining specialist arts education with heritage, craft, conservation and design across two campuses in Sussex and London. Set within the South Downs National Park, our Sussex campus offers an inspiring and unique environment for creative education.
The Role
As Subject Leader, you will lead the strategic development, management and delivery of our Foundation programmes, ensuring an inspiring, industry-relevant and student-centred curriculum. Working closely with the Head of School and academic colleagues, you will shape a blended learning model that combines face‑to‑face workshops, drawing days and short courses with online teaching and independent study. You will oversee curriculum design, teaching quality, assessment processes, visiting lecturer coordination, timetabling, and resource management. The role requires strong organisational skills and adaptability, as Foundation courses begin and end at multiple points throughout the year. You will play a key role in student recruitment, progression and support, ensuring students develop technical skill, creative confidence and readiness for higher education or professional practice.
About You
- Extensive professional practice in Art, Design or Craft
- Experience teaching and assessing within Further or Higher Education
- A strong understanding of contemporary art and design practice and theory
- The ability to inspire and guide students from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- A commitment to inclusive, student‑centred learning
- A teaching qualification and postgraduate qualification are desirable but not essential for the right candidate with substantial professional and educational experience.
Why Join West Dean?
Working at West Dean means joining a creative and supportive community within a unique heritage setting. We offer:
- 38 days annual leave (pro rata, including bank holidays)
- Generous contributory pension scheme (4–7.5% match)
- Company Sick Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free entry to West Dean Gardens
- Free and discounted short courses
- Access to on‑site facilities including swimming pool, library and tennis courts
- Free on‑site parking
Subject Leader - Foundation Art & Design in England employer: West Sussex.info
Contact Detail:
West Sussex.info Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Leader - Foundation Art & Design in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the art and design world. Attend local events, workshops, or exhibitions to meet potential employers and fellow creatives. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and teaching methods. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate. This is your chance to impress hiring managers with your creativity and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its programmes. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Leader - Foundation Art & Design in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Subject Leader role. Highlight your experience in Art, Design, or Craft, and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see how you can inspire and guide students!
Showcase Your Teaching Experience: Since teaching and assessing is a big part of this role, share specific examples of your teaching experience. Talk about your approach to student-centred learning and how you've adapted your methods to meet diverse needs. This will help us see your commitment to education.
Be Organised and Clear: Your application should reflect your strong organisational skills. Keep your CV neat and structured, and ensure your cover letter is concise yet informative. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our creative community at West Dean!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex.info
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the Foundation programmes offered at West Dean. Understand the curriculum structure, key learning outcomes, and how your experience aligns with their student-centred approach. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared to lead.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with inclusive learning. Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve inspired students or adapted your teaching methods to meet diverse needs. This will highlight your commitment to student success.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like curriculum design or managing a blended learning model. Prepare some scenarios from your previous roles where you successfully navigated similar challenges, demonstrating your organisational skills and adaptability.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the institution’s vision for the future of art and design education. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.