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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.
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community in a heritage setting with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 14600 - 18200 £ 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 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
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Subject Leader. We want to see how your background in Art and Design can bring value to our Foundation programmes.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring students shine through! We love candidates who can convey their passion for art and design, so don’t hold back on sharing your creative journey.
Be Organised: Since this role requires strong organisational skills, make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. A clear layout will help us see your attention to detail right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
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 vision for student-centred learning. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you engage students from diverse backgrounds. Think of specific examples where you've inspired creativity or adapted your approach to meet different learning needs. This will highlight your adaptability and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Demonstrate Industry Relevance
Be ready to talk about your professional practice in Art, Design, or Craft. Share insights on contemporary art and design trends and how they can be integrated into the curriculum. This will illustrate your expertise and ability to keep the programme relevant and inspiring.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the institution. Inquire about their vision for the Foundation programmes or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.