Head of Art

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Northampton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Northampton School seeks an inspiring Head of Art to lead and develop the Art department, delivering engaging Art and Design lessons across relevant key stages and shaping a vibrant curriculum in a forward-thinking secondary school in Northampton. The successful candidate will inspire students to explore diverse techniques and materials, promote high achievement, and champion inclusive teaching.

This full-time, permanent role offers a leadership opportunity with a focus on creativity and

Qualifications

• Qualified with QTS and degree in Art or related subject.
• Proven experience teaching Art in a secondary school.
• Previous departmental leadership or aspiration to Head of Art.
• Strong knowledge across art disciplines.
• Excellent classroom management and communication.
• Commitment to inclusion and staff wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Art department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and learning.
• Plan and deliver engaging Art and Design lessons across the relevant key stages.
• Develop and implement an inspiring curriculum that meets national curriculum and examination requirements.
• Encourage students to explore a range of artistic techniques, materials, media, and creative processes.
• Inspire students to develop their own artistic styles, creative thinking, and practical skills.
• Monitor student progress and implement strategies to improve achievement and outcomes.
• Support, mentor, and develop colleagues within the department.
• Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and the development of high-quality teaching resources.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and well-managed learning environment where students feel confident expressing themselves.
• Organise and contribute to exhibitions, creative projects, extracurricular clubs, and wider school enrichment activities.
• Manage departmental resources effectively and contribute to the strategic development of the subject.
• Contribute positively to the wider life, values, and ethos of the school community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Classroom management

Curriculum design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Art and Design, Fine Art, or related subject

QTS

Job description

Head of Art - Northampton

A welcoming and ambitious secondary school in Northampton is seeking an inspiring and experienced Head of Art to lead its creative department, with a November 2026 or January 2027 start. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator to shape and develop an engaging Art and Design curriculum, inspire students across all key stages, and foster a vibrant culture of creativity, experimentation, and artistic expression throughout the school community.

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Start Date: November 2026 or January 2027

Contract Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (depending on experience)

Lead, inspire and nurture creativity as Head of Art in a forward-thinking secondary school. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and enthusiastic practitioner with excellent subject knowledge and the vision to lead and develop a successful Art department. You will deliver engaging Art and Design lessons across the relevant key stages, encouraging students to experiment with a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic styles while promoting high standards of achievement and creative independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Art department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and learning.
• Plan and deliver engaging Art and Design lessons across the relevant key stages.
• Develop and implement an inspiring curriculum that meets national curriculum and examination requirements.
• Encourage students to explore a range of artistic techniques, materials, media, and creative processes.
• Inspire students to develop their own artistic styles, creative thinking, and practical skills.
• Monitor student progress and implement strategies to improve achievement and outcomes.
• Support, mentor, and develop colleagues within the department.
• Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and the development of high-quality teaching resources.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and well-managed learning environment where students feel confident expressing themselves.
• Organise and contribute to exhibitions, creative projects, extracurricular clubs, and wider school enrichment activities.
• Manage departmental resources effectively and contribute to the strategic development of the subject.
• Contribute positively to the wider life, values, and ethos of the school community.

The School Offers

• A supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a creative and engaging Art department.
• Access to specialist Art facilities and resources.
• A positive and ambitious school culture with high expectations for students and staff.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A strong focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Enthusiastic students with opportunities to explore their creativity and artistic talents.
• The opportunity to shape the Art curriculum and make a lasting impact on students' creative development.

Who We're Looking For

• A qualified teacher with QTS and a degree in Art, Art and Design, Fine Art, or a related subject.
• Proven experience teaching Art and Design within a secondary school setting.
• Previous departmental leadership experience, or the ambition and capability to step into a Head of Art role.
• Strong subject knowledge across a range of artistic disciplines, techniques, and materials.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and organisational skills.
• A creative and innovative approach to teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
• The ability to motivate students of all abilities and support them in achieving their full potential.
• A commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing, safeguarding, and raising achievement.
• The leadership skills, enthusiasm, and vision to inspire both students and colleagues.

As an engaging and passionate leader, you will create a supportive and stimulating environment where students feel confident to experiment, take creative risks, and develop their artistic abilities. Your enthusiasm for Art will extend beyond the classroom through exhibitions, creative projects, and enrichment opportunities that encourage students to express themselves, develop their confidence, and appreciate different forms of artistic expression. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Art Teacher ready to take the next step in their career, or an experienced subject leader seeking a new challenge within a supportive secondary school environment. Working alongside dedicated colleagues, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the development of the Art department and the wider school community, fostering creativity, raising achievement, and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.