Head of Art

Magdalen College School Oxford Ltd; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Magdalen College School seeks a Head of Art to lead a vibrant department, inspire students, and contribute to the school's wider life. The role offers a competitive salary, teaching from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Relocation allowance

Cycle to work scheme

Travel loans

Pension arrangements

Qualifications

• Outstanding Art teacher to lead and manage the Art department.
• Well-qualified graduate of Art or related discipline.
• Contribute fully to the wider life of the school.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire curricular and co-curricular work in the Art department.
• Manage the team of Art teachers and technician.
• Organize public examinations and Arts Festival events.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

IT Skills

Education

Graduate of Art or related discipline

Job description

Magdalen College School

Oxfordshire

Expired

Salary: Competitive Salary (see Recruitment Pack for other benefits)

Job type: Full Time, Part Time, Permanent

Start date: September 2025

Apply by: [Date not specified]

Job overview

Working at MCS

There are many benefits to working at Magdalen College School. Founded in 1480 by William of Waynflete, the school has a rich history and an enviable location at the heart of Oxford beside the River Cherwell.

MCS is one of the country’s leading independent day schools. Shaped by its Christian Collegiate foundation and links with the university city of which it is part, it aims to inspire in all its pupils a desire to learn, flourish and serve.

The School will celebrate its 550th anniversary in 2030. The current generation of MCS staff and pupils wish to ensure that we shape a school that is able to flourish for at least another half millennium, and hopefully many more beyond. There are around 950 pupils, boys aged 7-18 and Sixth Form girls, and 350 members of staff who learn and work on the School’s central Oxford site.

To learn more about the opportunities and advantages of working at MCS, please refer to the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Head of Art)’.

The Role

The school is seeking to appoint a Head of Art from 1st September 2025 to lead and inspire in both the curricular and co-curricular work of our busy and thriving Art department and the wider school. The role would be most suitable for an experienced teacher wishing to work full-time, but part-time applications may be considered.

The Department

The Art Department consists of two full-time and two part-time Art teachers, an Artist in Residence, and a full-time technician who form a close-knit team sharing ideas and resources freely. Communication, adaptability, hard work, and a good sense of humor are fundamental to the department’s success.

The Art department at Magdalen College School is a busy, vibrant, and stimulating area with many pupils choosing to spend a significant amount of time during lunch break and after school working on their projects. We also provide many opportunities for enrichment through photography and scholarship clubs; the weekly life drawing class; trips and visiting artist workshops; the Arts Festival; and entries into local and national competitions. Art is a popular and successful subject, with teaching taking place in a suite of four well-lit studios, a darkroom, a computer suite, and a DT lab, all equipped with interactive screens that wirelessly mirror the teacher’s Microsoft Surface. The department also has a kiln and three printing presses.

Please see the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Head of Art)’ for more information about the Art Department.

The Candidate

We are looking for an outstanding Art teacher to lead, manage, and administrate Art in the Senior School. The successful candidate will:

take a keen interest in the welfare of pupils and show clear commitment to safeguarding children;

be a well-qualified graduate of Art or a related discipline;

lead, manage, and develop a successful Art department in a leading independent school;

show clear enthusiasm for teaching Art, and plan and teach engaging lessons from Year 7 to Upper Sixth and university application preparation;

contribute fully to the wider life of the school, such as through games, music, drama, CCF, or other activities;

act as the pastoral tutor to a Senior School houseroom (tutor group);

manage the team of Art teachers, the full-time technician, and the Artist in Residence;

participate in the staff review and appraisal process and the coordination of professional development within the department;

develop engaging schemes of work for teaching Art to bright pupils;

update and oversee the implementation of department policies on assessment, health and safety, and other relevant issues;

organize all public and internal examinations in Art (AQA for GCSE and A Level);

prepare, submit, and control the annual Department budget;

organize or delegate the organization of trips and other co-curricular activities involving the department;

maintain effective communication throughout the department via formal and informal meetings;

have responsibility for the display of artworks, including maintenance of department displays, annual re-hang of other display areas on site, and organization of Arts Festival events such as exhibitions and workshops;

work closely with the Head of Design Technology, taught in Years 7 and 8;

liaise with colleagues in the Junior School who lead the teaching of Art;

support the progress of all pupils studying Art by participating in departmental support, enrichment, and partnerships sessions;

set clear expectations for pupil behavior within an encouraging classroom environment;

have excellent written and spoken communication skills and communicate effectively with pupils, parents, staff, and the local community;

possess sound IT skills;

work collaboratively and effectively as part of a wider team;

display a high level of attention to detail;

work diligently to support pupil progress;

be willing to participate in continuing professional development;

respond positively to feedback.

The Head of Art will report to the Deputy Head (Academic), and ultimately to the Master, for the proper discharge of duties.

Remuneration

The school currently has its own salary scale, with salaries substantially more generous than those in the maintained sector. There is also a relocation allowance on a sliding scale, by agreement with the Master and Bursar, depending on current location. The school offers a cycle to work scheme, travel loans, and a choice of pension arrangements: a Defined Contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 23.68%, or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme with a salary sacrifice arrangement. The Master will discuss the pension options with any appointment offer.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Miss Yelena Molcanova, which can be found here:

MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documents should be sent by email no later than Thursday 14th November, midday. References may be taken up in advance; if you prefer not to have references contacted at this stage, please indicate on the application form.

Interviews

Interviews are expected to be held on Friday 22nd November, including a taught lesson and a 5-minute presentation on the candidate’s vision for Art at MCS. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone. All candidates will be asked to complete a ‘Self-Disclosure’ form before the interview. The school reserves the right to conduct interviews and make appointments before the scheduled dates.

Magdalen College School is committed to safeguarding pupils; any employment offer is contingent upon an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references, a pre-employment medical questionnaire, and verification of ID and degree certificates. The DBS check is required as this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.