Head of Art, ACADEMICS

Guardian Jobs; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Brittons Academy in Rainham seeks a committed Head of Art (Interim) to lead the Art department from September 2025 until Easter 2026. The role includes high-quality teaching, curriculum management, and support for non-specialist teachers. This is a chance to step into a key leadership role within a thriving school environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience teaching Art at KS3 and GCSE, including preparation of portfolios and exam work.
• Experience designing and delivering engaging curriculum content.
• Strong commitment to inclusion and ability to support SEND learners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Art provision and deliver high-quality teaching to multiple GCSE Art groups.
• Adapt existing curriculum plans to maximise student progress.
• Support non-specialist Design & Technology colleagues in effective KS3 lessons.

Skills

Teaching Art at KS3 and GCSE

Curriculum Design

Organisational Skills

Leadership

Inclusion Support

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Job Advert: Head of Art (Interim) - Brittons Academy, Rainham

Position: Head of Art (Interim) Location: Rainham Start Date: September 2025 Contract: Full-time, fixed term (until Easter 2026) Salary: Outer London Teachers Pay Scale Suitable for: Experienced teachers (not suitable for ECTs)

Brittons Academy in Rainham is seeking an outstanding and committed Head of Art (Interim) to lead our Art provision from September 2025 until Easter 2026, when our permanent Head of Art will take up post. This is a rare opportunity to step into a key leadership role in a supportive and thriving school community with excellent facilities and a growing student roll.

We are looking for either an experienced Head of Art or an excellent teacher of Art who is ready to take the next step in their career, with the guidance and support of our Head of Creative Technology Faculty. The successful candidate will be responsible for the leadership and day-to-day management of the Art curriculum and supporting a small number of non-specialist teachers in delivering Key Stage 3 Art lessons.

The Role:

Lead the Art provision under the guidance of the Head of Creative Technology Faculty

Deliver high-quality teaching to two Year 10 and two Year 11 GCSE Art groups (maximum of 20 students per class), plus a range of KS3 classes

Adapt and enhance existing curriculum plans to maximise student progress and attainment

Support non-specialist Design & Technology colleagues in delivering effective KS3 Art lessons

Coordinate and make effective use of the Art Technician's support

Build positive relationships with students to foster a safe, creative, and inclusive environment

Offer after-school Art enrichment opportunities, which are popular with our studentsThe Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Proven experience teaching Art at KS3 and GCSE, including preparation of portfolios and exam work

Experience designing, adapting, and delivering engaging curriculum content

Excellent organisational and leadership skills

A strong commitment to inclusion and ability to support SEND learners

The confidence and skills to support and guide non-specialist teachers

A passion for Art education and enriching the wider life of the schoolAbout Brittons Academy - Rainham:

A small, friendly, 11-16 mixed academy with 710 students, based in Rainham

Student numbers are steadily growing, reflecting the school's positive reputation

Strong pastoral systems and a culture of positive behaviour for learning

Two large specialist Art rooms equipped to support high-quality teaching

Art is a popular and valued subject, particularly among our SEND students

Ofsted rated 'Good' in October 2022 - due for reinspection from October 2026

Art sits within the Creative Technology Faculty, alongside DT and Food, and is line managed by the Head of Faculty

Current Head of Art is leaving to set up Art provision in a new Special SchoolIf you are an ambitious and passionate Art teacher, ready to take on the role of Head of Art in a vibrant school community in Rainham, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and your vision for leading the Art provision at Brittons Academy.

Make a difference in Rainham - inspire creativity, shape young minds, and step into leadership as our interim Head of Art.