Head of Create (Art / DT)

Neale-Wade Academy; Fordley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Neale-Wade Academy in March, Cambridgeshire, invites applications for Head of Create to shape Art and Design Technology and lead an ambitious team toward a high-standard, inclusive curriculum. The post blends strong teaching with credible leadership and a focus on student progression and future careers.

You will drive curriculum alignment, monitor standards, and support colleagues through coaching and professional development, while ensuring resources and spaces support safe, inspiring learning.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Design/Art department.
• Ability to shape a creative curriculum across KS3–KS5 (11–18).
• Commitment to high standards and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Set and implement the strategic direction for Create, promoting the value of Art and Design Technology across the academy.
• Lead a well-sequenced, inclusive curriculum that supports strong progress, achievement and future career awareness.
• Monitor teaching, learning and assessment, using evidence and feedback to improve standards consistently.
• Lead, support and develop departmental colleagues through clear communication, coaching, modelling and relevant professional development.
• Manage resources effectively, maintaining safe, welcoming and inspiring learning environments that meet curriculum and student needs.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Strategic direction

Staff coaching

Assessment & monitoring

Job description

Location: Neale-Wade Academy, March, Cambridgeshire

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Main Pay Range (£34,069 - £46,940) / Upper Pay Range (£49,134 - £52,835)

Additional Allowances: TLR2b (£6,078)

Shape a creative curriculum where every student can succeed.

We are seeking a thoughtful and ambitious Head of Create to shape Art and Design Technology, strengthen classroom practice and establish a clear, purposeful curriculum that enables every student to make progress. This is an opportunity to inspire a team, champion the value of creative education across our 11 to 18 academy in March, and connect learning with wider opportunities and future careers. The successful candidate will combine excellent teaching with credible leadership and an unwavering commitment to high standards, inclusion and continual improvement.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Set and implement the strategic direction for Create, promoting the value of Art and Design Technology across the academy.


• Lead a well-sequenced, inclusive curriculum that supports strong progress, achievement and future career awareness.


• Monitor teaching, learning and assessment, using evidence and feedback to improve standards consistently.


• Lead, support and develop departmental colleagues through clear communication, coaching, modelling and relevant professional development.


• Manage resources effectively, maintaining safe, welcoming and inspiring learning environments that meet curriculum and student needs.


• Please be aware, candidates may be invited to interview at short notice.

Contact

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, or for more information, please contact Donna Spendelow, HR and Recruitment Officer, at: [e-mail]

All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.

The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 4 months' probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act.