Head of Art

Head of Art, Design & Technology (Full-Time, Permanent)

Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £32,916 – £51,047 (Actual) + TLR 2B
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Interview Date: w/c 24th April 2026
Positions Available: 1

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a new and rapidly expanding 11–16 secondary school, currently in the early stages of its development. This role offers a rare opportunity to join a school at a formative point and play a defining role in shaping its curriculum, facilities, and creative culture.

The school is seeking an inspiring and visionary Head of Art, Design & Technology (ADT) to lead and develop a dynamic department encompassing Art, Design Technology, and Food & Nutrition.

The Role: Head of Art, Design & Technology

As Head of ADT, you will be responsible for building an ambitious and creative department from the ground up—designing curriculum, shaping learning environments, establishing high standards, and nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence.

As one of the school’s early curriculum leaders, this role offers significant professional autonomy and the opportunity to make a lasting impact as the school grows.

What You Will Do

• Lead, develop, and inspire high‑quality teaching across Art, Design Technology, and Food & Nutrition
• Design an innovative, engaging, and ambitious curriculum for KS3 and beyond as provision expands
• Shape the long‑term vision, ethos, and identity of the ADT department
• Establish and model high expectations for teaching, learning, and assessment
• Support recruitment, induction, and mentoring of future departmental colleagues
• Oversee departmental resources, including specialist equipment, health & safety, and teaching spaces
• Develop enrichment opportunities that promote creativity, problem‑solving, and critical thinking
• Build strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Mentor and support colleagues as the department grows, developing confident and expert practitioners

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate and creative educator with expertise in one or more ADT disciplines
• Strong leadership potential with the ability to inspire creativity and innovation
• Experience of curriculum planning and assessment at KS3 (KS4/KS5 experience advantageous as provision expands)
• Commitment to enabling students to design, make, experiment, and think critically
• A reflective practitioner with high expectations for quality, rigour, and inclusion
• Enthusiasm for building a new department and making a lasting impact
• Confidence working in a growing school environment where flexibility and initiative are valued

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Opportunity to design an ADT department from first principles
• Freedom to shape curriculum, facilities, and departmental culture
• Central role in recruiting, mentoring, and developing a future team
• Work in an environment that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation
• Benefit from developing specialist spaces and resources
• Significant professional growth opportunities as the school expands year by year

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• One wellbeing day per year
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover and ill‑health protection
• Retail and lifestyle discount schemes
• Complimentary breakfast and lunch when working onsite
• Payment of required professional memberships
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Healthcare cash plan and access to an online GP
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Extensive training and leadership development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative, and ambitious working culture