Head of Art
| Posting date: | 10 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 March 2026 |
| Location: | Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3DL |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 9b9e6df1-2fdf-482a-8565-25868bef707b |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Job Title
Purpose
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To be accountable for student progress and development within the subject area.
• To develop and enhance the teaching practice of others.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the school and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Head Teacher of the school.
• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject/curriculum area.
• To effectively manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources within the department to support the designated curriculum portfolio.
Responsible for
• Teaching staff and other relevant personnel within the department.
MAIN (CORE) DUTIES
Operational/Strategic Planning
• To lead the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching and learning strategies in the department.
• The day-to-day management, control and operation of course provision with the department, including effective deployment of staff and physical resources.
• To actively monitor and follow up student progress.
• To implement School Policies and Procedures.
• To work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and strategic plans for the department which have coherence and relevance to the needs of students and to the aims, objectives and strategic plans of the school.
• To lead and manage the planning function of the department, and to ensure that the planning activities of the department reflect the needs of students within the subject area, SDP/DDP and the aims and objectives of the school.
• To foster and oversee the application of ICT in the Department.
• To ensure that Health and Safety policies and practices, including Risk Assessments, throughout the Department are in-line with national requirements and are updated where necessary, therefore liaising with the School’s Health and Safety Manager.
Curriculum Provision
• To liaise with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning to ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective curriculum programme which complements the School Development Plan/School Evaluation.
• To be accountable for the development and delivery of the subject.
Curriculum Development
• To lead curriculum development for the whole department.
• To keep up-to-date with national developments in the subject area and teaching practice and methodology.
• To actively monitor and respond to curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels.
• To liaise with the Deputy Head Teaching and Learning to maintain accreditation with the relevant examination and validating bodies.
• To ensure that the development of the subject is in line with national developments.
STAFFING:
Staff Development
Recruitment/
Deployment of Staff
• To work with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning to ensure that staff development needs are identified and that appropriate programmes are designed to meet such needs.
• To be responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of the Department’s technicians/support staff.
• To undertake Teacher Appraisal and to act as reviewer for a group of staff within the designated department.
• To make appropriate arrangements for classes when staff are absent, ensuring appropriate cover within the department liaising with the Cover Supervisor/relevant staff to secure appropriate cover within the department.
• To participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to ensure effective induction of new staff in line with school procedures.
• To promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relations.
• To participate in the school’s ITT/NQT programme.
• To be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the designated department and act as a positive role model.
Quality Assurance
• To ensure the effective operation of quality control systems.
• To establish the process of setting targets within the department and to work towards their achievement.
• To establish common standards of practice within the department and develop the effectiveness of teaching and learning styles in all subject areas within the department.
• To contribute to the school procedures for lesson observation, learning walks, etc.
• To implement school quality procedures and to ensure adherence to those within the department.
• To monitor and evaluate the curriculum area/department in line with agreed school procedures including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria.
• To seek/implement modification and improvement where required.
• To ensure that the department’s quality procedures meet the requirements of Self Evaluation and the School Development Plan.
Management Information
• To ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information concerning the department on the management information system.
• To make use of analysis and evaluate performance data provided.
• To identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports; setting deadlines where necessary and reviewing progress on the action taken.
• To produce reports within the quality assurance cycle for the department.
• To produce reports on examination performance, including the use of value-added data.
• In conjunction with the relevant member of the Senior Leadership Team, to manage the department’s collection of data.
• To provide the Governing Body with relevant information relating to the Department performance and development.
Communications
• To ensure that all members of the department are familiar with its aims and objectives.
• To ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents/carers of students.
• To liaise with partner schools, higher education, Industry, Examination Boards, Awarding Bodies and other relevant external bodies.
• To represent the Department’s views and interests.
Marketing and Liaison
• To contribute to the school liaison and marketing activities, e.g. the collection of material for press releases.
• To lead the development of effective subject links with partner schools and the community, attendance where necessary at liaison events in partner schools and the effective promotion of subjects at Open Days/Evenings and other events.
• To actively promote the development of effective subject links with external agencies.
Management of Resources
• To manage the available resources of space, staff, money and equipment efficiently within the limits, guidelines and procedures laid down; including deploying the department budget, acting as a cost centre holder, requisitioning, organising and maintaining equipment and stock, and keeping appropriate records.
• To work with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning in order to ensure that the Department’s teaching commitments are effectively and efficiently timetabled and roomed.
Pastoral System
• To monitor and support the overall progress and development of students within the department.
• To monitor student attendance together with students’ progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual, ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
• To act as a Form Tutor and to carry out the duties associated with that role as outlined in the generic job description.
• To contribute to PSHEE, citizenship and enterprise according to school policy.
• To ensure the Behaviour Management system is implemented in the department so that effective learning can take place.
Teaching
• To undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a STPCD teacher.
Additional Duties
• To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage and ensure staff and students follow this example.
OTHER SPECIFIC DUTIES
• To continue personal development as agreed.
• To engage actively in the performance review process.
• Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
• Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager/leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
• Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers.
• The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.
What the school offers its staff
We do not expect staff to write endless feedback to students. We do not do WWW or EBI but let departments decide what is best for students. You will not be expected to attend pointless meetings. We value CPD time and to that extent have frequent department time.
We do not grade lessons or have formal observations. We have developmental drop ins which give immediate constructive feedback.
We value our future leaders, and we invest in the talent development of our staff. Access tointernal leadership CPD, SLT secondments and other opportunities are in place for staff.Students are exceptionally well behaved here, so you will not waste time sorting out behaviour. You can just teach.
Do you want to work in a school…
• That has significantly improved results, year on year and the best in the city and region?
• Where the teacher is valued as the expert?
• That has an excellent student culture of respect, manners and hard work?
• That takes workload seriously? That has a clear workload charter, has a rational approach to marking? That restricts email use at weekends and during holidays and does not see 1265 as a target to meet?
• Free tea, coffee and milk for all staff.
• Regular socials organised by the social committee for staff.
• End of term food provided for staff (Bacon Rolls, End of Year BBQ).
• We have a 2 week half term in October/November and do not expect staff to be in for this. We do not make up the time elsewhere either, by having longer days or extra days in the summer term.
• Offer staff a free lunch for running a club?
• Can take PPA at home;
• That values its staff and has a strong approach to CPD?
• Allows departments autonomy over curriculum and planning?
• Offer time off in lieu for staff that give up time to run after school revision sessions?
• Where the staff are fully behind our ambition for excellence?
• That is values-driven, wanting the very best for the students?
• Where people feel valued, and morale is high across the school?
If the answers are yes to the above, then this school is for you.
Commitment to safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Job Title
Purpose
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To be accountable for student progress and development within the subject area.
• To develop and enhance the teaching practice of others.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the school and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Head Teacher of the school.
• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject/curriculum area.
• To effectively manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources within the department to support the designated curriculum portfolio.
Responsible for
• Teaching staff and other relevant personnel within the department.
MAIN (CORE) DUTIES
Operational/Strategic Planning
• To lead the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching and learning strategies in the department.
• The day-to-day management, control and operation of course provision with the department, including effective deployment of staff and physical resources.
• To actively monitor and follow up student progress.
• To implement School Policies and Procedures.
• To work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and strategic plans for the department which have coherence and relevance to the needs of students and to the aims, objectives and strategic plans of the school.
• To lead and manage the planning function of the department, and to ensure that the planning activities of the department reflect the needs of students within the subject area, SDP/DDP and the aims and objectives of the school.
• To foster and oversee the application of ICT in the Department.
• To ensure that Health and Safety policies and practices, including Risk Assessments, throughout the Department are in-line with national requirements and are updated where necessary, therefore liaising with the School’s Health and Safety Manager.
Curriculum Provision
• To liaise with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning to ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective curriculum programme which complements the School Development Plan/School Evaluation.
• To be accountable for the development and delivery of the subject.
Curriculum Development
• To lead curriculum development for the whole department.
• To keep up-to-date with national developments in the subject area and teaching practice and methodology.
• To actively monitor and respond to curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels.
• To liaise with the Deputy Head Teaching and Learning to maintain accreditation with the relevant examination and validating bodies.
• To ensure that the development of the subject is in line with national developments.
STAFFING:
Staff Development
Recruitment/
Deployment of Staff
• To work with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning to ensure that staff development needs are identified and that appropriate programmes are designed to meet such needs.
• To be responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of the Department’s technicians/support staff.
• To undertake Teacher Appraisal and to act as reviewer for a group of staff within the designated department.
• To make appropriate arrangements for classes when staff are absent, ensuring appropriate cover within the department liaising with the Cover Supervisor/relevant staff to secure appropriate cover within the department.
• To participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to ensure effective induction of new staff in line with school procedures.
• To promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relations.
• To participate in the school’s ITT/NQT programme.
• To be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the designated department and act as a positive role model.
Quality Assurance
• To ensure the effective operation of quality control systems.
• To establish the process of setting targets within the department and to work towards their achievement.
• To establish common standards of practice within the department and develop the effectiveness of teaching and learning styles in all subject areas within the department.
• To contribute to the school procedures for lesson observation, learning walks, etc.
• To implement school quality procedures and to ensure adherence to those within the department.
• To monitor and evaluate the curriculum area/department in line with agreed school procedures including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria.
• To seek/implement modification and improvement where required.
• To ensure that the department’s quality procedures meet the requirements of Self Evaluation and the School Development Plan.
Management Information
• To ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information concerning the department on the management information system.
• To make use of analysis and evaluate performance data provided.
• To identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports; setting deadlines where necessary and reviewing progress on the action taken.
• To produce reports within the quality assurance cycle for the department.
• To produce reports on examination performance, including the use of value-added data.
• In conjunction with the relevant member of the Senior Leadership Team, to manage the department’s collection of data.
• To provide the Governing Body with relevant information relating to the Department performance and development.
Communications
• To ensure that all members of the department are familiar with its aims and objectives.
• To ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents/carers of students.
• To liaise with partner schools, higher education, Industry, Examination Boards, Awarding Bodies and other relevant external bodies.
• To represent the Department’s views and interests.
Marketing and Liaison
• To contribute to the school liaison and marketing activities, e.g. the collection of material for press releases.
• To lead the development of effective subject links with partner schools and the community, attendance where necessary at liaison events in partner schools and the effective promotion of subjects at Open Days/Evenings and other events.
• To actively promote the development of effective subject links with external agencies.
Management of Resources
• To manage the available resources of space, staff, money and equipment efficiently within the limits, guidelines and procedures laid down; including deploying the department budget, acting as a cost centre holder, requisitioning, organising and maintaining equipment and stock, and keeping appropriate records.
• To work with the SLT lead for Teaching and Learning in order to ensure that the Department’s teaching commitments are effectively and efficiently timetabled and roomed.
Pastoral System
• To monitor and support the overall progress and development of students within the department.
• To monitor student attendance together with students’ progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual, ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
• To act as a Form Tutor and to carry out the duties associated with that role as outlined in the generic job description.
• To contribute to PSHEE, citizenship and enterprise according to school policy.
• To ensure the Behaviour Management system is implemented in the department so that effective learning can take place.
Teaching
• To undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a STPCD teacher.
Additional Duties
• To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage and ensure staff and students follow this example.
OTHER SPECIFIC DUTIES
• To continue personal development as agreed.
• To engage actively in the performance review process.
• Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
• Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager/leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
• Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers.
• The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.
What the school offers its staff
We do not expect staff to write endless feedback to students. We do not do WWW or EBI but let departments decide what is best for students. You will not be expected to attend pointless meetings. We value CPD time and to that extent have frequent department time.
We do not grade lessons or have formal observations. We have developmental drop ins which give immediate constructive feedback.
We value our future leaders, and we invest in the talent development of our staff. Access tointernal leadership CPD, SLT secondments and other opportunities are in place for staff.Students are exceptionally well behaved here, so you will not waste time sorting out behaviour. You can just teach.
Do you want to work in a school…
• That has significantly improved results, year on year and the best in the city and region?
• Where the teacher is valued as the expert?
• That has an excellent student culture of respect, manners and hard work?
• That takes workload seriously? That has a clear workload charter, has a rational approach to marking? That restricts email use at weekends and during holidays and does not see 1265 as a target to meet?
• Free tea, coffee and milk for all staff.
• Regular socials organised by the social committee for staff.
• End of term food provided for staff (Bacon Rolls, End of Year BBQ).
• We have a 2 week half term in October/November and do not expect staff to be in for this. We do not make up the time elsewhere either, by having longer days or extra days in the summer term.
• Offer staff a free lunch for running a club?
• Can take PPA at home;
• That values its staff and has a strong approach to CPD?
• Allows departments autonomy over curriculum and planning?
• Offer time off in lieu for staff that give up time to run after school revision sessions?
• Where the staff are fully behind our ambition for excellence?
• That is values-driven, wanting the very best for the students?
• Where people feel valued, and morale is high across the school?
If the answers are yes to the above, then this school is for you.
Commitment to safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.