Head of Art

HEAD OF ART

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2B (£6,069)

Start Date: September 2026 (preferred, although a later start date will be considered due to notice period constraints)

The Norton Knatchbull School is a selective grammar school with a proud history dating back to 1630. We combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where students are nurtured to become considerate, confident, and well-rounded individuals.

Our Art Department plays a central role in the creative life of the school, supporting students from Year 7 through to A Level, while fostering creativity, technical skill, and individual expression.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Art to lead our small but well-established department. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced practitioner to shape the future direction of Art at NKS. The successful candidate will be an inspiring teacher, a creative leader, and a strong advocate for the arts, both within the curriculum and across the wider life of the school. The ability to teach across different specialisms, including photography, would be beneficial but is not essential.

You will be responsible for

Leading and developing the Art curriculum across all key stages, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience.

Teaching high quality lessons up to and including A Level, with a proven track record of examination success.

Driving high standards of teaching and learning to ensure excellent progress and outcomes for students.

Overseeing and expanding extracurricular provision, including clubs, exhibitions, and wider opportunities to showcase student work.

Managing departmental resources and supporting the professional development of colleagues.

Contributing to the wider cultural life of the school and promoting Art beyond the timetabled curriculum.

What We’re Looking For

An inspiring and innovative practitioner with strong subject knowledge and leadership potential.

The ability to teach A Level Art to a high standard and motivate students of all abilities.

Excellent communication, organisation, and team leadership skills.

A commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and artistic appreciation in young people.

Experience in leading art clubs, coordinating exhibitions, or showcasing student work would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

A supportive and collaborative environment with excellent CPD opportunities.

Access to staff wellbeing initiatives, including free Benenden Health membership and Cycle to Work scheme.

Opportunities to contribute to a school community that values diversity and inclusion.

Dedicated Art facilities including a dedicated Sixth Form studio space.

Strong support for creative enrichment beyond the classroom.

For applicants currently serving as teachers, one of the referees should be your current Headteacher or Acting Headteacher.

Deadline for applications: 9 a.m. Monday 8th June 2026

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.

We reserve the right to interview prior to this date depending on applications received.

NKS is committed to the continuing Professional Development and Equal Opportunities for all our staff. We support our employees in career development and respect initiative and ambition. As such we are committed to using Performance Management; formal and informal training; coaching and mentoring; and peer support to ensure the progression of our staff. In return we expect commitment and a desire to improve and excel from our colleagues. It is important for our students to understand and experience the strength and depth of a diverse community and we aim to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards, and promotes staff based on merit. To show our commitment to this, the school has achieved the Race Charter Mark and has also secured UK Feminista recognition, achieving Silver accreditation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.