Head of Art

Smart Teachers are recruiting for an inspiring and experienced Head of Art to lead a thriving department within a high-achieving and creative East London secondary school. This is a full-time, permanent post starting in September 2025.

About the role

• Leading the Art department and shaping a curriculum that fosters creativity, independence and technical skill

• Teaching Art across Key Stages 3–5, with a strong emphasis on stretch, challenge and cultural relevance

• Supporting and mentoring staff within the department, including early career teachers

• Curating and coordinating exhibitions, arts events and enrichment opportunities across the school

• Driving high expectations and excellent outcomes for students of all abilities

About the school

• A successful, inclusive academy located in the heart of Hackney, with a commitment to academic and creative excellence

• Housed in a modern, well-resourced building with specialist art rooms and exhibition spaces

• Strong culture of staff collaboration, professional growth, and student leadership

• Consistently high student progress and engagement across the arts

Requirements

To be considered for the role of Head of Art you will:

• Holds QTS and has experience teaching Art across a range of key stages, ideally including A-Level
• Demonstrates a clear track record of impact in teaching and learning
• Has strong leadership potential and a passion for curriculum development
• Values collaboration, inclusion and student voice
• Eager to promote the role of the arts within a wider school community

Salary is dependent on experience, training or qualifications. The minimum experience, training or qualifications required for this position are:

• Suitable teaching experience

Smart Teachers is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff we register will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check that must be registered on the Update Service.

About Smart Teachers

Smart Teachers is a market-leading education recruitment and supply agency committed to the learning and development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high-quality primary, secondary and SEND teaching and support staff.

What Smart Teachers offer

As a valued employee of Smart Teachers, you will receive:

• Excellent daily rates paid weekly by our in-house Payroll team using the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
• Guaranteed pay scheme (subject to availability and qualifying criteria).
• Pension contributions (subject to a qualifying period).
• Full compliance with AWR (Agency Workers’ Regulations), to make sure you get the pay and working conditions you are entitled to.
• FREE training to help with your professional development such as Team Teach training, online webinars and safeguarding and child protection updates.
• Generous refer a friend or colleague bonus scheme.
• Access to a dedicated consultant, who will provide ongoing support.

Smart Teachers do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

Apply via this website with an up-to-date CV and contact details. For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please call Daniel Uwaifo on 020 7065 7500 or email [email protected].