Teacher of Art & Design

Location: Tower Hamlets

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

School Type: Secondary School

An Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ secondary school and Sixth Form in the culturally rich London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an imaginative, skilled, and dynamic Teacher of Art & Design to join their thriving Visual Arts faculty. This is a premier opportunity for a passionate educator, whether an experienced practitioner looking for an inspiring studio setting or an innovative Early Career Teacher (ECT), to cultivate artistic expression, technical craft, and creative confidence across a talented student body.

About the Role

As a Teacher of Art & Design, you will inspire students to experiment across a spectrum of artistic mediums, including fine art, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media. Teaching across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE Art & Design), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Art, Craft & Design / Fine Art), you will guide learners through portfolio development, art historical context, and critical visual analysis, enabling them to realize their creative vision with technical precision.

• Start Date: Immediate or upcoming term

• Environment: A flagship Inner London secondary school celebrated for academic progress, vibrant cultural expression, and light-filled, state-of-the-art art studios

• Culture: A collaborative, visually inspiring department supported by specialist art technicians, extensive studio equipment, and an encouraging leadership team

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-rigor, hands-on Art & Design lessons across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 that nurture individual creative voice, observational drawing, and mastery of diverse media.

• Prepare students thoroughly for national GCSE and A-Level portfolio submissions and timed examinations through rigorous assessment routines and personalized technique workshops.

• Integrate diverse global art movements, contemporary visual culture, and local East London artistic heritage into the curriculum to broaden pupils' creative perspectives.

• Track, assess, and monitor student artistic progress, providing actionable guidance to stretch high-aspiring artists while scaffolding foundational techniques for developing creators.

• Lead or contribute to departmental enrichment, including gallery visits, annual exhibition showcases, portfolio masterclasses for art college entry, and community arts collaborations.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree in Fine Art, Art & Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related creative discipline.

• Proven track record or demonstrated capability of delivering outstanding Art teaching across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (KS5/A-Level experience is highly desirable).

• Thorough knowledge of national Art & Design examination board requirements (e.g., AQA, Edexcel, OCR) and portfolio moderation standards.

• Superior studio presence, strong practical demonstration skills, and an infectious enthusiasm for visual art, craft, and design.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Inner London Main / Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS Inner London, commensurate with experience), with potential TLR opportunities available for key stage coordination or gallery exhibition initiatives.

• Comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), structured mentoring programmes, and clear pathways for rapid career advancement in an Outstanding school environment.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious, creative, and inspiring Art specialist ready to make a lasting impact at an Outstanding secondary school in Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.