Head of Art - Prestigious Secondary School in Reading

A prestigious and high achieving secondary school in Reading is seeking an experienced and creative Head of Art to lead its successful Art & Design department. The school is open to an April 2026 or September 2026 start. This is an excellent opportunity to drive artistic excellence and curriculum innovation within a structured and academically ambitious environment.

Art is a valued subject within the school, with strong uptake at GCSE and A Level. The department encourages technical precision, creative exploration, and contextual understanding, supported by dedicated studio spaces and high-quality resources.

The Role

• Leading and managing the Art department across KS3, KS4, and KS5

• Driving high standards of teaching, learning, and creative outcomes

• Developing an ambitious and well-sequenced Art curriculum

• Overseeing coursework, moderation, and examination preparation

• Line managing Art staff and supporting professional development

• Organising exhibitions, displays, and enrichment opportunities

• Managing departmental budgets and resources

• Contributing to whole-school curriculum and leadership initiatives

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• A degree in Fine Art or related discipline

• Proven experience teaching Art at secondary level, including KS5

• Previous departmental leadership experience

• A strong track record of raising attainment and promoting creative excellence

• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• The ability to inspire both pupils and staff

This Reading secondary school benefits from strong academic standards, supportive leadership, and a collaborative Art department committed to maintaining high-quality outcomes.

Salary

• MPS/UPS + TLR or Leadership Scale (dependent on experience)

Application

To apply for this Head of Art position in Reading, please submit your CV outlining your leadership and teaching experience. Early applications are encouraged as the school is keen to secure a strong appointment.