Head of Art
The Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0QJ7 days remaining to apply
Closing date
8 June 2026 at 9am
Date listed
1 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Art and design
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- MPS/UPS + TLR 2B (£6,069)
Additional allowances
MPS/UPS + TLR 2B (£6,069)
Head of Art job summary
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.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The Norton Knatchbull School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About The Norton Knatchbull School
- School type
- Academies, None, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1289 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Norton Knatchbull School website
The Norton Knatchbull School is a popular and highly regarded selective school for boys aged 11-18 which admits a growing number of girls into its sixth form. Having proudly served the local community of Ashford in Kent since the 17th century, they combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where young people are nurtured to become considerate, confident and well-rounded individuals.
School location
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