Teacher of Art
Durham Sixth Form Centre, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1SG14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
3 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
17 February 2026
Job details
Job role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Art and design
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Main £32,916 to Upper £51,047
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Teacher of Art for a permanent role. You will join our outstanding Sixth Form team—where innovation, ambition, and student success power everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to make a profound, long-term difference working with a team of like-minded professionals in a department that values both technical mastery and creative curiosity.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we don’t just deliver Art courses—we nurture tomorrow’s artists, designers, curators, and creative leaders. As an oversubscribed, "Outstanding" (Ofsted 2017) post-16 institution with results significantly above national averages, we provide a "mini-university" atmosphere where the arts are celebrated. With our purpose-built Visual Arts Centre and on-site Dead Dog Gallery, this is your opportunity to lead students through the complexities of the A Level specification and shape the future of visual inquiry in an elite creative setting.
What makes this role exciting?
Deliver a dynamic creative curriculum: Lead the exploration of visual language across A Level Fine Art, A Level Art & Design, and our prestigious Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media (FADM).
Teach in a professional environment: Work within state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated theatre, digital media centre, and a visual arts centre with an ever-changing professional exhibition programme.
Inspire the next generation of creatives: Challenge highly motivated learners from across the region who are passionate about exploring diverse media and achieving academic excellence.
Bridge practice and theory: Lead outstanding teaching that moves beyond technical skill to engage with complex contemporary theory, art history, and the interrogation of visual culture.
Mentor independent portfolios: Take a lead role in guiding students through their Personal Investigations (NEA) and portfolio builds, preparing them for transition to competitive art courses and Russell Group universities.
Champion artistic engagement: Be part of a Faculty that celebrates active inquiry and enrichment, from local arts outreach programmes to high-profile collaborations with partners like Durham University.
We are looking for someone who:
Is an outstanding A Level practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent student outcomes (we also welcome applications from ambitious ECTs ready for their first specialist post).
Possesses exceptional planning and time management skills, with the ability to inspire and challenge both students and colleagues.
Brings deep subject expertise, with a passion for teaching and learning that motivates learners to develop their own evidence-based, sophisticated artistic voices.
Is committed to collaborative, evidence-informed teaching, working within the Arts & Humanities Faculty to trial new strategies for technical demonstration and literacy in the arts.
Understands how to build student confidence, preparing them for high-level progression into diverse creative and professional pathways.
What the school offers its staff
Why choose us?
Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Flexible working opportunities
At our Trust, we deeply value the health and wellbeing of our staff, recognising that a happy, supported team is essential to delivering the best outcomes for our students. We are committed to fostering a positive working environment where staff feel cared for, empowered, and equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
Pension scheme
All contracted members of staff will be automatically enrolled into either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate).
National terms and conditions
We offer national terms and conditions in line with the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions document (STPCD) and Burgundy Book for teachers or the NJC Green Book for support staff.
Training and development
Professional development opportunities aimed at the continuous process of enhancing your skills, knowledge and competencies discussed with your appraiser on an individual basis.
City centre parking
Durham City Centre barriered private parking for staff whilst at work which extends to free all year round parking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Staff wellbeing working group
For the staff, by the staff, our wellbeing working group meet at least 3 times a year and is open to all members of staff. To date the group has raised money for charity, built a Staff Wellbeing portal, organised socials, sporting events and family days out.
Healthcare services
All staff benefit from a range of comprehensive health and wellbeing services including: GP service which gives staff the access to a General Practitioner around the clock, 24/7, access to nurse support services and physiotherapy provided face-to-face at times, dates and locations convenient to our staff.
Live webinars
Online webinars for Mental Health First Aid and Stress Coaching are available to staff which run frequently throughout the year with a choice of dates and times.
Health and Wellbeing
Free Flu vaccines, menopause counselling and access to financial wellbeing coaches through our staff absence insurance policy.
Daily breakfast
We provide a selection of hot drinks, cereals, croissants, toast and jams complimentary each morning in the refectory for staff and students.
Lifestyle
Our lifestyle benefits include shopping discounts with hundreds of online and high street retailers and discounted gym membership.
Free Will Writing Service
Organised through the Financial Guys, all staff are provided with a free single basic Will which also includes a 50% discount for partners.
Blue Light
Blue Light Card have now added Teaching and Support staff to the list of careers that are able to apply for their card. When applying please upload your staff ID badge as evidence.
Working From Home
We are currently trialling working from home. This arrangement supports flexible working and recognises that some tasks, such as planning, marking and resource development, can be carried out more effectively in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.
Further information about the job
Thank you for your interest in joining the Arts and Humanities Faculty at Durham Sixth Form Centre. We are a hardworking, dedicated team of specialists who pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative teaching and learning strategies. Our Faculty is one of the most popular in the school, offering an expansive and diverse range of subjects, from History and English to Media and Performing Arts.
A Hub for Creative Excellence
The Art Department is a cornerstone of our Faculty and a regional leader in creative education. As a team of dedicated creative practitioners, we maintain an established track record of outstanding practice and academic excellence. Our broad and ambitious curriculum celebrates the diversity of the subject, offering A-Levels in: Art, Craft & Design, Fine Art, Graphics, Photography, Fashion & Textiles and Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design, and Media Practice.
Exceptional Facilities and Advocacy
We operate within a purpose-built visual arts centre on a campus that blends historical 1913 architecture with state-of-the-art innovation, creating a "mini-university" atmosphere. Our commitment to the arts is recognised by our Artsmark Platinum status from Arts Council England, which commended our advocacy for the arts as a vehicle for social mobility.
Unique features of our department include:
The Dead Dog Gallery: Our on-site contemporary visual arts space which hosts a rotating calendar of professional exhibitions.
Artist-in-Residence Programme: Now in its eighth year, this programme bridges the gap between our students and the wider creative industry.
Outward-Facing Collaboration: We thrive on high-profile partnerships with organisations such as Lumiere, Durham University, and The Big Draw.
Join Our Team
We are looking for a colleague who is passionate about art education and committed to helping our curious, highly ambitious students reach their full potential. In return, we offer a friendly, supportive environment with a strong focus on professional growth, including personalised CPD and leadership coaching. Many of our staff are examiners, moderators, or engaged in advanced research (Masters and Doctorates), and we welcome individuals who share this commitment to continuous excellence.
You should apply for this role if you want to make a difference to young people’s lives in a hardworking, ambitious post-16 school where every student really does matter. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our vibrant creative community. We would strongly encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance and apply early. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Marie Harrison
Leader of Learning: Arts and Humanities
marie.harrison@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Durham Sixth Form Centre
- School type
- Academy, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or college
- School size
- 1708 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Durham Sixth Form Centre website
- Email address
- emma.tallentire@providencelearningpartnership.org.uk
Welcome to Durham Sixth Form Centre and thank you for your interest in the advertised post. I hope the following information gives you an insight into our school.
Durham Sixth Form Centre is a large post-16 provider based in the North East of England, with approximately 1,700 students on roll. We are situated in the middle of Durham City centre, a couple of minutes walk from both the bus and railway stations. Students generally enrol at Durham Sixth Form Centre from over 60 different secondary schools from
across County Durham, Sunderland and into Northumberland.
In 2017 we were graded an ‘outstanding’ post-16 academy, this is reflected in our recent Ofsted monitoring visit
report. Our students have an excellent record of success, which they work hard to achieve. Trends over time demonstrate the following headlines:
In academic qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the National Average (NA) and was graded above average in the
2025 performance tables.
● A level average point score (APS) is significantly above the NA and places us in the top 6% of schools and
colleges nationally.
● 71% of students achieved A*- B A level grades in the summer 2024.
In applied general qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the NA and was graded above average in the 2025 performance
tables.
● Overall attainment (APS) is consistently above the NA and is ranked in the top 2% of schools and Academies
nationally.
We recently celebrated 110 years in education. We are housed in various buildings, often referred to as a mini university setting. Our site comprises a 1913 former girls’ grammar school, which was converted to sixth form
accommodation in 1983. In addition to the original building, there is now a science specific wing; a 200 seated theatre; our Hunter resource centre; visual arts centre and Freeman’s Quay leisure centre. In 2019, we expanded further to include our digital media centre, which houses a grab-and-go café, conference facility, TV studio, small cinema room
and additional classroom space. We also have a dedicated Art Gallery on site, the Dead Dog Gallery, with an ever changing exhibition and community programme in place.
Through sustained effort, and a clear focus and direction, Durham Sixth Form Centre is a truly embracing and dynamic organisation. We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunities and we aspire to an environment where all our students and employees can develop their potential. We have a strong professional development
programme and have achieved CPD Mark accreditation, Investors in People Gold and Governor Mark among others. Our most recent Ofsted inspection report said ‘The Headteacher and the highly skilled leadership team have established a culture in which students flourish and grow. Consequently, there is a healthy appetite for learning and achievement in an environment that demands high expectations for academic, vocational and personal excellence’.
Our academy operates according to the Values of our Trust which we feel help to determine the culture, ethos and atmosphere of Durham Sixth Form Centre.
If you are energetic and passionate about post-16 education and have the skills and aptitude required for the role then
we would welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.
Arranging a visit to Durham Sixth Form Centre
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email emma.tallentire@providencelearningpartnership.org.uk.
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