Head of Art & Design

About the job

Key information

Full time | Permanent | MPS/UPS + TLR 2B | Anticipated start date: January 2027

About Bridgwater College Academy

Bridgwater College Academy is a vibrant all-through academy where ambition, high expectations and a commitment to excellence drive everything we do. Serving students from early years through to secondary education, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young people are empowered to achieve their full potential. As part of an exciting school improvement journey, we are building a culture of high-quality teaching, strong relationships and continuous development, making this an inspiring time to join our team.

What will I be doing?

At Bridgwater College Academy, we believe that exceptional teaching changes everything. We are seeking an inspiring Head of Art & Design to lead and develop our creative and technical subjects across Art, Photography, Design & Technology, and Food Technology.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to shape a broad, engaging curriculum that fosters creativity, technical skill, and a passion for design. You will lead a committed team, drive high standards of teaching and learning, and ensure students are inspired to achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will have a strong subject background, leadership experience (or clear leadership potential), and the vision to further develop a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that equips students with both creative and practical life skills.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We’re seeking someone who has:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Strong subject knowledge in at least one relevant discipline (Art, Photography, DT or Food Technology)
• Proven success in delivering high-quality teaching at Key Stages 3 and 4
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a team of staff
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
• A commitment to curriculum development and raising standards across multiple subject areas
• Strong classroom and behaviour management skills
• A belief that every student can succeed, supported by excellent teaching

We welcome applications from qualified teachers who have successfully completed their statutory induction period. Unfortunately, we are not currently able to support ECT induction for this post.

What is in it for me?

We care about our staff and are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Teachers Pension Scheme
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations
• The opportunity to be part of an ambitious and improving all-through academy.
• A supportive and collaborative teaching environment focused on achieving the best outcomes for all students.

Supporting documents and information

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11 October, at 11:59pm

Anticipated interview date: 14 October 2026

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, Teachers Pension Scheme, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Apply on the Bridgwater College Academy website

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