Lead Practitioner of Art & Design – Secondary Academy in Slough (January Start)

A creative secondary academy in Slough is seeking a visionary Lead Practitioner of Art & Design to drive artistic excellence, studio pedagogy, and gallery partnerships starting in January. Job Overview The Lead Practitioner of Art will lead on classroom innovation, portfolio curation techniques, and post-16 art pathways across Fine Art, Photography, and Graphic Communication. You will teach practical studio modules across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, while coaching department colleagues in contemporary techniques, digital darkroom software, and contextual analysis. Working alongside senior management and art technicians, you will lead whole-school visual arts displays, direct annual exhibitions, and audit Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) moderation standards. This is a full-time, permanent position. Key Responsibilities Teach high-level practical studio and theoretical Art lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level) Mentor art teachers in sketchbook development, contextual studies, ceramics, printmaking, and digital photography Oversee NEA portfolio moderation and exam board submission standards across all key stage courses Design, build, and audit creative schemes of work that foster independent student inquiry Direct annual student art exhibitions, gallery visits, and artist-in-residence workshops Guide Sixth Form art pupils through art foundation and university portfolio preparation (UCAS/conservatoire) Role Overview & Specifications Start Date: January Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract Location: Slough, Berkshire Salary / Pay Rate: Lead Practitioner Scale (LP1–LP5 equivalent) Key Curriculum: AQA / Edexcel Fine Art & Photography Candidate Requirements Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with an honors degree in Fine Art, Visual Arts, or Illustration Outstanding personal artistic portfolio and demonstrated history of top-tier GCSE and A-Level results Experience in peer observation, staff coaching, or departmental curriculum coordination Deep technical capability across traditional fine art mediums and digital media An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply) How to Apply: Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this Lead Practitioner of Art position in Slough for a January start.