Head of Art

Location: South West London
School: Francis Holland, Sloane Square
Type: Full-time
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Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and well-qualified subject specialist to lead the Art Department in GCSE and A Level.

Detail

Role Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and well-qualified subject specialist to lead the Art Department in GCSE and A Level.

We are looking for someone to:

Provide inspirational leadership for Art as a subject and for creativity in the visual arts across the whole school.
Offer guidance and support to all members of the department, with particular responsibility for mentoring and supporting those new to the school, line managing both the art teachers and the art technician.
Select appropriate examination specifications and lead the development, organisation and regular review of schemes of work, departmental policies and the Departmental Handbook.
Oversee the setting, marking and evaluation of school examinations, liaising with the Examinations Officer to ensure all public examinations and internally assessed components meet regulatory requirements.
Monitor and evaluate pupil performance through regular assessment, using data to inform strategies that promote achievement, creativity and progression.
Keep abreast of developments in art education, visual culture and pedagogy, and actively encourage the professional and creative development of departmental staff.
Liaise with the Senior Leadership Team regarding the suitability, development and review of courses and qualifications.
Work collaboratively with other schools and external partners as appropriate, including participation in GSA cluster meetings.
Curate, maintain and develop high-quality departmental and whole-school displays that celebrate pupil work and promote visual arts and creativity across the school.
Manage departmental resources, maintaining appropriate stock levels and liaising with the department technician regarding ordering and use of materials.
Chair departmental meetings, ensuring effective communication and the timely circulation of minutes as appropriate.
Submit annual staffing allocations, budget requests and departmental development plans to the Head, and maintain accurate records of departmental expenditure.
Promote the department effectively within the wider school community, including the active encouragement and support of extracurricular activities, exhibitions, enrichment opportunities and whole-school creative initiatives.

Art Department Information

The Art Department teaching staff share a passion for their subject and a commitment to providing Art lessons for all our students that are engaging, thought-provoking and challenging. Our overarching aim is that students should become skilful, confident and perceptive in using and responding to Art in all its aspects. They should be given opportunities to explore a wide range of artists and cultures. We hope to instil a lifelong love of Art and to give each pupil a ‘toolbox’ of creative skills.

Art and creativity are central to life at FHS. Last year, the school launched the first of its biennial Creative Perspectives projects, Creative Perspectives on Climate Change, in partnership with Cape Farewell, a climate action charity working at the intersection of art and climate science. Throughout the year, works by leading artists and writers including David Buckland, Anthony Gormley, Dame Rachel Whiteread and Ian McEwan were displayed across the school, complemented by a rich programme of talks and workshops. Pupils from FHS and neighbouring schools engaged deeply with the artworks and activities, producing their own creative responses that culminated in a joint exhibition of professional and student work. FHS is now planning the next Creative Perspectives programme, to be delivered in the 2026–2027 academic year.

We teach art to all girls in year 7, 8 and 9 and the GCSE Fine Art course (OCR) is often very popular, with thriving numbers. We offer A level Fine Art (AQA) and this is also a very popular option, with many of our A level students continuing their creative journey at foundation level courses in this country and abroad. We have a lively and enthusiastic range of clubs and clinics on offer each week, as well as a thriving Art Scholars club.

Positive working relationships are fostered with our students, and respect for others is encouraged at all times in the classroom. Independent learning is also encouraged through homework and research, as well as creative projects and initiatives such as participation in art competitions. Self-confidence is nurtured through expectation of participation in class discussions. Personal, moral and spiritual development is supported through the study and exploration of chosen artists, visits to galleries and museums and the questions and discussions that arise from this.

At all levels, the Art Department offers a stimulating and challenging curriculum which provides plenty of opportunities for enrichment, including gallery trips, residential art trips and visiting art artists and designers. There are three dedicated art rooms and the department is supported by an enthusiastic Art Technician.

Application

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application via My New Term. The closing date for applications is 8:00am on Monday 2nd February. Longlist online interview dates will be w/c Monday 2nd February. In person interview dates will be w/c Monday 9th February. The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage. Early applications are encouraged.