Prep School Art Specialist

The English Montessori School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious preparatory school in London seeks a creative Prep School Art Specialist to inspire students from Year 1 to Year 8. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment, teaching various art forms and organizing enriching events. Key qualifications include a degree in Art, teaching experience, and a passion for nurturing young artists. The school offers a competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant community. Closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme

Free lunch during Term Time

Generous holidays

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Experience teaching art at Key Stage 1, 2, and/or 3.
• Inspiring communicator with a commitment to safeguarding.
• Interest in enrichment activities and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Teach art to pupils from Year 1 to Year 8.
• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons in various media.
• Organize clubs, exhibitions, and creative events.

Skills

Art teaching

Classroom management

Photography

Education

Degree in Art or related subject

QTS or equivalent

Job description

About Brighton College Prep Kensington

Welcome to Brighton College Prep Kensington. We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places strong emphasis on creativity, academic excellence, and outstanding pastoral care.

As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co‑educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. Named London Independent School of the Year finalist in 2025, we are recognised for our innovative approach and commitment to pupil well‑being. Situated beside Exhibition Road, at the heart of London’s cultural quarter, we make exceptional use of our location to inspire artistic creativity through access to world‑class galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can “thrive in a rapidly evolving world”.

About the Brighton College Family of Schools

Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools which includes Brighton College, three other UK‑based Prep Schools and a growing network of schools around the world. Brighton College is synonymous with academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits.

Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring Prep School Art Specialist to teach pupils from Year 1 to Year 8, nurturing imagination, technical skill, and artistic confidence.

The successful candidate will work alongside the Head of Art as part of a collaborative and expanding department, contributing to the delivery of a vibrant and ambitious art curriculum. You will help shape a forward‑thinking curriculum and make full use of new and enhanced art facilities. You will plan and deliver high‑quality lessons across a wide range of media – drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, digital art, and photography – encouraging pupils to develop strong technical foundations and imaginative expression.

You will play an active role in enrichment, organising clubs, exhibitions, competitions, and creative events, and will make the most of the school’s central London location through gallery and museum visits. You will also contribute to whole‑school life through trips, events, and pastoral support, acting as a positive role‑model who embodies confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

A passion for photography and an interest in developing photographic work within the curriculum and co‑curricular programme would be a particular advantage.

Who We Are Looking For

You bring a degree in Art or a related subject, QTS (or equivalent), and experience teaching art at Key Stage 1, 2, and/or 3. You are an inspiring communicator with excellent classroom management, a commitment to safeguarding, and a passion for developing young artists. An interest in photography, enrichment activities, curriculum development, or experience preparing pupils for senior school exams will be a strong advantage.

To view our detailed Candidate Pack, please click here.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Free lunch and refreshments provided during Term Time
• Generous school holidays and public holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third‑party discounts
• Ongoing professional development>The School Offers
  • The opportunity to work alongside an experienced and supportive Head of Art
  • The chance to help shape an art department with exciting new facilities on the horizon
  • A warm, supportive, and collaborative working environment
  • Exceptional enrichment opportunities through our central London location
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience (pro rata for part‑time appointments)
  • A vibrant and welcoming school community

  How to Apply

  Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026.

  Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

  We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

  Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.