Head of Subject – Art and Design

Whitcliffe Mount; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK secondary school is seeking a Head of Art & Design to lead its department, focusing on inspiring both staff and students to achieve excellence. The perfect candidate will have a degree with QTS and a proven ability to improve student outcomes in Art & Design. This full-time fixed-term role offers the chance to work in a supportive environment committed to the personal development of its pupils. Application through an application form is required, no CVs accepted.

Benefits

First-class developmental opportunities

Supportive leadership structure

Qualifications

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating others.
• Committed to improving students’ levels of progress and attainment within Art & Design.
• Have great references demonstrating suitability to work with children.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and inspire staff across the Art & Design department.
• Engage and enthuse learners of all abilities.
• Raise standards and outcomes within the department.

Skills

Inspirational leadership

Passionate about Art & Design

Team player

Ability to raise standards

Education

Degree level education with QTS

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding Head of Art & Design to join Whitcliffe Mount School. The successful candidate should be an inspirational leader with a proven track record of driving up standards; a committed and flexible team player who can inspire others to raise aspirations, through an exciting and ambitious curriculum.

As a Head of Subject, you will be required to lead, coach and inspire staff across the Art & Design department, helping them to engage and enthuse learners of all abilities. At Whitcliffe Mount, we want all our students to enjoy Art & Design and to become confident, independent learners. We want our staff to feel supported and inspired to achieve their personal best.

The successful candidate will strategically lead the Art & Design department, with the support of the school’s leadership team. They will continue to raise standards, outcomes and promote the benefits of exercise to all, helping to further develop Design Technology at Whitcliffe Mount School.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be educated to degree level with QTS in their subject;
• An inspirational leader with a proven track record of inspiring and motivating others;
• Be passionate about leading and supporting the Art & Design department in delivering ambitious learning and improving students’ levels of progress and attainment within Art & Design;
• Have a clear vision and lead by example;
• Love encouraging, motivating and inspiring children through the support they give to encourage their learning;
• Be committed to our ethos that all pupils can achieve at Whitcliffe Mount School;
• Have great references demonstrating they are a suitable candidate, safe to work with children.

Contract: Fixed-term (Parental Leave Cover) | Full-time; however, 0.8 FTE may be considered. To commence at Easter 2026.

At SHARE MAT, we aim to:

• Equip our staff to deliver their best every day; our belief is that by Valuing People, Supporting Personal Best is the key;
• Encourage all our pupils to go beyond what they think they can achieve and to enjoy learning, helping them to lead healthy and happy lives;
• Ensure our staff are happy at work, taking pride in pupils’ progress and development;
• Never stop improving, developing and sharing our practice with others;
• Deliver training and guidance relevant to the job role so expectations are understood, and staff feel motivated;
• Offer great benefits, making us the employer of choice, including first-class developmental opportunities for teaching staff led by one of our academies, Shelley College, which is the Teaching School Hub for Kirklees and Calderdale.

Whitcliffe Mount School – About

• It is a vibrant place of learning and encouragement where children/young people are happy, settled and confident;
• Has a broad and balanced curriculum that provides a memorable educational experience for all of its pupils;
• Aims to equip pupils with the attributes and attitude they need for their next stage of education.

Candidates are welcome to contact us to discuss the role further or arrange a visit. Please contact Sarah Brierley, PA to Headteacher, by email at [e-mail] or by phone on 01274 851152.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted. To apply, please complete the application form via the Apply button.

Closing date:

Midday on Wednesday, 7th January 2026.

Interview dates:

Week commencing 12th January 2026.

Equalities & Safeguarding statement

SHARE MAT is committed to the Equalities Act 2010 and also to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people, by adhering to “Keeping Children Safe in Education” guidance. All staff and volunteers are regularly trained regarding our expectations in keeping our students safe. An enhanced DBS is required for every post and an online search will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates.

SHARE MAT comprises of Heaton Avenue Primary, Luck Lane Primary, Millbridge Primary, Woodside Green Primary, Royds Hall, Shelley College, Thornhill Community Academy, Todmorden High School and Whitcliffe Mount School. A central team provides operational support, covering ICT networks, buildings and facilities, finance,