About Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is a leading institution for aspiring artists and performers. We offer a wide range of Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Foundation, and Diploma courses across Art & Design, Fashion, Music, and Performing Arts. We don’t just teach creative skillswe inspire bold ideas, nurture curiosity, and encourage fearless experimentation. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence to innovate, push boundaries, and shape the future of the creative industries. Our alumni have gone on to work for world-leading brands like Chanel, Vogue and Esquire magazine, and many have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Parsons, Central Saint Martins, RADA, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, among others.
At CSVPA, our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. We take pride in delivering an education that not only develops artistic talent but also equips students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to succeed in today’s competitive creative landscape.
We’re not just an institution we’re a catalyst for change. Bold, innovative, and always forward-thinking, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, communities, and industries.
We’re looking for a Head of Student Recruitment who shares this belief and is ready to lead the charge in a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. We celebrate curiosity, diversity, and creativity. We welcome ideas that challenge convention and we’re always ready to explore new horizons. If you’re passionate about education, global connectivity, and the impact that students can have on the world, then you’re the kind of person we want to join our team.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Creative Practice
At the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), creativity is not just nurturedit’s engineered, built, fired, cast, and assembled. Behind every breakthrough piece of work stands the quiet brilliance of someone who knows how to bring ideas into physical form. We’re looking for that person.
This is more than a teacher’s roleit’s an invitation to help shape the creative future of a new generation.
OVERVIEW OF THE JOB
To teach future facing Fashion Design to UAL Extended Diploma and Foundation students. To develop, deliver, and support academic programmes in line with agreed standards and policies.
REPORTS TO
You will be directly responsible to the FE Fashion Design Pathway Leader. You will work within the framework set by and under the general direction of the Rector.
LOCATION
This role will be based at CSVPA Cambridge
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB
The following section outlines a more detailed but not exhaustive description of the duties pertinent to this post:
To teach Foundation Art Diploma Art Specialism (Fashion Design) within the College as required.
To plan, prepare and teach strong lessons for the classroom which enthuse and inspire students, and promote enjoyment of learning. To effectively use a variety of learning styles, having regard to the individual learning needs of students. To select and sequence appropriate materials, resources and approaches according to the course type and learners.
To assess, track and provide relevant and timely feedback on achievement, progress and developmental needs to students, academic and other managers/colleagues, including student records.
To set and mark promptly independent study to be completed outside of lessons in accordance with the College Marking and Assessment Policy.
To write half-termly reports on students with clear formative comments and targets as to how to improve work, by deadlines given, and provide regular estimated grades and feedback on tests as required. Maintain effective records of lessons, grades awarded, and marks given in class. Ensure accurate attendance records are kept for every lesson using the College electronic systems.
To set, evaluate, and mark students’ course work, homework and other assignments promptly, and to record marks on College systems as requested, in accordance with the College Assessment and Marking Policy and procedures.
To carry out formative and summative assessments as appropriate.
To complete associated and administrative tasks to deadlines, as directed.
To induct students appropriately, to provide academic advice, counselling, educational guidance, and tutorial support to students, including individual learning plans as directed.
To supervise students’ attendance and behaviour and follow up as appropriate, in accordance with the College Behaviour and Attendance policies.
To develop materials and resources, implement, support and/or lead in the production and improvement of Schemes of Work as appropriate, and undertake other academic project work as directed.
To ensure lessons are in line with SoWs and their respective objectives, and that these are shared with students. To give feedback on materials, courses, and lessons to academic and other managers/colleagues as required.
To contribute towards the optimal utilization of learning environments, eg. Notice boards and displays to motivate and inform students.
To attend academic, departmental and College meetings when required, and attend/deliver INSET sessions as directed. Part Time staff are required to attend
meetings and may claim payment at meetings rate to do so.
To supervise and accompany students on excursions, as appropriate, ensuring their safety and welfare at all times.
To adhere to the standards and procedures detailed in the Staff Handbook.
To deal with student issues/emergencies as and when they arise.
To be aware of your responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young person’s you are responsible for/come into contact with during your employment and be fully aware of the College Child Protection Policy.
To participate in Performance Management (PM) scheme in line with College policies and procedures.
To adhere to all statutory regulations and to CGS policies and procedures.
To undertake any reasonable duties as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The applicant will need to have an Art & Design Degree (required), teaching qualification (desirable) and industry experience (desirable)
Knowledge of and experience with Concept Generation.
Preferred but not essential, knowledge of Pattern Cutting, Garment Construction, and Textiles.
A range of appropriate Fashion Design skills at Level 3 & 4, which should include Basic Photoshop, InDesign, Collage and Illustrator skills for designer portfolio work. Also, Fashion Drawings and Designer’s Sketchbook skills.
WHY CSVPA?
We are a community of makers, thinkers, designers, and dreamers. At CSVPA, no two days are alikeand neither are our students. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in an ever evolving environment and who wants to contribute meaningfully to arts education at every level.
BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.