We are looking for a talented teacher to join our supportive and motivated team. Your skills and dedication will play a pivotal role in positively impacting students' lives and helping us achieve our vision of 'educating today's students for the world of tomorrow'. ECTs will be welcomed as well as those from more experienced teachers. The ability to teach Design Technology would be welcomed but not essential.
Our Art Department is a dynamic, innovative team that consistently delivers excellent results. We are proud to offer a structured yet inspiring curriculum that engages students of all ages and abilities. Students at The Downs School are genuinely passionate about art. They demonstrate strong commitment, enthusiasm and motivation to excel, reflecting the high-quality teaching and supportive environment we provide. Art is taught as a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3, with popular optional pathways at GCSE, BTEC and A-Level. We have thriving numbers of students studying Advanced Level Art in both Year 12 and Year 13.
We have particular expertise in 2D art and are actively developing our 3D provision in line with National Curriculum and GCSE specifications. This presents exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to broaden the range of media used and develop innovative art activities across the school.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
* Motivate and Inspire: Bring your enthusiasm for Art into the classroom, igniting curiosity and a love for learning.
* Deliver Expertise: Showcase strong subject knowledge, teaching your discipline with confidence and clarity up to Key Stage 5.
* Collaborate: Contribute to the success of our faculty by working closely with a dedicated team of teachers.
* Build Relationships: Create positive and trusting connections with students while making learning exciting and challenging.
* Embrace Innovation: Be open to creative and innovative teaching methods.
* Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, handling challenges with flexibility.
What we offer: In return, you’ll enjoy:
* Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
* Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
* Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
* Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
* Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your teaching skills.
* Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme.
About Us
The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are ranked in the top 5% of schools nationally for Progress 8, reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
The Downland Federation (namely The Downs School & Sixth Form, Compton CofE Primary School and Basildon CofE Primary School) is preparing to become a Multi Academy Trust, called Summit Education Trust from April 2026.
Application Details: We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. To apply, please apply via TES. For more information, please visit The Downs School website or contact Sarah Townsend, HR Manager recruitment@thedownsschool.org. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school.
Closing date: 23 February, 8am
The Downs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to social media checks, an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.