Head of Art and Photography - Permanent Role (Full Time) - Bridgwater (September Start) Location : Bridgwater Start date : September Contract : Permanent Working pattern : Full time (Monday to Friday) Pay : MPS/UPS or competitive salary (dependent on experience) Head of Art and Photography | Bridgwater Lead a creative department, champion visual expression, and inspire students to explore art and photography in a permanent leadership role from September. This full-time permanent opportunity offers the chance to join a supportive secondary school in Bridgwater, where you will shape the vision for Art and Photography, deliver high-quality teaching, and drive creativity and achievement across the department from the start of the academic year. Role Overview We are seeking to appoint a Head of Art and Photography to join a secondary school in Bridgwater on a full-time, permanent basis from September. The successful candidate will lead the curriculum across KS3 and KS4, deliver inspiring lessons, and promote high standards in teaching, learning, and student outcomes across both subject areas. This role would suit an experienced teacher ready to step into departmental leadership, or an existing middle leader seeking a new opportunity to shape a creative curriculum, develop colleagues, and raise attainment within a supportive school community. Core Responsibilities Lead the strategic development of Art and Photography across the department, ensuring a broad, ambitious, and engaging curriculum * Teach high-quality Art and Photography lessons across KS3 and KS4, adapting planning to meet the needs of different learners * Monitor student progress, implement effective intervention, and support strong outcomes at GCSE where applicable * Line manage, support, and develop colleagues within the department, promoting consistency and high expectations * Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, moderation, and the effective use of departmental resources * Promote creativity, experimentation, and pride in students' practical and visual work * Maintain high standards of behaviour, presentation, and classroom routines within a safe and inclusive learning environment * Work closely with senior leaders and wider staff to contribute to whole-school improvement and uphold safeguarding responsibilities Required Skills & Behaviours Strong subject knowledge in Art and Photography, with the ability to inspire students across a range of abilities * Proven ability to lead with clarity, professionalism, and high expectations * Confident classroom practitioner with effective behaviour management and a calm, consistent approach * Good understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and strategies to improve progress and attainment * Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage departmental priorities effectively * Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to supporting colleagues and contributing to school improvement Qualifications & Experience Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification * Experience teaching Art in a secondary school setting, with the ability to deliver Photography at KS4 where required * Previous responsibility for curriculum leadership, departmental coordination, or mentoring colleagues is desirable * Secure knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and statutory guidance * Right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS on the update service, or willingness to obtain one