Teacher of Art & Design Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Maternity Cover Salary: Main Pay Scale / Upper Pay Scale (ECTs welcome to apply) Start Date: Immediate Start The School We are a forward-thinking and inclusive school located in Southend-on-Sea, committed to providing a high-quality education that nurtures creativity, confidence, and ambition in every learner. The school has a strong sense of community and places great value on the arts as a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum. Our Art & Design department plays an important role in the life of the school, encouraging students to explore ideas, develop technical skills, and express themselves creatively. We are proud of our supportive staff culture, strong pastoral care, and commitment to professional development. The Role We are seeking a passionate, creative, and motivated Teacher of Art & Design to join our dedicated and collaborative department. The successful candidate will deliver engaging and inspiring lessons that enable students to develop artistic skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts. The role will involve teaching Art across Key Stages 3 and 4, with the opportunity to teach Key Stage 5 for suitably experienced candidates. You will be expected to contribute to curriculum development, enrichment activities, and the wider cultural life of the school. Key Responsibilities Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality Art & Design lessons that meet the needs of all learners Teach a broad and balanced curriculum including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, and digital art Use assessment effectively to monitor progress, provide feedback, and support student achievement Create a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment Maintain high expectations for behaviour, effort, and achievement Support students of varying abilities, including those with SEND and EAL Contribute to the development of schemes of work and departmental resources Participate in extracurricular activities such as art clubs, exhibitions, trips, and competitions Engage fully in staff meetings, CPD, parents' evenings, and whole-school events Uphold the school's safeguarding, behaviour, and equality policies at all times The Ideal Candidate Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or is working towards it Has strong subject knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for Art & Design Is an effective classroom practitioner with the ability to inspire and motivate students Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills Is reflective, resilient, and committed to continuous professional development Works well both independently and as part of a team Shares the school's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and student wellbeing Early Career Teachers (ECTs) are warmly encouraged to apply and will be fully supported through a structured induction programme. What We Offer A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative working environment A well-resourced Art department with dedicated specialist spaces Enthusiastic and creative students High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance