Head of Art & Design

Salary: MPR + TLR2a + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Start date: September 2026

Are you an Art specialist ready to lead, inspire and build something exceptional?

This is a rare opportunity to join Lift Beacon High as Head of Art & Design, a pivotal leadership role where you will shape the vision, curriculum and culture of a creative department at the heart of the school's, while delivering high-quality teaching across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and driving excellent outcomes for all students.

The role

As Head of Art & Design, you will:

• Provide inspirational leadership, setting a clear vision and identity for the department
• Lead on curriculum design, implementation and assessment, ensuring strong progression across all key stages
• Drive high-quality teaching and learning, using data to secure strong outcomes for all students
• Develop a culture of high expectations, consistency and excellence
• Play a key role in delivering whole-school priorities, including closing achievement gaps

Who we're looking for

You will be:

• An exceptional classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact
• Passionate about Art, creativity and cultural enrichment
• Committed to ensuring every student succeeds, regardless of background

About Lift Beacon High

Lift Beacon High is a good, inclusive secondary school in the London Borough of Islington, proudly reflecting the diversity of our local community. We serve a vibrant, multicultural cohort of pupils and believe our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Ofsted (November 2022) recognised the positive culture at Beacon High, noting that "leaders and governors have worked together effectively to improve all areas of the school's work" and that "staff value leaders' consideration of their well-being, professional development and workload."

Lift Beacon High is a caring school where pupils feel safe, valued, and supported. Strong relationships sit at the heart of our work, and pastoral care and inclusion are key strengths. Staff know students exceptionally well and provide additional care and guidance where needed to ensure every pupil can thrive.

From January 2026, Lift Beacon High has joined Lift Schools, a high-performing trust of 59 primary, secondary and special schools across England. Lift Schools is recognised nationally for sector-leading professional development and strong outcomes. The trust is united by a clear moral purpose: to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
• Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

The role is due to commence September 2026. This is a full time, permanent position.

Closing date: 15 May 2026

Interview date: 20 May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.