Role Introduction

As Head of Art you will be responsible for the smooth running and creative flourishing of a large, dynamic and diverse department. We are looking for a dedicated practitioner who will oversee both the continued success of curricular art and the expansion of co-curricular art at Eton.

Ideally, the new appointment will be a two-dimensional fine art specialist with excellent knowledge and understanding of drawing, painting, printmaking and art history. This will complement the existing three-dimensional expertise within the department.

Main Duties

• Articulate a clear vision of the role of art in the future of Eton College.
• Oversee the department’s approach to A-level and GCSE as well as art in the co-curricular programme.
• Within curricular art, direct and support students in their understanding of both contemporary and historical contexts.
• Recruit Artists-in-Residence whose practice will enrich and complement the existing skills of permanent staff.
• Engage as many pupils as possible with the visual arts, providing them with opportunities both to look at art and to explore and express their own creativity.
• Make sure that every pupil can enjoy art as a leisure activity beyond the pressure of academic subjects.
• Foster your own connections with the outside art world and top art institutions, running a diverse programme of gallery exhibitions.
• Manage the assessment and marking of examination coursework.
• Make sure Health and Safety risk assessments are up to date and observed to protect both staff and pupils.
• Assist students with the development and presentation of interview portfolios.
• Develop the role of Eton’s Art Department within our significant partnership programme.
• Facilitate teacher training and continuous professional development within the department.
• Liaise with partner schools to facilitate workshops for teachers and students.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding and commitment to working within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• Encourage the development of new teaching approaches.
• Ensure that the work displayed in the department is current and well presented.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be a reflective classroom teacher who:

• Has a good honours degree (2:1 or above) and/or a further degree in a directly related subject;
• Has previous experience leading and managing a team;
• Is passionate about their subject and can demonstrate the subject knowledge required to deliver engaging lessons across the age and ability range of students at the school;
• Shares Eton’s holistic vision of education and is excited to contribute to the co-curricular and pastoral aspects of boarding school life;
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of, and commitment to working within the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion;
• Has strong interpersonal skills and can build relationships and collaborate with a wide range of people;
• Has prior experience of managing a budget and working to agreed deadlines;
• Has a proven track record as a director of productions of the highest quality;
• Has strong people management skills, including the ability to lead and inspire both teaching and non-teaching staff and the desire to bring together and develop a team;
• Is an experienced and skilled teacher with a demonstrably successful track record helping students to achieve the highest grades of which they are capable.
• Is committed to their ongoing professional development;
• Embraces developments and innovations in teaching and learning and is open to a range of approaches to assessment and differentiation in the classroom;
• Can demonstrate good ICT competence and willingness to use new technologies for teaching and learning;
• Is an inspirational educator with a clear artistic vision;
• Is interested in the welfare and pastoral wellbeing of young people;
• Has excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Has a positive attitude, an optimistic approach to change and development, a balanced sense of perspective and a good sense of humour.

Benefits

Accommodation

This role comes with the benefit of school-provided accommodation. Many of our teaching staff and their families are accommodated at the school in flats and houses around Eton. Accommodation is provided free of rent, buildings insurance and general maintenance costs, so staff only need to pay for their utilities and other bills and is not currently a taxable benefit as it is provided for the better performance of the duties this role entails. However, the College gives no assurance that this tax treatment will continue to be permitted. Details of this will be discussed with the successful candidate. 

Professional Development

We have a structured and well-funded professional development programme, in addition to a culture of sharing best practice informally within departments. For all new staff, there is an induction and mentoring programme and a tailored programme for new Heads of Departments. Teachers joining the profession are supported as they find their feet, and anyone wanting to gain QTS or PGCE qualifications are given significant help and resources.

Further Benefits:

• Teachers’ pension scheme
• Bike-to-work scheme
• Counselling and legal advice services
• School fee reduction (means-tested)
• Eyecare plan
• Free use of sports and leisure facilities
• Discount at local shops and amenities
• Subsidised Masters’ Common Room

About the College

Eton - Town and School

Eton College is a friendly community with a family atmosphere. We are situated in a beautiful Berkshire town that offers excellent local schools and amenities. Historic Windsor is just across the river, and London is easily accessible by rail or motorway. There is enormous collegiality at Eton. As one new teacher said: “This is my fourth school and I’ve never been made to feel so welcome”. Colleagues are also genuinely interested in the scholarship of their subject and enjoy a level of autonomy in their teaching that allows them to develop their own effective style.

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.

Eton College