Head of Art and Textiles

Summary

We are looking for a creative and inspiring Head of Art and Textiles

Detail

Head of Art and Textiles

To Start September 2026 will wait for the expectational candidate.

Full Time

Harpur Trust Teachers’ Pay Scale

About Bedford Girls’ School

At Bedford Girls’ School, we believe in empowering our students to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals who aspire to change the world around them. We achieve outstanding academic excellence and are dedicated to offering a truly holistic education.

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and creative leader to lead the department. The successful candidate will take a leading role in ensuring our creative students' progress on their creative pathways.

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and development of the Art and Textiles Department, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and achievement for all pupils.

Working closely with the Headmistress and the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Art and Textiles will play an active role in whole-school planning and academic leadership, contributing thoughtfully to the wider life and strategic direction of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

• - Provide strategic leadership for Art and Textiles, contributing to whole‑school vision and policy

• - Lead, support and develop staff within the department, including teachers and a technician

• - Ensure excellent teaching and learning across KS3–KS5, with strong outcomes at GCSE and A Level

• - Develop, monitor and review schemes of work and the departmental development plan

• - Promote innovation and the creative use of technology within the department

• - Oversee departmental resources and budget, ensuring effective and safe use

• - Champion extra‑curricular opportunities such as clubs, trips, events and exhibitions, including a fashion show

• - Play a prominent role in marketing the department and developing external links

• - Actively contribute to the wider life of the school

What we are looking for:

You will be an exceptional classroom practitioner with a passion for Art and Textiles, capable of inspiring pupils through dynamic teaching, strong subject knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. You may already have some leadership experience, or you may be ready to take the next step- what matters most is drive, initiative and vision.

You will be:

• - A reflective, creative teacher with experience teaching across KS3–KS5

• - Has experience of, or a willingness to develop expertise in, Textiles

• - Confident in your ability to inspire pupils and earn the respect of colleagues

• - Organised, proactive and keen to take responsibility

• - Eager to develop as a leader, with a commitment to ongoing professional learning

• - Excited by the opportunity to contribute to whole-school initiatives and academic innovation

• - Passionate about girls’ education and committed to helping pupils think critically, argue persuasively and engage confidently with the world

Why Join Us?
Be part of an outstanding forward-looking school who have an ambitious vision to develop the next generation of creative thinkers, change-makers and problem-solvers. Become a member of a friendly inclusive community which values its employees, offering opportunities for professional development and growth. We offer a wide range of benefits including, excellent pension scheme, life insurance, hospital surgical treatment insurance, and a cash plan scheme that includes a variety of wellbeing benefits.

Closing date: 6th May 2026.

Interview Date: 14th May 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please email hr@harpurtrust.org.uk or ring 01234 369500

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as immediate interviews are available for exceptional candidates. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications.

Our Application Portal can be accessed via our website:

Career Opportunities | Bedford Girls' School

At Bedford Girls’ School, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We believe that a diverse team enriches our school community and helps us better meet the needs of our students.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Documents

• JDPS Head of Art & Textiles PDF Document