Bristol Grammar School is looking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Head of Art, who will be able to lead and inspire enthusiasm, enjoyment and a sense of purpose among pupils and staff. This is a full-time, permanent role from September 2026.
The art department is a busy and exciting place to work with a tightly knit, collaborative team working together to deliver a programme of high-quality lessons to a wide variety of motivated students. The departments teachers are a highly capable and dedicated group of professionals, who have a diverse range of skills, with the ability to draw out the best in every student.
The main focus of this post is to deliver a strong fine art curriculum which leads to AQA GCSE and A-Level, and IB examinations. The courses are structured through robust, relevant and expanding schemes of work, which explore observational and abstract approaches to project work and challenge the student cohort in their ability and thinking.
The Head of Department is expected to lead with vision, integrity, and high expectations. Successful Heads of Department are not just managers, they are leaders who cultivate a team culture in which everyone feels valued, empowered to contribute, and unafraid to innovate. They lead by example through excellent teaching, strong organisation, and by demonstrating patience, empathy, and an understanding of how their department contributes to the Schools wider strategic goals.
Please check the job description for more details.
ABOUT BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL (BGS)
BGS is a large and thriving school with approximately 1,350 pupils aged between 4 to 18. We value our warm, vibrant and positive learning community, a place where pupils become accountable for themselves, responsible for others and empowered to have a voice and a role in the many activities and endeavours that make our School such a unique and exciting place.
SCHOOL MISSION
To provide an exceptional and rounded education to those who might benefit from it, regardless of their background and financial means.
We welcome applicants from all communities, and particularly from individuals who may not previously have thought of applying to a school such as ours.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage / civil partnerships.
SAFEGUARDING
Bristol Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In accordance with our Child Protection Policy we are unable to process applications without a fully completed application form. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as spent must be declared when applying. The applicant may post such a declaration in an envelope marked Private and confidential for the Headmaster which will only be opened should the candidate be shortlisted. The successful applicant must obtain List 99 clearance and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance at enhanced level. This role involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children, it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.