Director of Art

Bedford School is a day and boarding school for approximately 1100 boys aged 7-18, of whom approximately 700 are day or boarding pupils in the Upper School age 13 and above. We seek a Director of Art to lead a dynamic and ambitious department to instil a lifelong enthusiasm for Art in our Upper School pupils.

Art is a highly popular subject at Bedford School both as an examined subject across GCSE, A-Level and IB courses and as a central pillar of the thriving creative co-curricular life of the school. Our Art department has three specialist studios in painting, printmaking, and sculpture, which all year groups in the Upper School experience on rotation. The department consists of three full-time specialist teachers (all of whom are practising artists), a part-time technician and a part-time Art History teacher. Our ideal candidate will have the interpersonal skills to make the most of opportunities for collaboration between these colleagues (including colleagues teaching Art in our Prep School) and the capacity to unite their team around an exciting and compelling vision for Art teaching at Bedford School. They will be a first-rate teacher, able to develop the highest standards of teaching amongst their departmental colleagues. The successful candidate may have any artistic background or specialism; they may have teaching experience from the state or independent sector. They will have an excellent understanding of what outstanding Art teaching and learning looks like, and a clear vision for how to realise it in our school, including how to make the most of our facilities.

We offer a bespoke induction programme for all new teaching staff at Bedford; each year, new teachers join the school from posts teaching in the state and independent sectors in the UK and internationally. We run a specific induction programme for all new academic leaders, drawing on professional development programmes designed by the Harpur Trust.

Full-time teachers at Bedford are also expected to play a full part in the extensive cocurricular programme and be a Tutor attached to a boarding or day house. We welcome applications from all Art specialists, and from all backgrounds, to provide good role models for our global students. Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance.

The Deputy Head (Academic) Luke Rogers or current Director of Art Michael Croker would be happy to talk to prospective applicants and can be contacted through the main school reception on 01234 362200 or by email lrogers@bedfordschool.org.uk and mcroker@bedfordschool.org.uk. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

Lesson brief for interview day 

As part of the interviews shortlisted candidates will teach a Fourth Form (Year 9) class of up to 15 boys for a 35 minute lesson. In this lesson they will introduce the class to an artist relevant to the theme of ‘Life and Death’ and to devise a simple practical task in response to their chosen artist. A Clevertouch screen will be available. Materials available could include: watercolour, acrylics, colour pencil, inks, oil or chalk pastel, felt-tips, inks, charcoal.

Closing date: Monday 3 February

Interview date: Monday 10 February

Further details about the role and a link to our recruitment portal, where you can apply using our online application form, can be found on our website:

www.bedfordschool.org.uk/about-us/career-opportunities/

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.

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.