Art Teacher

A highly regarded and academically ambitious independent girls’ school in Reading is seeking a dedicated, creative, and inspiring Art & Photography Teacher to join its thriving Art Department from the beginning of the new academic year. This is a rare opportunity to work in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment where creativity and academic excellence go hand in hand. The school has long maintained a reputation for producing confident, independent thinkers with a deep appreciation for the arts, and it continues to place creative subjects at the heart of its holistic education.

The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including purpose-built art studios, a digital photography suite, and a traditional darkroom, all housed within a vibrant and supportive department that encourages students to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines and media. The atmosphere is both intellectually stimulating and nurturing, and the successful candidate will play a key role in fostering pupils’ individual artistic voices.

You will be responsible for delivering a rich and varied curriculum that integrates traditional fine art practices with digital and contemporary approaches, ensuring that pupils develop a strong foundation in technical skills as well as a conceptual understanding of visual communication.

Your role will include:

*

Teaching Art and Photography from Key Stage 3 through to A-Level, ensuring all lessons are engaging, well-paced, and tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.

*

Guiding students through GCSE and A-Level coursework and preparing them for final assessments with a particular focus on developing personal portfolios that demonstrate both technical proficiency and creative vision.

*

Leading workshops in a variety of techniques including studio lighting, analogue and digital photography, darkroom processing, Photoshop and other editing tools, mixed media, and sculpture, encouraging students to take creative risks and explore innovative artistic processes.

*

Encouraging critical analysis and contextual understanding of historical and contemporary artists, helping students articulate their ideas through artist statements, annotations, and written evaluations.

*

Organising internal exhibitions and showcases of student work, as well as coordinating entries to national and regional art competitions, such as the Royal Academy’s Young Artists’ Summer Show, and local arts festivals.

*

Planning and accompanying students on gallery visits, artist studio tours, and cultural excursions to broaden their exposure to the professional art world and inspire new creative perspectives.

*

Collaborating with colleagues across departments on cross-curricular initiatives, such as art-science projects or photographic journalism in English, to deepen interdisciplinary learning.

*

Playing a pastoral role as a form tutor or mentor, supporting students’ wellbeing and personal development within a nurturing and respectful school culture.

This post is ideal for a passionate and reflective practitioner who brings a blend of traditional skill, contemporary awareness, and pedagogical creativity. The successful candidate will hold a relevant degree, QTS (or equivalent), and demonstrate a commitment to the development of young artists. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or a recently qualified educator with a strong portfolio and a love for your subject, you’ll find this role to be a deeply rewarding opportunity within a school that values both individuality and community spirit.

Early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis. Apply today to join a school where art is celebrated, and creative expression is supported at every level