Head of Art and Textiles

Key Details

• Employer:
  
  Newcastle High School for Girls – GDST
• Location:
  
  Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
• Contract Type:
  Permanent
• Hours:
  
  Full Time
• Salary: £41,541 – £59,802 per annum (Spinal Point
  9)
• Start Date:
  
  1 September 2026
• Job

We are the North East’s leading independent girls’ day school, looking for an enthusiastic and visionary Head of Art to lead our vibrant and highly successful Art Department. The department offers Fine Art (including ceramics), Textiles and Graphics, each housed in its own dedicated studio and delivered to an exceptional standard, with excellent results at GCSE and A Level. Art plays a central role in school life, with pupils’ work celebrated through regular exhibitions and our annual Fashion Show.

As a member of the GDST network, we offer a close‑knit community that values creativity and artistic excellence, alongside small class sizes and exceptional facilities.

• Provide strategic and creative leadership for the Art Department.
• Inspire pupils across the Senior School and lead a team of specialist teachers.
• Develop and deliver an ambitious and engaging curriculum at GCSE and A Level.
• Uphold and enhance the school’s artistic vision, including exhibition and fashion show planning.

• Secure knowledge, understanding and experience of both GCSE and A Level Art and Textiles.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate pupils and staff.
• Experience of leading a teaching department within an independent school setting.

• Competitive rate of pay and conditions.
• Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan.
• Access to the extensive GDST central training and development programme.
• Training grants for obtaining further qualifications.
• Discounted fees for children at GDST schools.
• Free lunches and refreshments during term time.
• Free parking available for school staff.
• Access to retail discounts via the Pluxee App.
• Access to free financial advice via the HR My Money App.
• Interest‑free loans for travel season tickets and personal computer equipment.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• A great working environment, atmosphere and location.

NHSG is the leading academic independent girls’ day school in the North East of England. Our students are ambitious, bright, enthusiastic and eager to learn, and we offer a warm and supportive community. We occupy several sites in suburban, leafy Jesmond and Sandyford, close to Newcastle city centre, with excellent transport links.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.