Art & Design Teacher

Activate Learning has an exciting maternity cover opportunity available for a passionate and creative Art and Design Teacher to join our teaching team based at Banbury and Bicester College.

Role: Art & Design Teacher
Location: Banbury and Bicester College
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time maternity cover role working 30 hours (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £32,486 - £45,404

This is an excellent opportunity for a teacher with passion and drive who is committed to enabling our students to unlock their potential, develop their attributes and become lifelong learners.

What you'll be doing

The role will deliver across our Art & Design qualifications, with particular focus on leading our Level 1 Diploma. Timetabled hours will also include some delivery on the T Level in Textiles and Fashion and may also include teaching across Levels 2 and 3. This is an excellent opportunity for a teacher with passion and drive who is committed to enabling our students to unlock their potential, develop their attributes and become lifelong learners.

You will work collaboratively with our existing team of talented and passionate teachers to ensure we plan and deliver purposeful practical and theory lessons. Our students are eager to learn and we want to appoint someone who can provide them with a high level of knowledge and skills, that they can utilise in their careers or progression to University.

This is a fixed-term, part time, maternity cover role working 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE). The current timetable requires a work pattern allowing Tuesday off. We would also consider splitting this role between more than one part-time teacher to secure the best combination of skills and expertise, please state in your application if you would like to be considered for a smaller fraction. The contract ends in February 2028.

What we're looking for

We are looking for people who can act as positive role models for our students and demonstrate the attributes to be an inspirational teacher.

Your approach to managing student behaviour will be calm, positive and trauma informed. Your communication and interpersonal skills will be outstanding and support your ability to deliver interesting and purposeful lessons to a diverse range of learners.

You will have the ability to ensure that students leave us with not just their professional qualifications, but the attributes required to progress in the world of work.

You will also have strong organisation skills coupled with the ability to prioritise workloads.

You will be committed to personal career development, and eager to benefit from being part of a supportive team, working in a varied and interesting role.

You'll have

• A PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification.
• An appropriate professional qualification and/or a degree in an Art & Design pathway.
• Recent teaching experience in an FE environment, with a proven track record of managing and tutoring student groups.
• A working knowledge of UAL Art & Design programmes, particularly at Level 1. Leading and assessing the Level 1 Diploma would be a significant advantage
• Knowledge of the T level in Craft and Design: Textiles and Fashion Maker course would also be an advantage.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support students in progressing to higher education or into the workplace.
• A positive, team-oriented approach, with a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve successful outcomes.
• An open mindset and a positive attitude towards technology and virtual learning tools.
• The ability to expose students to a wide range of skills within Art & Design. Desirable specialisms currently include Print Workshop, Adobe Creative Cloud, Graphics and Digital Art.
• Strong Maths and English skills, alongside the ability to engage and develop students and to role-model the attributes we aim to develop in our learners.

Start your teaching journey with confidence?

At Activate Learning, we know that starting a new role is an important step. That’s why we provide all new teaching staff with a comprehensive three-day induction programme, designed to help you feel welcomed, supported and confident from day one.

Whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to the profession, your induction will introduce you to Activate Learning’s mission, values and Learning Philosophy-led culture. You’ll also spend an afternoon exploring our distinctive approaches to teaching and assessment, giving you a strong foundation for your role and helping you understand what makes learning at Activate Learning different.

And the support doesn’t stop there. You’ll have access to ongoing learning and development opportunities throughout your career, helping you continue to strengthen your practice, develop new skills and progress towards your career goals.

What we offer

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to develop throughout your career with us. As part of the Activate Learning team, you’ll have access to:

• 40 days’ annual leave (calculated according to working hours)
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free eye tests
• Season ticket loan / bus pass *
• Dedicated Wellbeing Toolkit; Your wellbeing. Your way. Support when you need it.
• Blue Light Card; access to a range of discounts and offers
• Access to LinkedIn Learning; develop new skills and explore learning at your own pace
• Learning and development opportunities; access to a range of professional development, training and career development opportunities to help you grow and progress

*Subject to earnings eligibility

For more information about our benefits and wellbeing support, visit our Work with us - Wellbeing page.

About Activate Learning

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group committed to transforming lives through learning.

We provide a wide range of education and training, including Further Education, Higher Education, adult education and apprenticeships, supporting learners at different stages of their education and careers.

At the heart of everything we do is our award-winning Learning Philosophy, which shapes how we teach, support our learners and work together as colleagues. Our approach is built around three simple principles: Feel Safe, Find Purpose and Make Progress.

We recognise that everyone has a different starting point, experience and ambition. We work with our learners as individuals, helping them build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress. As a colleague, you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation where learning, development and making a positive difference are central to what we do.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Important information

We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. Once a vacancy is closed, the application form will no longer be available.Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the advert before the advertised closing date.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

We welcome applications from all candidates who meet or exceed the minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity. We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact the Talent Team.

Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check due to exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies. Agencies working with our Talent Team must be part of our Preferred Supplier List (PSL)