Art Teacher

Role overview

art-K is the United Kingdom’s biggest private provider of art education, teaching more than 8,000 children every week through enjoyable, skills-led classes. The programme is designed to strengthen artistic ability, build self-belief, and support emotional well-being through imaginative projects led by enthusiastic educators.

For the Horsham studio, the Art Teacher will lead classes and help keep the studio running smoothly. The role is split between teaching and class preparation (75%) and administration plus promotion (25%). Full instruction in the organisation’s teaching approach is provided, along with continuing support from the central team and a nationwide community of art teachers.

Working pattern

This is a part-time contract role with a fixed term-time timetable and adjusted hours during school holidays.

• Term time: 17 hours per week.
• Sunday: 08:30 to 11:00.
• Monday: 13:30 to 21:30.
• Thursday: 14:30 to 21:00.
• School holidays (14 weeks per year): the same total hours are worked Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, with the daily pattern varying according to studio needs.
• Start date: beginning of August 2026.
• Only candidates who can follow the full timetable and start on the stated date will be considered.

What the role involves

• Teaching children in a lively, supportive setting with high teacher-to-student ratios.
• Delivering engaging, skills-based art lessons tailored to each learner during term time, plus playful and interactive holiday programmes.
• Tracking progress regularly and creating individual learning plans where needed.
• Maintaining a safe, encouraging, and inspiring environment where students can grow.
• Building strong relationships with children and parents and sharing progress updates.
• Taking part in a two-year training programme covering teaching methods, art techniques, child development, and business administration.
• Taking advantage of further bespoke training opportunities to keep developing teaching and artistic capability.
• Supporting studio operations, including ordering and managing art materials.
• Leading, motivating, mentoring, and delegating tasks to assistants in line with studio objectives.
• Monitoring studio growth, retention, and service standards to protect the art-K brand experience.
• Helping build local community links and coordinating events with the team to promote the studio.
• Using the booking system in a GDPR-compliant way to manage customer enquiries.
• Following safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety requirements at all times.

Candidate profile

The ideal person will have an art degree or equivalent experience across a variety of artistic media. Experience teaching or working with children in an educational or creative environment is important. Strong communication and empathy are needed to work well with students, parents, and colleagues. A positive, proactive approach and the ability to work independently as well as in a team are also expected.

Pay and progression

The salary is £13,083.20 for the role. This is a fixed salary that is expected to rise as the studio expands, and promotional opportunities are available every term.

Benefits

• 24/7 mental health support through BUPA.
• Blue Light Card benefit.
• Private health cover through Vitality after probation.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 1 year of continuous service.
• Support from HEKA.
• Employer-funded external training after 2 years of service.
• An annual leave earning scheme linked to service length, starting after 1 year.
• Death in service cover worth 3 times salary, paid as a one-off to a nominated person.
• NEST pension contributions.
• Enhanced sick pay after probation: 3 weeks of full pay in any rolling 12-month period.

Feedback culture

Successful applicants will join a workplace that values continuous improvement and open, constructive feedback. Team members are encouraged to receive and give feedback regularly so they can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and support each other’s development while maintaining high studio standards.

Application requirements

Applicants should submit a CV together with a traditional art portfolio in PDF format or via an online link. The portfolio should show tonal drawings and paintings that demonstrate perspective, form, and technique. Instead of a cover letter, candidates must answer the following questions in a separate document or within the cover letter section:

• Who did you enjoy working with?
• Who did you look up to in your last job and why?
• What are you passionate about?

Location and safeguarding

The role is based at art-K Horsham, 22 Piries Place, Horsham RH12 1EH. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff, volunteers, and contractors must share this commitment, and every appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.