art-K is the UK’s largest private art education service, delivering fun, skill-based classes to over 8000 children each week. Our programme helps develop artistic skills, build confidence, and support mental well-being through inspiring projects taught by passionate educators.
At our Orpington branch, the Branch Manager & Art Teacher is responsible for running the studio, with time split across teaching (50%), class preparation (25%), and administration and promotion (25%). Full training is provided in our teaching methods, with ongoing support from our central team and a national network of art teachers.
Working Hours & Schedule:
This is a full-time role with a fixed schedule during term time and adjusted hours during school holidays:
Tuesday: 13:15 - 21:15
Wednesday: 11:45 - 19:45
Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00
Friday: 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 08:00 - 16:00
Salary: £29,993.00 - £36,313.00 per annum.
The salary for this role will start depending on experience: £29,993.00 - £36,313.00. There are 3 promotional reviews per year, where individuals who meet requirements can grow their salary as the studio grows. Studios can grow as large as 300+ students which would lead to a salary of 55K+
Start of the Role: 13 July 2026 (flexible for the successful candidate)
Please note that we will only consider candidates who are available to work the full schedule and are able to start on the specified start date.
Job Responsibilities
Teaching & Child Development:
Teach children who love art in a fun environment with high teacher-student ratios.
Deliver engaging, skill-based art programmes tailored to individual student needs during term time, and deliver a fun, interactive holiday art programme.
Continuously evaluate and monitor student progress, preparing personalised learning plans.
Create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for students to flourish.
Build and maintain strong relationships with students and parents, providing regular progress updates.
Training & Professional Development:
Participate in a two-year training programme covering teaching methods, art techniques, child development and business administration. Additional training opportunities are available bespoke to your requirements.
Continuously develop artistic and teaching skills to enhance class delivery.
Studio Management:
Manage studio operations, including ordering and managing art materials.
Manage, motivate, and mentor the studio team, delegating tasks and alignment with the studio goals.
Track the studio’s growth, retention, and customer service standards to uphold the standards of the art-K brand.
Foster connections with the local community and resource/coordinate events with your studio team to promote your studio.
Utilise the booking system to comply with GDPR to manage customer enquiries.
Follow child safeguarding and H&S policies at all times.
The Ideal Candidate:
Holds an art degree or equivalent experience across a range of artistic mediums.
Has experience teaching or working with children in an educational or creative setting.
Possesses strong communication skills, including the ability to empathise with others, to engage effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Exhibits a positive, proactive attitude and works well both independently and as part of a team.
Benefits:
24/7 access to mental health support with BUPA.
Blue Light Card Benefit
Health insurance through Vitality (following probation).
Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay (following 1 year continuous service).
Support through HEKA.
Company funded external training after 2 years of service.
At the end of 5 years the opportunity to start an art-K Franchise without any upfront fees to art-K (valued at £10,000).
Scheme to earn more days of annual leave, linked to length of service (starting after 1 year).
3x Salary Death in Service insurance, one-time payment paid to a designated individual.
Contributions made to NEST pension.
Sick Pay: Following probation, enhanced sick pay policy; 3 weeks full pay in any 12 month period.
art-K's Feedback Culture for Successful Applicants
At art-K, we place great value on continuous growth and development through constructive feedback given within the team. Once you become part of the team, you’ll receive regular constructive feedback designed to help you build confidence, strengthen your skills, and thrive in your role. You will also have the opportunity to share your feedback and help the team develop as well. We ask all team members to embrace a growth mindset, welcoming feedback as an opportunity to learn and also offering feedback to others. By doing so, we ensure everyone is equipped to achieve their potential and uphold the high standards that make our studios such inspiring places to work and learn.
Location: 41 High St, Green Street Green, Orpington BR6 6BG
How to Apply:
Submit your CV with a traditional art portfolio (PDF or online link) of your tonal drawings and paintings demonstrating perspective, form, and techniques.
Instead of a cover letter, answer in a separate file or 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?
The Organisation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers, and those contracted to work on our behalf to share this commitment. This commitment is underpinned by a rigorous and robust safer recruitment process. All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-appointment checks.
