Become an art and design teacher
Teaching art and design opens up a world of creativity. When pupils create, they learn to take risks, embrace mistakes, and persevere to bring their ideas to life.
Tax-free bursaries are available for eligible trainee art and design teachers.
Why teach art and design
Teaching art and design gives pupils the technical skills needed to express their ideas through a range of materials and forms of media. You'll help pupils develop their own skills by encouraging them to critically review their work. Your pupils will develop an appreciation of art and design, and of the diverse ideas and perspectives of others.
In addition to the personal rewards of teaching art and design, there are practical benefits too, including:
- a competitive salary starting at £31k (or higher in London)
- a generous and secure pension
- more holiday days than people in many other professions
- opportunities for progression
People may not realise how much potential there is for progression in teaching. They think they go into the world of the classroom and that's it. Lots of teachers have added responsibilities they enjoy doing and find fulfilling.
Shape your pupils' futures
Teaching art and design opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers. They could work in a diverse range of fields, from fashion and textiles, to illustration and video game design.
By thinking creatively, your pupils could make significant contributions to these diverse and impactful areas.
Your pupils will learn more from you than you might think. As their teacher, you'll guide them though the knowledge and skills they need to show their understanding of art and design. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as critical thinking, adaptability and communication.
What you'll teach
You'll teach the national curriculum for art and design(opens in new window).
Themes you'll cover when you teach 11 to 14 year olds (key stage 3) include:
- using a range of techniques to record observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media as a basis for exploring ideas
- using range of techniques and media, including painting
- increasing proficiency in the handling of different materials
- teaching pupils to analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work
- the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day
In key stage 4 (14 to 16 years olds), you'll help pupils demonstrate skills in:
- composition and design
- making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form, in response to an idea, theme or brief
- explain and critically review their work throughout
At A level and AS level (key stage 5), you’ll help pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of:
- how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts
- continuity and change in different genres, styles and traditions
- recording experiences and observations, in a variety of ways
- exploring relevant resources; analyse, discuss and evaluate images, objects and artefacts; and make and record independent judgements
- using knowledge and understanding of the work of others to develop and extend thinking and inform their own work
- generate and explore potential lines of enquiry using appropriate media and techniques
Teaching pupils at different ages and abilities means you'll always be expanding your knowledge and approach to meet pupils' needs. Once you have qualified teacher status (QTS) you can also teach any other subject, as long as you can show you have enough expertise.
Start your journey into teaching art and design
Check your qualifications
To train to teach in secondary schools in England, you’ll need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
- a bachelor’s degree in any subject
Art and design teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including fine art, illustration, graphic design, photography and fashion design.
Find out more about what qualifications you need to train to teach.
Fund your teacher training
The figures on this page apply if you're starting your training between September 2024 and July 2025. Financial support for courses starting the following year will be announced in autumn 2024.
Tax-free bursaries of £10,000 are available for eligible trainee art and design teachers
You can get a bursary alongside a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan.
You may also be able to get extra funding and support if you're:
- a parent or carer
- disabled
Support with teacher training
Throughout your initial teacher training in art and design, you'll have the support of a mentor.
Your mentor will:
- guide you through your training, sharing learning and career development opportunities with you
- meet with you regularly to make sure your training is a positive experience
You'll also be part of a welcoming school community where you'll learn from fellow teachers through taught sessions, seminars and workshops.
Once you've completed your initial teacher training, you'll continue to be supported during your first 2 years of teaching. Find out what support you'll get as an early career teacher.
Get free one-to-one support
An adviser with years of teaching experience can help you to become an art and design teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.
Find out more about advisers