Leith School of Art in Edinburgh is an independent college of the visual arts which has built an outstanding reputation for student-centred tuition and an inclusive community ethos. We are now seeking a new Principal to succeed Philip Archer on his retirement this summer. This is an exciting opportunity for an artist with a passion and vision for art education who will embrace the tradition and values of this unique art school while bringing the leadership and innovative drive which will shape the next chapter in its remarkable story.

Leith School of Art offers a full-time year-long Foundation Course designed particularly for aspiring art college entrants. The course covers a range of art practices and is recognised for its excellence by top art colleges in the UK and abroad. In Scotland, it qualifies students for entry to the second year of a four-year Scottish art degree and we have an excellent record of students gaining places at art colleges in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

Besides the Foundation Course, we offer an impressive range of year-long part-time courses which currently include Painting, Drawing, Contemporary Art Practice, Figure, Landscape and Printmaking. There is also a rich programme of short courses delivered through day and evening classes, weekend workshops, community classes, dedicated courses for schools within the Schools Outreach Programme, and a popular Summer School. A recent innovation was the successful introduction of a Structured Graduate Residency scheme.

Working with an able and supportive Board of Directors and a highly creative dynamic and committed staff, you will be responsible for the overall artistic and educational leadership, development and effective management of the School. You will also be the School’s senior academic and in overall charge of the teaching programme, therefore you must have strong credentials as a teacher of art and be able to work creatively and collegially with tutors.

You will have excellent credentials as a practising artist and will be experienced in teaching art to adults (upper secondary age and above). You will demonstrate high leadership capacity and grasp of good management practice. Your artistic credo will align with Leith School of Art’s Artistic Aims and distinctive approach to teaching art, and you will embrace the inclusivity of the School, its sense of community, the ethos of care, and holistic philosophy of art teaching.

You will demonstrate vision, sound judgement and integrity and promote strong working relationships with warmth and authenticity. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will be able to work confidently and effectively with all in the Leith School of Art community, and you will bring an empathic and approachable leadership style as you involve yourself fully in the life of the School.