Postgraduate Trainee Teacher of Art (PGTA)

Location: Cottenham Village College
Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term (UQT1)
Start Date: September 2026

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a high-performing secondary school within Astrea Academy Trust, located in Cambridgeshire. The school is committed to providing a knowledge-rich curriculum and a disruption-free learning environment where all students can thrive. With a strong focus on high-quality teaching, consistent behaviour systems and professional development, Cottenham Village College offers a supportive and ambitious setting for staff at all stages of their careers. As part of the Astrea Cambridgeshire region, you will benefit from collaboration, shared resources and clear opportunities for progression.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate in Art or a related subject to begin a career in teaching. As a Postgraduate Trainee Teacher of Art, you will develop the skills and experience needed to become an effective classroom practitioner, supported by expert colleagues, instructional coaching and a structured training programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of high-quality Art lessons across key stages
• Gradually take responsibility for teaching classes as your confidence and experience grows
• Promote high expectations of behaviour and contribute to a calm, disruption-free learning environment
• Support students of all abilities to make strong progress
• Assist with assessment, providing feedback to support learning
• Contribute to the development of curriculum resources within the department
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and engage fully in training and professional development
• Support enrichment opportunities and the wider life of the school

What to Expect

• A structured and supportive training environment with an experienced mentor
• Instructional coaching and regular, low-stakes feedback to support your development
• Opportunities to observe excellent teaching and develop your own classroom practice
• Gradual increase in teaching responsibility throughout the year
• Access to high-quality, centrally planned resources to support lesson delivery
• Clear pathways into formal teacher training routes 

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Art or a closely related subject
• A strong passion for Art and a commitment to a career in teaching
• A willingness to undertake teacher training and develop your classroom practice
• Experience working with young people (e.g. tutoring, mentoring, youth work) – desirable
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A proactive, reflective approach and openness to feedback
• High expectations of behaviour and a commitment to excellence for all students
• Alignment with the values and ethos of Cottenham Village College and Astrea Academy Trust
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Benefits of Working at CVC

• A collaborative department with shared planning and fully resourced schemes of work
• A feedback-focused culture with no onerous marking expectations
• Disruption-free classrooms supported by a clear ‘warm/strict’ behaviour approach
• Instructional coaching and regular ‘no-stakes’ drop-ins
• Access to National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
• Generous CPD and career development across the Astrea Cambridgeshire region
• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!