John Murray

Experienced learning leader and programme manager with two decades of success designing, delivering and evaluating learning across sixth form, further education, higher education and the cultural sector. Combines high-impact facilitation with programme improvement, staff development, stakeholder engagement, line management and evidence-informed performance support. Skilled at translating complex organisational requirements into practical learning materials, workshops, guidance and action plans, and at using learner data and feedback to identify skills gaps and improve outcomes.

Brings a creative, inclusive and highly collaborative approach, with strong commitment to social mobility and improving creative capital for young people to create a better future.

Head of Art, Design & Media at Christ the King Sixth Forms (2014-01 – Present)

Lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of post-16 Art, Design and Media programmes, with responsibility for curriculum planning, staff support, quality assurance, learner performance and operational delivery.

• Design and facilitate engaging learning, staff guidance and targeted development interventions; adapt content rapidly in response to performance evidence, learner feedback, awarding-body requirements and changing organisational priorities.
• Analyse progress, achievement, attendance and intervention data to identify skills gaps, risks and improvement priorities, translating findings into practical action plans for staff and learners.
• Line-manage and support colleagues, ECT and PGCE placements through coaching, mentoring, performance conversations, resource development and day-to-day problem-solving, helping maintain high standards and a positive learning culture.
• Lead departmental and cross-organisational projects involving curriculum change, assessment, digital learning, progression and external partnerships, coordinating multiple stakeholders and fixed deadlines.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with Goldsmiths - University of London, (UAL) University of the Arts London campus – particularly Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts and London College of Communication, local schools and cultural organisations, including a year-long mentoring programme focused on confidence, progression and widening participation.
• Use Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, online learning platforms, spreadsheets and student data systems to organise learning, monitor engagement and progress, share resources and report on impact.

External Moderator / Assessor at Awarding Body Consortium and Pearson

• Reviewed centre delivery, learner portfolios and assessment decisions across Level 2 and Level 3 provision, providing clear evidence-based feedback and supporting consistent standards and improvement.
• Built strong knowledge of quality assurance, evaluation, compliance, evidence quality and the translation of complex criteria into practical guidance for different audiences.

Senior Tutor at Stanmore College

• Led pastoral, tutorial, wellbeing, attendance and progress systems, using evidence to identify support needs, coordinate interventions and evaluate outcomes.
• Managed cross-college EPQ activity, high-achieving learner support and mentoring initiatives, working with colleagues across departments to deliver consistent learner development.

Head of A Level Provision (Art & Design) at Stanmore College

Directed A Level and International Baccalaureate provision, overseeing programme planning, staff coordination, assessment, standards, learner progression and continuous improvement.

Course Leader, Foundation Diploma (Art & Design) at Milton Keynes College

Led a major progression programme and taught across Foundation Degree and National Diploma provision, supporting learners into higher education and the creative industries.

Curatorial Researcher / Research Assistant at Tate Modern

Course Leader – Sculpture at Morley College

Lecturer at City College Manchester

Lecturer at North Trafford College

Course Leader, BA Level 2 Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University

Lecturer at Cheshire School of Art and Design

Artist in Residence at Wellington College

Artist / Project Manager at Walk the Plank

Exhibitions Assistant at Cornerhouse

Curatorial and Administrative Assistant at Castlefield Gallery

PGCert in Educational Research and Practice – University of Leeds

PGCert in Educational Leadership – St Mary's University

MA in Fine Art – Manchester Metropolitan University

BA (Hons) in Fine Art

PGCert in Education (PGCE) in Art and Design