At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Modern Foreign Languages team and deliver high-quality lessons in French and Spanish.
- Company: Join a well-resourced, Ofsted rated 'good' school with an outstanding reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent CPD opportunities, childcare vouchers, and wellbeing provisions including a paid wellbeing day.
- Why this job: Be part of a committed team focused on professional growth and student success in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified linguist with leadership experience and a proven track record in teaching.
- Other info: Encouraged to visit the school; early applications are advised as interviews may occur before the deadline.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We seek to appoint for September 2025, a well-qualified Head of Department to lead our Modern Foreign Languages team. The school currently offers French and Spanish to A-level. The ability to teach French is highly desirable, as we are currently well appointed with Spanish specialists.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- A well-qualified linguist with experience of leadership of an area of the curriculum, perhaps as a 2i/c or similar.
- An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellent results and a compelling vision for improvement.
- A team player, able to lead and inspire colleagues and pupils alike.
- Be able to develop, plan and deliver effective and high-quality lessons to pupils.
What we offer you:
- Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop, including Middle Leader training and aspiring SLT programme.
- An Ofsted rated ‘good’ school.
- A section 48 rated ‘outstanding’ school.
- Well-resourced RE teaching base.
- Childcare vouchers.
- A number of wellbeing provisions, including a paid wellbeing day.
We value your development and will work with you to ensure that your talents are nurtured to the full, welcoming applicants from all faiths and backgrounds.
Our leadership team is committed to the professional and personal development of our teachers, and we actively look for ways to make sure that work-life balance is a reality.
The successful applicant will be joining a highly organised, committed, energetic and well-equipped department in a school that has the development of all our members, staff and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission.
If you are an enthusiastic, creative, well-organised professional who wants to develop your craft in a school where human flourishing is at the heart of what we do, we would love to hear from you.
Visits to the school are encouraged – please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Ms Rock at to arrange.
Please submit your application form to:
Application deadline: Friday, 11 February 2025.
We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. This advert may be closed at any time.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
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Head of Modern Foreign Languages employer: St James' Catholic High School
Contact Detail:
St James' Catholic High School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Modern Foreign Languages
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your conversations with the school. If you've held a position like 2i/c or led a curriculum area, share specific examples of how you inspired your team and improved student outcomes.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your passion for teaching languages by discussing innovative lesson plans or teaching methods you've implemented. This will show that you are not just a great teacher but also someone who is committed to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the school before applying. This will give you a chance to understand the school's culture and values better, and you can tailor your approach to align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Since early applications are encouraged, don’t wait until the deadline. Apply as soon as you feel ready, and consider reaching out to the Headteacher’s PA to express your interest and ask any questions you might have.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Modern Foreign Languages position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, especially the emphasis on teaching French and leadership experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your experience in teaching languages, particularly French, and any leadership roles you have held. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and improve student outcomes.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the Modern Foreign Languages department in your cover letter. Discuss how you plan to inspire both colleagues and students, and how you would contribute to the school's mission of human flourishing.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy, strategies for lesson planning, and how you would foster a collaborative environment within the department. Prepare questions to ask about the school's culture and support for professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at St James' Catholic High School
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, especially if you've been a 2i/c or similar. Highlight specific examples of how you've led a team, inspired colleagues, and improved student outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to share your teaching philosophy and methods. Discuss how you plan and deliver high-quality lessons, and be ready to provide evidence of your students' excellent results.
✨Express Your Vision for Improvement
Articulate a compelling vision for the Modern Foreign Languages department. Think about innovative strategies you could implement to enhance language learning and engage students.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work as a team player. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues to achieve common goals and foster a positive learning environment.