At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the MFL department, shaping language learning for students.
- Company: Supportive secondary school in Braintree, Essex, focused on high-quality teaching.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Immediate onboarding for successful candidates; applications close 30/07/26.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and inspire the next generation of linguists.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, degree in MFL, and leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious and inspiring MFL Teacher ready to take the next step into leadership? Do you have a passion for language learning and the ability to lead a department that inspires students to develop confidence in communication and cultural understanding? Are you ready to join a supportive and forward-thinking secondary school where you can shape the future of Modern Foreign Languages and make a lasting impact on student outcomes?
Braintree, Essex
September 2026
Secondary School - Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Pay: MPS/UPS + TLR (depending on experience)
Applications close: 30/07/26
Interviews: CVs being reviewed now throughout the Summer Term. Interviews and trial days taking place with immediate onboarding for successful candidates.
We are working with a well-regarded Secondary School in Braintree that is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead and develop a successful MFL department. This school is committed to delivering high-quality teaching and learning, fostering a love of languages, and ensuring students achieve excellent outcomes.
Job Overview:
- Full-time, Monday - Friday Head of MFL role.
- Lead and manage the Modern Foreign Languages department across Key Stages 3-5.
- Teach French, Spanish or another MFL specialism across a range of year groups.
- Develop and implement an engaging and ambitious MFL curriculum.
- Monitor student progress and drive improvements in attainment and achievement.
- Lead curriculum planning, assessment and departmental development.
- Support, coach and develop members of the MFL team.
- Promote language learning through enrichment activities, trips and cultural experiences.
- Contribute to whole-school improvement initiatives and strategic planning.
- Ensure high standards of teaching, learning and behaviour across the department.
This Head of MFL role in Braintree offers an excellent opportunity to join a supportive leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the department. The successful candidate will be passionate about languages, committed to raising standards and eager to inspire the next generation of linguists.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
- Degree in Modern Foreign Languages or a related subject.
- Proven experience teaching MFL at secondary level, including GCSE.
- Previous leadership experience or readiness to step into a middle leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of curriculum development and assessment.
- Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
- Ability to motivate students and staff to achieve their full potential.
- A proactive, collaborative and solution-focused approach.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
What’s next?
Click "Apply Now" and, if your application is successful, you will be contacted for a phone call OR contact Ellie directly from Academics, Chelmsford TODAY.
Head of MFL in Braintree employer: Academics
Join a well-regarded secondary school in Braintree, Essex, where you will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking environment dedicated to high-quality teaching and learning. As the Head of Modern Foreign Languages, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team, develop an engaging curriculum, and inspire students to excel in language learning while enjoying professional growth and development opportunities. This role not only allows you to make a lasting impact on student outcomes but also offers a collaborative culture that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of MFL in Braintree
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its MFL department. Show them you’re not just passionate about languages but also about their specific goals and challenges. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a trial day! If you get the chance, showcase your teaching style and how you engage students. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your leadership potential in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate educators ready to make a difference in the world of MFL.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of MFL in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages:Make sure to highlight your love for language learning in your application. We want to see how you inspire students and promote cultural understanding, so share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase this passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We’re looking for candidates who can lead and develop an MFL department, so tailor your application to reflect your leadership experience and curriculum development skills. Make it personal and relevant!
Be Clear About Your Vision:In your application, outline your vision for the MFL department. We want to know how you plan to engage students and improve outcomes. Share your ideas on curriculum planning and enrichment activities to show us your forward-thinking approach.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive team in Braintree.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the MFL curriculum and any recent changes. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement an engaging curriculum that inspires students. Think about specific examples from your teaching experience that demonstrate your ability to enhance language learning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed a team in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve coached or supported colleagues, and be ready to share your vision for leading the MFL department. This is your chance to show how you can inspire and motivate others!
✨Engage with Cultural Understanding
Since the role involves promoting cultural experiences, think of ways you can incorporate enrichment activities into the MFL programme. Be prepared to discuss any trips or cultural events you’ve organised and how they benefited students’ understanding of the languages they’re learning.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Languages
Your enthusiasm for language learning should shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes about your journey with languages and how you aim to instil that passion in your students. This will help the interviewers see your commitment to fostering a love for languages in the classroom.
