Head of Spanish / Head of Modern Foreign Languages

School: Cranleigh School

Salary: Competitive

Working hours: Full time

Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026

Job Summary: Are you an inspirational linguist with the vision to lead a thriving department? We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, well-qualified, and innovative Head of Spanish to lead our successful Spanish Department from September 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced educator with a proven track record in public examinations (GCSE and A-level) to shape the academic direction of a core subject. For a suitably experienced candidate, there is also the potential to take on the broader leadership role of Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL).

The Department: You will join a friendly, open, and committed team of eight MFL specialists. The Spanish department currently consists of three specialists supported by a dedicated Language Assistant. Our facilities are second-to-none, featuring:

• Purpose-built facilities: Lessons are taught in a well-resourced block where every teacher has their own classroom.
• Digital Innovation: We are an iPad-integrated school; both staff and pupils use iPads as an integral tool for teaching and learning.
• Enrichment-led Curriculum: From hosting Spanish Sixth Form themed evenings to leading biennial cultural trips to Spain, we believe in taking language learning far beyond the specification.

Key Responsibilities: As Head of Department, you will report to the Head and Deputy Head Academic, focusing on three core pillars:

• Academic Leadership: Model teaching excellence across all year groups, including A-Level and Oxbridge preparation. Oversee the evolution of schemes of work and curriculum specifications. Curate the literary and cinematic resources for A-Level study. Drive the development of innovative teaching and learning strategies within the department.
• Team Management: Foster the professional growth of the team through mentoring, work scrutinies, and lesson observations. Support the development of PGCE students, ECTs, and graduate teachers. Lead weekly departmental meetings to share best practices and track student progress.
• Administration: Manage the departmental budget and annual development plans. Oversee staffing allocations, rooming, and timetabling in collaboration with the Head of French. Coordinate external examination entries and entrance assessments.

About You: The successful candidate will be:

• A passionate Hispanist with the ability to inspire both staff and students.
• An experienced teacher with a "results-proven" background at IGCSE and A-Level.
• A forward-thinking leader who embraces technology (iPad proficiency is a plus).
• Eager to play a full role in the vibrant extra-curricular life of our busy school.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits. For further details about the role, please see the job description below. Please note interviews will be held on the 4th & 5th March. To apply, please click on the yellow ‘Apply Now’ button in the top right corner. Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), together with the online application and supported by a full CV (via the ‘Apply now’ button) as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am 27th February. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 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 post holder will be subject to a DBS check.

About us: Cranleigh aims to educate children in a truly holistic sense, providing every opportunity for pupils to discover and nurture their talents and passions. We want every pupil in our care to flourish. Above all, we want Cranleighans to go out into the world as Thinking, Being, Giving individuals.

• Thinking: reflects our style of teaching which aims to provide pupils with a questioning mindset and the skills to think and problem solve.
• Being: is who we are and how we are. Our culture aims to nurture in pupils the core human qualities that enable communities to thrive and support one another.
• Giving: is our hope that Cranleighans grow to recognise their privilege and go out into the world ready to give back and help create meaningful change.

Our core values of service, leadership, relationships and excellence underpin all elements of boarding life and education. In the classroom, on the sports field, in the rehearsal studios and creative spaces, we uphold a desire to nurture students with a sense of self-belief supported by a strong moral compass.

• SERVICE: We encourage an attitude of service to each other and to our wider community. We recognise our privileges and our responsibility to give back.
• RELATIONSHIPS: We foster strong relationships in our inclusive boarding community. We believe children flourish in safe, supportive environments.
• LEADERSHIP: We nurture a spirit of openness, integrity and thoroughness in everything we do, equipping Cranleighans with the knowledge and skills to make a mark on the world. We endeavour to be viewed as leaders in holistic boarding education.
• EXCELLENCE: We strive for excellence in everything we do, and aspire to be recognised for our educational vision and the personal qualities of our students.

Contact Details: If you have any questions about this role, or wish to discuss please contact us by email at recruiting@cranleigh.org or by telephone on 01483 542128.