At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the British Section, driving excellence in teaching and student outcomes.
- Company: Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, a prestigious international school in London.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a vibrant learning community and influence strategic direction.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a bilingual, multicultural environment while nurturing student wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience and fluency in English and French required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
Start date: September 2026 or January 2027. The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, one of London’s leading international schools, is seeking to appoint an exceptional and dynamic Headteacher of the British Section for September 2026 or January 2027. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing and distinctive academic community within a large, diverse, and globally minded French international school. The British Section offers a rigorous and successful GCSE and A Level pathway, combining the strengths of the British education system with the richness of a bilingual and multicultural environment. The successful candidate will lead and further develop this provision, ensuring outstanding outcomes while nurturing a culture of intellectual ambition, independence, and inclusion.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Headteacher will also contribute to the strategic direction of the wider school and will hold a Deputy Headship responsibility.
The role
- Provide clear and inspiring leadership of the British Section
- Drive excellence in teaching, learning, and outcomes at GCSE and A Level
- Lead on assessment, reporting, and public examinations (Head of Centre)
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing
- Foster a vibrant, ambitious, and supportive learning community
- Work closely with colleagues across the Lycée to strengthen its bilingual and international mission
We are looking for a candidate who has:
Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience in a secondary school setting
- A good honours degree
- Extensive knowledge of the British GCSE and A-level curriculum
- Proven ability to secure high academic outcomes (outside your subject specialism) and lead school improvement
- Experience of inclusive leadership and oversight of examination access arrangements
- In-depth understanding of examination and regulatory frameworks, ensuring full compliance
- Experience with inspection frameworks (e.g., Ofsted or ISI)
- Strong organisational and strategic leadership skills
- A firm commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing
- Ability to lead and inspire staff within a high-performing team
- Full fluency in English and French
Desirable
- Direct experience of the French education system (AEFE, Baccalauréat)
- Experience of working within or alongside dual-curriculum or cross-cultural educational structures
- Previous experience as headteacher or deputy head of school
- A background in the independent sector—particularly within an independent or international school in London—would be highly advantageous
- Familiarity of leading schools through inspections, particularly Ofsted
- Experience of university guidance and post-18 pathways (UK and international)
- A background working with SEND provision and external specialists
- Demonstrated expertise in contributing to whole-school strategic development
If you are inspired by the opportunity of leading the British section within a distinctive bilingual and internationally renowned school, please forward your CV and covering letter to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or by clicking the 'Apply' button. For a confidential discussion and candidate information pack, please contact Devra Farhi at 020 7820 7308 for further details. The deadline for applications is Friday, 15th May, and interviews commence the week of 18th May.
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and comply with all safeguarding requirements.
Headteacher of The British Section - Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres in City of London employer: Harris Hill Independent Schools
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing British Section within a prestigious international school. With a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing, the school fosters a vibrant and supportive learning community that values intellectual ambition and independence. Employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a diverse and globally minded environment.
Contact Detail:
Harris Hill Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher of The British Section - Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience with international schools. They might have insider info or even know someone on the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and its British Section. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of fostering a bilingual and multicultural environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven excellence in teaching and learning, and how you’ve nurtured a culture of inclusion and student wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher of The British Section - Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Headteacher role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of the British curriculum, and any relevant achievements in a clear and concise manner.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for education and how you can contribute to the British Section. Be sure to mention your commitment to safeguarding and inclusion, as these are key values for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In both your CV and cover letter, give examples of how you've led teams and driven school improvement. We want to see your ability to inspire and support staff while fostering a vibrant learning community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Independent Schools
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the British GCSE and A Level curriculum. Be prepared to discuss how you can drive excellence in teaching and learning, and share specific examples of how you've secured high academic outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Headteacher, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Think about how you can inspire and lead a high-performing team. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in inclusive leadership and how you've fostered a supportive learning community.
✨Understand the Inspection Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with inspection frameworks like Ofsted or ISI. Be ready to discuss your experiences with inspections and how you've successfully led schools through them. This will show your understanding of compliance and school improvement.
✨Emphasise Your Bilingual Skills
Since the role requires fluency in both English and French, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. You might even want to practice discussing key educational concepts in both languages to showcase your comfort level.
