At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Modern Foreign Languages department and inspire students to excel in language learning.
- Company: Wayland Academy, a high-performing secondary school in Norfolk with a positive atmosphere.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, health plan, CPD opportunities, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on excellence and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in teaching and managing MFL in secondary education.
The predicted salary is between 36745 - 50288 € per year.
Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) (TLR2 of £6700 per annum will be included for the Head of Department position.) This is a Head of Department vacancy but application for a teacher position will also be considered. Please state in your application which position you are applying for.
Start Date: September 2026
Wayland Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding Head of Department for Modern Foreign Languages. We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence outcomes and someone who has had a clear impact at a subject level. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure their success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To have a clear vision for MFL teaching across the school.
- To be a role model to the department and beyond.
- Align classroom practices with the school’s improvement plan and national standards.
- Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies.
- To lead on the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop pupil mastery in the subject.
- Curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress.
- Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to quality assure the subject area.
- Design and deliver CPD within department meetings.
- Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision sessions which will include Saturdays and school holidays.
Essential
- An appropriate degree
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school.
- Successful involvement in performance management, self‑evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
- Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve ambitious standards.
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
- Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.
Desirable
- Other relevant qualifications in the sector (e.g. NPQLT, MEd, etc.).
- Existing curriculum or pastoral leadership experience (e.g. second in department).
- Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
- Experience mentoring and coaching trainee and early‑career teachers.
We offer
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme.
About Us: Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk. At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners. The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of ‘Good’. School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 18th May 2026
Interview date: Friday 22nd May 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Head of MFL / Teacher (MFL) (Watton) employer: Inspiration Trust
Wayland Academy is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Norfolk, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With generous benefits including access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme, health plans, and personalised CPD programmes, staff are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to a high-performing educational environment. The Academy's commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere and low staff turnover makes it an attractive place for educators seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of MFL / Teacher (MFL) (Watton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Wayland Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your teaching methods align with their vision for MFL. Bring examples of innovative strategies you've used in the classroom that led to great outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During the interview, share stories that highlight your commitment to student success and how you've gone above and beyond in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the Wayland Academy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of MFL / Teacher (MFL) (Watton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear About Your Position:When you apply, make sure to specify whether you're going for the Head of Department role or just the Teacher position. This helps us understand your intentions right from the start!
Show Off Your Experience:We want to see your proven track record! Highlight your successes in teaching and management, especially any innovative strategies you've implemented that led to great outcomes for students.
Align with Our Vision:Take a moment to reflect on our school’s vision and values. In your application, mention how your teaching philosophy aligns with our commitment to high-quality education and student success.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your MFL Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Modern Foreign Languages, including current teaching methods and curriculum developments. Brush up on your subject knowledge and be ready to discuss innovative teaching strategies that can enhance pupil mastery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and supported staff in the past, and be ready to discuss your vision for the MFL department and how it aligns with the school's improvement plan.
✨Engage with Evidence-Based Practices
Familiarise yourself with evidence-based teaching strategies and be prepared to share how you've implemented these in your previous roles. Discussing specific initiatives you've led or participated in will show your commitment to improving educational outcomes.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life classroom scenarios. Think about how you would conduct lesson observations or lead CPD sessions. Being able to articulate your approach to quality assurance and staff development will set you apart from other candidates.
