Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in Watton

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR2 of £6,700 per annum

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 they succeed. In this role, you will be able to engage with our raising achievement strategy to ensure MFL outcomes at the school are significantly better than national benchmarks. This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in MFL. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust MFL team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge-rich curriculum.

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.
• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to quality assure the subject area.
• Design and deliver CPD within department meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy’s ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision sessions which will include Saturdays and school holidays.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL pupils, and maintain high standards of pupil work.

About You

You will be a leader who shares our belief that all pupils have the right to succeed and have access to the absolute best education. The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You should come with an existing track record of effectiveness but be keen to develop further as a member of the wider leadership team.

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• 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 of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.
• 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.
• 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.

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. 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.

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.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 28th April 2026.