At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate French team and design an engaging curriculum.
- Company: Lift Kingswood, a beacon of educational excellence.
- Benefits: Generous salary, well-being cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape a thriving department.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for languages and commitment to high teaching standards.
- Other info: Exceptional career development opportunities and a supportive, inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: M1-6/ UPR (+TLR commensurate with experience) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: April 2026
Closing date: 28th January 2026
Lift Kingswood is seeking a Head of French who is ready to lead with energy, ambition and heart. This is a brilliant opportunity to shape a thriving department, inspire great teaching and help every student succeed in French. You will be a fantastic classroom practitioner who also loves developing others. From setting a clear vision for French, to building an engaging, knowledge-rich curriculum, you will make sure lessons are purposeful, exciting and inclusive. You will coach your team, use data smartly, and create a culture where students enjoy learning and aim high.
What you will be doing:
- Leading and motivating a passionate French team (5 teachers currently)
- Designing and delivering an ambitious, engaging curriculum
- Supporting teachers to be their best through coaching and feedback
- Using assessment and data to drive progress and close gaps
- Creating calm, focused classrooms where students can thrive
- Playing a key role in Lift's mission: every child gets an excellent education, every day
If you are enthusiastic about languages, committed to high standards, and excited by the chance to make a real difference at Lift Kingswood, we would love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people.
About our school:
Lift Kingswood is a national beacon of educational excellence. We are a school where our students perform well above the national average across all subjects; placing the academy as one of the highest performing schools in the region. Lift Kingswood is thrilled to celebrate its recent Ofsted report, where the school was recognised for its Outstanding provision for personal development, behaviour and safety and leadership and management; a reflection of the relentless dedication, hard work, and ambition of the entire school community. The inspection also highlighted the school's exceptional achievements in fostering a rich, dynamic learning environment where both pupils and staff thrive.
Candidates are encouraged to look at this post as a 3 year development pathway to the next stage of their career rather than limited to a 'Head of French' post. The innovative and dedicated training and CPD at Lift Kingswood is exceptional. We strongly recommend visiting the school if you are interested in the post, please contact us.
Who is Lift Schools?
We are a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they have ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we have got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Head of French employer: Lift Kingswood
Contact Detail:
Lift Kingswood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of French
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Kingswood on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your application on the top of the pile.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Lift's mission and values. Show us how your vision for the French department aligns with our goal of providing an excellent education every day. We love candidates who are passionate and well-prepared!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your teaching philosophy to life! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired students and supported your team. We want to see your energy and ambition in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check out our website for any updates or additional resources that could help you shine during the application process. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of French
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for French: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the French language and culture shine through. We want to see how you can inspire students and create a love for learning in your classroom.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and develop an engaging curriculum, so showcase those abilities!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the job description. This shows us you can communicate effectively, which is key in education.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lift Kingswood.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Kingswood
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the current French curriculum and any innovative teaching methods that could enhance it. Be ready to discuss how you would design an engaging, knowledge-rich curriculum that excites students and supports teachers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to leading a team of teachers. Think about examples where you've motivated others, provided constructive feedback, or created a positive classroom culture. Highlight your coaching experience and how it has helped others improve.
✨Use Data to Drive Success
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used assessment and data in the past to drive student progress. Share specific examples of how you identified gaps in learning and implemented strategies to close them, ensuring every student can thrive.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Languages
Let your enthusiasm for languages shine through! Talk about why you love teaching French and how you inspire that passion in your students. Discuss any creative methods you’ve used to make learning fun and inclusive.