Head of French - Independent School in Southampton

Are you a passionate and experienced French educator ready to take the next step in your career? Do you aspire to lead a thriving Modern Foreign Languages Department in a prestigious independent school?

Our client, a renowned independent school, is seeking an inspirational and experienced Head of French to lead their vibrant department from September 2025. This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance the French curriculum, ensuring students from KS3 to KS5 develop a deep appreciation for the language and culture while achieving academic excellence.

As Head of French, you will provide strategic leadership, mentor a team of dedicated language teachers, and foster an environment where students are encouraged to explore and excel in French. Working with a high-achieving and motivated student body, you will play a key role in maintaining the school’s strong tradition of academic excellence and holistic development.

The School is known for its commitment to intellectual curiosity, creativity, and well-rounded personal growth. The school fosters a supportive and inclusive community, ensuring that both students and staff thrive. With a reputation for exceptional teaching standards and a nurturing approach to education, this is an ideal environment for an ambitious Head of French to make a lasting impact. Parents and the wider community regularly commend the school for its outstanding pastoral care, academic rigor, and emphasis on student well-being. The school offers small class sizes, enabling a highly personalized approach to teaching, and encourages staff to innovate and inspire through dynamic and engaging lessons.

Why Join This School?

• Leadership Development: Ongoing CPD opportunities and career progression support.
• Employee Well-being: Family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Excellent Resources: Access to high-quality teaching materials, modern technology, and a well-equipped language department.
• Supportive and Collaborative Community: A welcoming environment where teaching staff are highly valued and encouraged to flourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and manage the Modern Foreign Languages Department, with a focus on excellence in French teaching.
• Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and delivery from KS3 to KS5, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
• Foster a love for the French language and culture, promoting high academic standards and student success.
• Mentor and support a team of dedicated language teachers, driving professional development and best practices.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance the school’s language provision and ensure alignment with its educational vision.
• Organize enrichment activities, cultural trips, and language immersion experiences to deepen students’ understanding of French culture.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents, students, and the wider school community, championing the importance of language learning.

Experience & Qualifications

• A degree-level qualification in French, Modern Languages, or a related subject.
• A formal teaching qualification with QTS (e.g., PGCE).
• Proven experience in teaching French at KS3-KS5, with a track record of excellent results.
• Previous experience in department leadership or curriculum development (or the ambition and potential to step into a leadership role).
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and IT skills.
• A visionary approach to modern language education, with a passion for inspiring students and teachers alike.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

If you are a dynamic and forward-thinking French educator eager to lead a successful department in an outstanding independent school, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and cover letter as soon as possible to be considered for this exceptional leadership opportunity.