At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the French department, inspire students, and enhance curriculum development.
- Company: Supportive secondary school in East London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with potential for permanent position and professional growth.
- Other info: Strong focus on staff development and excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' language skills and departmental success.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in UK secondary schools preferred.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 € per year.
Principal Education are recruiting for an experienced and ambitious Head of French to join a successful secondary school in East London from September 2026. This is a full-time, long-term opportunity with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
The school is seeking a strong practitioner and leader who can drive standards across French, inspire students across KS3 and KS4, and support the continued development of the MFL department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge, strong behaviour management, and a proven ability to lead teaching and learning within a secondary school setting.
The Role
- Full-time Head of French position
- September 2026 start
- Teaching French across KS3 and KS4
- Leading curriculum planning and departmental development
- Monitoring student progress and raising attainment
- Supporting and developing teaching within the MFL department
- Working closely with senior leadership and wider pastoral teams
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Experience teaching French in UK secondary schools
- Previous leadership or departmental responsibility preferred
- Strong classroom and behaviour management skills
- Passionate about languages and student achievement
- Able to deliver engaging and challenging lessons across mixed abilities
The School
- Well-established and supportive secondary school in East London
- Strong leadership and collaborative staff culture
- Good transport links
- Committed to staff development and progression opportunities
Principal Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
Head of French employer: Principal Education
Principal Education is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture within a well-established secondary school in East London. With a strong commitment to staff development and progression opportunities, the school fosters an environment where educators can thrive and make a meaningful impact on students' lives. The role of Head of French not only allows for professional growth but also provides the chance to inspire and lead a passionate team dedicated to language education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of French
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work in MFL. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for languages! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and successes in teaching French. Let them see how you inspire students and drive standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in language teaching. Be ready to discuss how you can lead curriculum planning and support departmental development. We want to hear your ideas!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Head of French role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of French
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of French role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in teaching French, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our school.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about teaching French and how you plan to inspire students. Be sure to mention your vision for the MFL department and how you can contribute to its growth.
Showcase Your Subject Knowledge:We want to see your expertise in French! Include any relevant qualifications, professional development, or innovative teaching methods you've used. This will help us understand how you can drive standards and engage students across KS3 and KS4.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Education
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
As a Head of French, you’ll need to demonstrate excellent subject knowledge. Brush up on the curriculum for KS3 and KS4, and be ready to discuss how you would inspire students and raise attainment in your lessons.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your previous leadership experiences. Think about how you've led teams or departments before, and be ready to explain how you can drive standards and support the development of the MFL department.
✨Engage with Behaviour Management Strategies
Strong behaviour management is key in a secondary school setting. Be prepared to share specific strategies you’ve used to maintain a positive learning environment and how you handle challenges in the classroom.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Research the school’s culture and values. During the interview, express how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to staff development and student achievement, showing that you’re a great fit for their team.
