At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead French teaching and inspire students in a supportive secondary school.
- Company: Well-established secondary school in East London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with potential for permanent position and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Strong leadership team and good transport links for easy commuting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student achievement and drive standards in the MFL department.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in UK secondary schools preferred.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 55000 € 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 in London employer: Principal Education
Join a well-established and supportive secondary school in East London as the Head of French, where you will be part of a collaborative staff culture that values professional development and progression opportunities. With excellent transport links and a commitment to inspiring students, this role offers a meaningful chance to lead and innovate within the MFL department while making a significant impact on student achievement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of French in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work in MFL. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills and teaching strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire students and drive standards in French.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for languages! During interviews, share examples of how you've engaged students in learning French and how you plan to develop the MFL department.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right role and connect with schools looking for talented leaders like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of French in London
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 development.
Showcase Your Teaching Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your teaching style. Share examples of engaging lessons you've delivered and how you've managed classroom behaviour effectively. We want to see how you can drive standards and raise attainment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Education
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
As a Head of French, you 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 a team or improved teaching standards in your past roles. Be ready to explain your vision for the MFL department and how you plan to support your colleagues.
✨Engage with Behaviour Management Strategies
Strong behaviour management is key in a secondary school setting. Have specific strategies in mind that you've successfully implemented before, and be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations in the classroom.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Research the school’s culture and values. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to staff development and student achievement. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their community.
