At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the MFL department and inspire students across KS3–KS5.
- Company: Outstanding secondary school in East London with a strong academic reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent CPD opportunities, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Supportive leadership team and motivated students await you!
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in students' language learning.
- Qualifications: QTS and proven MFL teaching experience, with leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
A high-performing and inclusive secondary school in East London is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of MFL to join their leadership team from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for an outstanding MFL practitioner with strong leadership skills to lead a successful department and drive achievement across KS3–KS5. The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, behaviour, and staff development, and was most recently graded Outstanding by Ofsted.
The Role
- Lead and manage the MFL department across KS3–KS5
- Deliver engaging and challenging lessons
- Drive curriculum development and departmental improvement
- Support and develop teaching staff within the department
- Monitor student progress and raise attainment outcomes
- Contribute to whole-school leadership initiatives
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven experience teaching MFL in UK secondary schools
- Previous middle leadership experience or readiness for progression
- Strong subject knowledge and excellent classroom practice
- Passionate about improving outcomes for all learners
The School Offers
- Outstanding Ofsted-rated secondary school
- Supportive and forward-thinking senior leadership team
- Excellent CPD and progression opportunities
- Well-behaved and motivated students
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing and development
Salary
Paid to scale + TLR (dependent on experience)
Start Date
September 2026
Apply
Principal Education is acting as an education recruitment agency on behalf of the school. Shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Head of MFL in Shadwell employer: Principal Education
Join a high-performing and inclusive secondary school in East London, renowned for its academic excellence and outstanding Ofsted rating. As the Head of MFL, you will benefit from a supportive leadership team, excellent professional development opportunities, and a strong focus on staff wellbeing, making it an ideal environment for ambitious educators looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of MFL in Shadwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience in MFL. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their vision. We want to see you shine as the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teaching prowess! If you get the chance, demonstrate a lesson or share your curriculum ideas. This is your moment to impress them with your engaging teaching methods and innovative approaches to MFL.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role as Head of MFL.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of MFL in Shadwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for MFL:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Modern Foreign Languages shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about teaching and improving outcomes for learners. Share specific examples of how you've engaged students in the past!
Highlight Leadership Experience:Make sure to emphasise any leadership roles you've held, especially in MFL. We’re looking for someone who can lead a department effectively, so share your experiences in managing teams or driving curriculum development.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of MFL role. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your MFL knowledge and teaching strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the department and improve student outcomes. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your leadership skills.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and recent Ofsted report. Show how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their outstanding reputation. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, like curriculum development or staff support. Prepare some scenarios where you've successfully led a team or improved student performance, as this will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Let your passion for MFL and education shine through during the interview. Talk about innovative teaching methods you've used and how you plan to inspire both students and staff. A genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
