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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional German language education from Year 7 to Year 13.
- Company: Join a truly international school with a diverse student body and supportive staff.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals during term-time, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' language skills and cultural understanding in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Outstanding knowledge of German language and culture, with strong teaching and leadership skills.
- Other info: Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and effective language learning.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced teacher with outstanding knowledge of German language and culture, capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional classroom practice. The successful candidate will lead a small but highly motivated team of MFL and EAL teachers and will take responsibility for the German teaching in the school from Year 7 to Year 13 in the dedicated German classroom.
French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum. They are options at GCSE and A Level. While a modern language is not a core subject at GCSE, the uptake at Year 10 is consistently strong. The two languages are not set against each other, allowing some students to take both at GCSE if they wish and in the Sixth Form too. The Edexcel specifications at GCSE and AQA at A Level serve our students well, offering academic rigour and an overview of the culture of the target language countries.
The department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, combined with much speaking and listening, is essential in training successful linguists. The department has a history of success with students of all abilities, partly due to our small class sizes which are ideal for language teaching. This is an exceptional opportunity to teach in a truly international school (approximately half the students come from abroad) with creative and enquiring students who understand and appreciate each others’ languages and cultures. With small classes, articulate students and a friendly staff body, it offers the ideal environment for a passionate and energetic linguist to really make their mark.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a full-time post to start in September 2026. Competitive salary according to the candidate’s experience. Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process. All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision. Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at school during term-time.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates wishing to apply should submit a letter to the Principal as soon as possible outlining your motivations for applying and why you believe that you meet the requirements of the role as expressed in this job pack. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is Sunday 19th April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff and to lead a short lesson. Interviews will explore your vision for the future of MFL in the School, your subject knowledge, leadership and pastoral experience and your ability to relate appropriately to students.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
- To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the needs of all students.
- To ensure that all lessons within the department are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges.
- To teach all year groups a range of language related enrichment activities.
- To lead the MFL team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and planning appropriate actions to meet them.
- To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks.
- To organise a framework for administrative tasks, including both day to day administrative and MFL specific tasks.
- To manage both the people and resources associated with the department.
- To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the School’s Health and Safety Policy.
- To remain fully informed about national and local developments in the subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider educational issues.
- To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan.
- To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for external examinations at GCSE and A Level with a range of suitable internal mock exams/assessments administered to help raise student outcomes.
- To manage the departmental budget.
Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism) employer: PURCELL SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
PURCELL SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who are already in MFL roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school’s ethos and values, and think about how your vision for MFL aligns with theirs. Be ready to showcase your teaching style and how you can inspire students in a multicultural environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for languages! During your interview, share examples of how you've engaged students in learning German and other languages. Highlight any creative methods you've used to make lessons fun and effective.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the German language and culture shine through. We want to see how your passion translates into your teaching style and how you can inspire students to love learning languages just as much as you do.
Tailor Your Letter: Make sure to customise your application letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Modern Foreign Languages role. Highlight your experience with both MFL and EAL, and how you plan to lead a motivated team while ensuring high standards in teaching and learning.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application letter focused and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you outline your motivations and qualifications without unnecessary fluff. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for our school.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures that everything is in order. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus in today’s educational landscape.
How to prepare for a job interview at PURCELL SCHOOL
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the German language and culture. Brush up on grammar, vocabulary, and current trends in language teaching. Be ready to discuss how you would engage students from Year 7 to Year 13 and make learning German exciting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Modern Foreign Languages, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, highlighting your vision for the MFL department. Think about how you can inspire and motivate your colleagues to achieve high standards.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the school's commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to the school community beyond the classroom, including extra-curricular activities that enhance language learning.
✨Prepare a Sample Lesson
You'll have the chance to lead a short lesson during the interview. Plan an engaging and interactive session that showcases your teaching style and ability to connect with students. Make sure it aligns with the curriculum and demonstrates your approach to language acquisition.