At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the MFL department, driving curriculum innovation and teaching excellence.
- Company: A highly successful secondary academy in Braintree with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a state-of-the-art campus.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a disciplined environment focused on high-quality teaching.
- Why this job: Shape the future of language education and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: QTS and a degree in French, Spanish, or Modern Languages required.
The predicted salary is between 36443 - 59659 £ per year.
Location: Braintree, Essex
Working Pattern: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £36,443 - £59,659 (MPS/UPS + Significant TLR)
The Opportunity: Are you an ambitious, forward-thinking linguist ready to step into a pivotal department leadership role? We are partnering with a highly successful, heavily over-subscribed secondary academy in Braintree to find an exceptional Head of Modern Foreign Languages. This is a rare chance to shape a department from day one, drive curriculum innovation, and lead a dedicated team of language specialists. If you are looking for a school that prioritises your professional growth and offers clear pathways into senior leadership, this premiere Multi-Academy Trust provides the perfect launchpad for your career.
About the Setting: Located in Braintree, Essex, this academy operates from a brand-new, state-of-the-art campus equipped with ICT-rich learning suites specifically designed for modern language immersion. The school is renowned for its pioneering learning environment, outstanding behaviour policy, and highly supportive parental community. Because the school maintains a disciplined, respectful, and structured atmosphere, teachers are liberated from heavy behaviour management and can genuinely focus on delivering high-quality, impactful lessons.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Lead, inspire, and manage the MFL department, fostering a collaborative culture and supporting the continuous professional development of your team.
- Curriculum Design & Innovation: Oversee the delivery of a rigorous, engaging French and Spanish curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4 that maximises GCSE student outcomes.
- Teaching Excellence: Model outstanding classroom practice, championing interactive learning and target-language immersion to inspire a genuine love for culture.
- Data-Driven Progress: Meticulously monitor student progress and implement targeted interventions to ensure consistently strong academic performance across all ability levels.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualifications: Must hold QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and a relevant degree in French, Spanish, or Modern Languages.
- Experience & Characteristics: A proven track record of delivering outstanding results at GCSE. You must be able to teach both French and Spanish (one to KS4, the other to at least KS3/KS4). Prior middle leadership experience (Head of Department or Second in Department) is highly desirable, though ambitious Lead Practitioners looking for a step up are welcome.
- Transport & Commute: Ability to commute reliably to the campus in Braintree, Essex.
Safeguarding & Compliance: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. We will conduct full pre-employment checks, including references, right to work in the UK, and a thorough review of your employment history to account for any CV gaps.
How to Apply: If you are a passionate linguist looking to take the next definitive step in your leadership career, we want to hear from you. To register your interest, request the full information pack, or arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please submit your CV via the apply link. We are managing this search on an interim, confidential basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
Head of MFL: Lead GCSE French & Spanish in Bury St Edmunds employer: Randstad Education
Join a forward-thinking academy in Braintree, Essex, where you can lead and innovate within the Modern Foreign Languages department. With a commitment to professional growth, a supportive community, and a state-of-the-art learning environment, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of language education while enjoying a collaborative and respectful work culture. The academy prioritises teaching excellence, allowing you to focus on delivering impactful lessons without the burden of heavy behaviour management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of MFL: Lead GCSE French & Spanish in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in MFL. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for languages! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and successes in teaching French and Spanish. Let them see your enthusiasm and vision for the department.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and curriculum. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their values and how you can drive innovation in their MFL department.
✨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 dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of MFL: Lead GCSE French & Spanish in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages:When writing your application, let your love for languages shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for teaching French and Spanish, and how you inspire students to appreciate these cultures.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative curriculum designs you've implemented in the past. We want to see how you can shape our MFL department!
Be Data-Driven:Since data-driven progress is key, include examples of how you've used data to improve student outcomes in your previous roles. This will show us that you're not just a great teacher, but also a strategic leader who can drive results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at this fantastic academy in Braintree.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Know Your Languages
Brush up on your French and Spanish skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your teaching methods and how you engage students in both languages. This will show your passion for the subject and your ability to inspire others.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your approach to leading a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and supported professional development in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you're the right fit for this pivotal role.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Questions
Expect questions about curriculum design and innovation. Have some ideas ready on how you would enhance the MFL curriculum at the academy. This shows that you're proactive and ready to make an impact from day one.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Be prepared to discuss how you monitor student progress and implement interventions. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive academic performance in your previous roles. This will highlight your analytical skills and commitment to student success.
