At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Modern Foreign Languages department while driving curriculum innovation.
- Company: A highly successful secondary academy in Braintree, Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive community.
- Other info: State-of-the-art campus with a focus on high-quality teaching and learning.
- Why this job: Shape a dynamic language department and make a real impact on students' futures.
- 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 Modern Foreign Languages in Bury St Edmunds employer: Randstad Education
Join a forward-thinking academy in Braintree, Essex, where you can lead the Modern Foreign Languages department and make a significant impact on students' language learning journeys. With a strong emphasis on professional development and clear pathways to senior leadership, this school offers a supportive environment that prioritises teaching excellence and innovative curriculum design. Benefit from a state-of-the-art campus and a collaborative culture that allows you to focus on delivering high-quality lessons without the burden of behaviour management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Modern Foreign Languages 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 language departments. 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 MFL department.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your leadership style aligns with their goals, especially around curriculum innovation and student engagement.
✨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 as Head of Modern Foreign Languages.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages 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 different cultures.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of MFL position. Highlight your leadership experience, curriculum design, and any innovative teaching methods you've implemented in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for this role. Remember, we want to get to know you quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait too long!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current MFL curriculum, especially for French and Spanish. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for curriculum design and how you can enhance student engagement and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience and how you foster a collaborative culture within a team. Think of specific examples where you've inspired others or led successful initiatives in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you monitor student progress and implement interventions. Bring examples of how data has informed your teaching strategies and improved student performance in the past.
✨Passion for Languages and Culture
Express your enthusiasm for languages and how you inspire that passion in students. Share any creative methods you’ve used to promote cultural immersion and interactive learning in your classroom.
