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 with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a state-of-the-art learning environment.
- Other info: Join a disciplined school that prioritises high-quality teaching and student success.
- Why this job: Shape a department from day one and make a real impact on students' language learning.
- Qualifications: QTS and a degree in French, Spanish, or Modern Languages; teaching experience 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 premier 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.
Head of Modern Foreign Languages in England 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 innovation. Benefit from working in a state-of-the-art facility with a collaborative culture, allowing 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 England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the academy in Braintree. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of MFL.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for languages! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in French and Spanish. We want to see that spark that makes you the perfect fit for leading their MFL department.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss curriculum innovation! Think about how you can enhance the existing MFL programme. We need to demonstrate that you’re not just a teacher but a visionary leader ready to drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages in England
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 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 bring your unique flair to our MFL department!
Be Data-Driven:Since we’re all about maximising student outcomes, include examples of how you've used data to track progress and improve results. This will show us that you're not just a great teacher, but also a strategic leader who can drive academic success.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 for both 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’ve inspired teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve fostered collaboration and professional development within your department.
✨Demonstrate Data Savvy
Be prepared to discuss how you monitor student progress and implement interventions. Bring examples of how data has informed your teaching strategies and led to improved results in your previous roles.
✨Passion for Languages and Culture
Express your enthusiasm for languages and cultural immersion. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your love for teaching languages and how you inspire students to appreciate different cultures.
