At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the MFL department while driving academic excellence.
- Company: Outstanding secondary academy in Braintree with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, elite professional development, and bespoke mentoring.
- Other info: Join a state-of-the-art campus with a disciplined and respectful atmosphere.
- Why this job: Step up to a leadership role and make a real impact in education.
- 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
Ready to make the leap from Second in Department or Lead Practitioner into a fully‑fledged Head of Department role? We are partnering with an outstanding secondary academy in Braintree that is actively looking to nurture the next generation of educational leaders. This heavily over‑subscribed school offers an elite professional development programme, bespoke mentoring, and an established Trust‑wide network designed to support an ambitious teacher taking the next definitive step in their career. Here, you will inherit a disciplined, supportive environment where you can truly focus on driving academic excellence.
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 & Characters: 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 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.
Skills
- 121 teaching experience
- Ability to communicate with parents
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Able to inspire
- Be a role model
- Building rapport with children
- Career driven
- Effective discipline
- Empathy
- Engaging
- Excellent time management
- FMS experience
- Good behaviour management skills
- Good classroom management
- Good communication skills
- Good sense of humour
- High expectations
- Keen to contribute to the life of the school
- Key stage 3 experience
- Key stage 4 experience
- Key stage 5 experience
- Knowledge of A‑level specification
- Knowledge of curriculum
- Knowledge of GCSE specification
- Knowledge of subject
- Motivated
- Partake in extra curricular activities
- Passion for education
- SEN experience
- Set clear objectives
- SIMS experience
- Sixth form experience
- Teaching assistant experience
- Team player
- Work well autonomously
- Years 7‑11 experience
Qualifications
- BA Hons (QTS)
- BEd
- BSc Hons (QTS)
- PGCE
- PGDE (Scotland)
- QTLS
- Schools direct
- SCITT
Head of Department - MFL (Excellent Step-Up Opportunity) employer: Randstad Staffing
Join an outstanding secondary academy in Braintree, Essex, where you will have the opportunity to step into a Head of Department role within a supportive and disciplined environment. With access to elite professional development programmes, bespoke mentoring, and a strong Trust-wide network, this school is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of educational leaders. The state-of-the-art campus and highly engaged parental community further enhance the rewarding experience of teaching here, allowing you to focus on delivering impactful lessons and driving academic excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - MFL (Excellent Step-Up Opportunity)
✨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 on the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Department.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've inspired your team or improved student outcomes. We want to see that you can lead the MFL department to new heights!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd handle challenges in curriculum design or classroom management. We need to know you can think on your feet and adapt to any situation.
✨Tip Number 4
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 as you take this exciting leap in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - MFL (Excellent Step-Up Opportunity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages:When writing your application, let your love for French and Spanish shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for teaching modern languages and how you inspire students to appreciate different cultures.
Highlight Leadership Experience:If you've got any middle leadership experience or have taken on responsibilities in your current role, make sure to mention it! We want to see how you've led teams or projects, as this will show us you're ready for the Head of Department role.
Be Data-Driven:Don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data to drive student progress. Whether it's through monitoring GCSE results or implementing targeted interventions, we love to see candidates who are analytical and focused on outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Staffing
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the French and Spanish curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance student engagement and outcomes, and think of innovative ways to deliver lessons that inspire a love for languages.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Head of Department, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've previously led teams or projects, focusing on collaboration and professional development. Highlight your vision for fostering a supportive culture within the MFL department.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you’ve used data to monitor student progress and implement interventions. Share specific examples of how you’ve improved academic performance through targeted strategies, as this will show your analytical skills and commitment to excellence.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research the academy’s ethos and values, especially their focus on a disciplined and respectful environment. During the interview, align your teaching philosophy with their approach, and express how you can contribute to maintaining and enhancing this positive atmosphere.
