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 employer: Randstad Staffing
Join a forward-thinking academy in Braintree, Essex, where your leadership as Head of Modern Foreign Languages will be supported by a collaborative culture and a commitment to professional growth. With state-of-the-art facilities and a disciplined environment that allows you to focus on delivering high-quality lessons, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of language education while enjoying clear pathways into senior leadership within a highly successful Multi-Academy Trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Modern Foreign Languages
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around curriculum innovation and student engagement. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teaching style! If possible, offer to conduct a demo lesson or share a video of your classroom practice. This gives them a taste of your interactive learning approach and how you inspire students.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Modern Foreign Languages role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and delivering outstanding results in both French and Spanish, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our ambitious academy.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve inspired and managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and supported professional development within your department. This will help us understand your strategic vision for the MFL department.
Demonstrate Curriculum Innovation:Talk about any innovative curriculum designs or teaching methods you’ve implemented that have led to improved student outcomes. We’re keen on candidates who can drive curriculum innovation and engage students in a meaningful way.
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 at our state-of-the-art campus in Braintree.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Staffing
✨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 teaching methods 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.
✨Data-Driven Decisions Matter
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.
✨Emphasise Cultural Immersion
Highlight your passion for language and culture. Share ideas on how you would create an immersive learning environment that inspires students to love languages, making them excited about both French and Spanish.
