At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the MFL department, teaching French and Spanish to KS3 and KS4 students.
- Company: Progressive secondary school in Braintree with a focus on staff and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Strong leadership support, well-resourced department, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Join a supportive environment where you can make a real impact on students' language learning.
- Qualifications: Passionate MFL Teacher with strong subject knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.
Start Date: September 2026 | Full-Time | Permanent
Are you an ambitious and inspiring MFL specialist ready to lead a thriving department? Ribbons & Reeves are supporting a forward-thinking secondary school in Braintree seeking a dynamic Head of MFL with the ability to teach French and Spanish across Key Stages 3 and 4. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced MFL Teacher looking to step into leadership, or an existing Head of Department seeking a new challenge in a supportive, progressive school environment.
About the School - This school is committed to ensuring both staff and students flourish. The school offers a calm, respectful environment with clear behaviour systems, allowing you to focus on delivering engaging lessons.
As Head of MFL, you will benefit from:
- Strong Leadership Support – A collaborative SLT committed to empowering middle leaders.
- Well-Resourced MFL Department – Access to high-quality teaching materials, technology and curriculum support.
- Positive School Culture – A respectful, inclusive environment that enables excellent teaching and learning.
- Clear Career Progression – Opportunities to shape curriculum development and contribute to whole-school strategy.
- Wellbeing Focus – A leadership team dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The Role - As Head of MFL (French & Spanish), you will:
- Lead and develop the MFL department, driving high standards across French and Spanish.
- Teach engaging and ambitious lessons across KS3 and KS4.
- Oversee curriculum planning, assessment and departmental strategy.
- Support, coach and develop MFL colleagues.
- Contribute to whole-school initiatives and wider school life.
The Ideal Head of MFL:
- A passionate and experienced MFL Teacher specialising in French and Spanish.
- Proven ability to raise standards and inspire both students and colleagues.
- Strong subject knowledge and a commitment to high-quality teaching.
- A reflective, motivated leader eager to drive departmental improvement.
- A collaborative team player who contributes positively to school culture.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey in Braintree, apply with your updated CV today.
Head of MFL (French & Spanish) in Witham employer: RIBBONS AND REEVES
Ribbons & Reeves is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and progressive environment for educators in Braintree. With strong leadership support, a well-resourced MFL department, and a focus on staff wellbeing, this school prioritises both professional growth and a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate MFL specialists to thrive and lead.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of MFL (French & Spanish) in Witham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about openings for Head of MFL roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to a positive school environment and high-quality teaching.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for languages! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve inspired students in French and Spanish, and how you plan to drive standards in the MFL department.
✨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’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of MFL (French & Spanish) in Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of MFL role. Highlight your expertise in teaching French and Spanish, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can inspire and lead!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about MFL and how you plan to drive high standards in the department. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love a bit of enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy:In your application, share your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with our positive school culture. We’re looking for someone who can create engaging lessons and foster a respectful environment, so let us know how you do this!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS AND REEVES
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your French and Spanish language skills, as well as the latest teaching methodologies. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage students in both languages and share examples of successful lessons you've delivered.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of MFL, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think about times when you've supported or coached colleagues, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in your department.
✨Understand the School's Culture
Familiarise yourself with the school's values and culture. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their positive environment and support their commitment to staff wellbeing. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can thrive together.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's vision for the MFL department or how they support professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
