Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the French department, teaching and inspiring students across all key stages.
- Company: Join a high-achieving secondary school in East London with a collaborative MFL department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and support from a dedicated recruitment consultant.
- Other info: Engage in educational excursions and foster positive relationships with students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' language skills and academic success in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: QTS, degree in French, and proven teaching experience at GCSE and A-level.
Location: Waltham Forest
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Salary: £37,872 - £56,154
Contract: Permanent
Are you an experienced French Teacher looking to step up into a Head of French position in a successful MFL Department? Do you set high expectations for your students, demonstrate confident classroom presence, and engage students across all key stages? Are you a French subject specialist and curriculum expert, able to lead the subject effectively, supporting colleagues to deliver excellent lessons?
TeacherActive are proud to be working with this high achieving 11-18 secondary school in East London; they are seeking a knowledgeable and confident French Teacher to step up into a Head of French post from September. The school are looking for an outstanding teacher with a proven record of results across GCSE and A-level French, as well as someone who engages all students in KS3.
In this role, the Head of French will teach across the full French curriculum, with experience delivering the AQA exam content at GCSE and A-level highly beneficial. The MFL department is collaborative and successful; the high-quality teaching is responsible for some of the best results in the school. Teachers and leaders at this school set high expectations for both staff and students, promoting academic excellence across all subjects and maintaining good behaviour. Educational excursions and trips are encouraged to supplement in-class learning with practical and immersive experiences. Though behaviour can be challenging, the school employs a clear behaviour policy with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and community.
To be considered for this role, you will:
- Demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and confident classroom presence
- Hold QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and have completed your ECT or NQT induction
- Have a degree and PGCE in French
- Foster positive relationships with your students, setting and maintaining high expectations
- Demonstrate high standards of professionalism
- Communicate clearly and confidently, verbally and in writing
- Hold UK Right to Work
By engaging with TeacherActive for this role, you will gain:
- A dedicated permanent recruitment consultant offering individualised, expert support
- Access to a range of schools and roles across our London network
- Continuous professional development through our free online portal
Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements. Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.
Head of French employer: TeacherActive
Contact Detail:
TeacherActive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of French
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, attend education events, and connect with people in the MFL community. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-lesson or a teaching demonstration that highlights your expertise in French. This will not only showcase your teaching style but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their department.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to schools you’re interested in and express your enthusiasm for a Head of French role. Sometimes, opportunities are created through initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles available, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, our dedicated consultants are here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of French
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for French: When writing your application, let your love for the French language and culture shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and how it translates into your teaching style.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of French role. Highlight your experience with GCSE and A-level content, and mention any successful strategies you've used to engage students across all key stages.
Be Clear and Confident: Your written application should communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at TeacherActive
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Head of French, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the French curriculum, especially AQA exam content. Brush up on key topics and be ready to discuss how you would lead your team in delivering engaging lessons that meet high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to support and mentor fellow teachers, as well as how you set high expectations for both staff and students.
✨Engage with Real-Life Scenarios
Think about how you can incorporate educational excursions and immersive experiences into your teaching. Be ready to share ideas on how these activities can enhance learning and foster positive relationships with students.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. This is crucial not just for the interview but also for your role as a leader. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how it helps maintain good behaviour and academic excellence in the classroom.