At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students with engaging Spanish lessons and support their language journey.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Surbiton High School, dedicated to language learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' love for languages and their academic success.
- Qualifications: Strong degree in a relevant subject and passion for teaching Spanish.
- Other info: Encouraging environment for ECTs with robust training and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Start Date: 4th May or 1 June 2026
Tenure: Maternity, part-time (3 days per week)
Salary: Competitive – based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale
Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Teacher of Spanish to join our vibrant Modern Foreign Languages Department on a full-time maternity cover basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate linguist to empower pupils, ignite a love of languages and contribute to an outstanding academic and co-curricular programme.
About the Department
The Modern Foreign Languages Department is a dynamic team of 16 dedicated linguists, which is led by the Head of MFL and supported by individual Heads of Language. The Spanish Department comprises five teachers and a Foreign Language Assistant who delivers conversation sessions for KS4 and KS5 students. In Year 7, all pupils study French, German, Spanish and Latin before continuing with two languages in Years 8 and 9. All pupils are required to take at least one language at GCSE and many opt to take two. All languages follow the Pearson Edexcel specification for IGCSE and the Pearson Edexcel for A-level. Results are consistently excellent across all three languages. In August 2025, 81% of Spanish IGCSE students achieved grades 9–7 while 75% of A-level students earned A*–A grades. Language immersion beyond the classroom is a key part of the curriculum. The Spanish Department organises cultural and linguistic trips to destinations such as Salamanca, Sevilla and Barcelona. Pupils also participate in inter-school competitions, such as Love Languages and The Global Challenge. In addition to this, the MFL department hosts larger events, such as MFL days and evenings, to foster a love of languages and engage with the local community.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Deliver motivating, high-quality lessons that inspire pupils at KS3, GCSE and A-level.
- Foster a classroom environment where pupils feel valued, confident and eager to learn.
- Support all learners through excellent subject knowledge, creative planning and inclusive practice.
- Monitor progress, provide effective feedback and contribute to pupils achieving their full potential.
- Lead or support weekly grammar clinics for KS3 or KS4.
- Participate in trips, enrichment activities and the wider co-curricular life of the school.
- Uphold our pastoral expectations as a Form Tutor or Deputy Form Tutor.
- Engage actively with CPD, departmental development and appraisal to refine and grow your professional practice.
What We’re Looking For
- A strong degree in a relevant subject.
- QTS or a recognised teaching qualification (desirable but not essential).
- Excellent subject knowledge and the ability to deliver engaging lessons across KS3–KS5.
- A passion for languages and the ability to motivate and support learners of all abilities.
- Strong communication, organisation and ICT skills.
- A collaborative, positive and proactive approach to school life.
- Personal warmth, integrity and professionalism.
- A commitment to high standards, safeguarding and the School’s ethos and values.
- ECTs are warmly encouraged to apply — we offer robust training and mentoring.
Why Join Us?
At Surbiton High School, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team who share a deep passion for language learning. You’ll have access to excellent professional development opportunities, inspirational colleagues and students who are enthusiastic, curious and proud of their achievements. If this opportunity inspires you and you are eager to bring your passion for Spanish to our vibrant MFL community, we warmly invite you to apply.
Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate. Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community. Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches. Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process. For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email recruitment@surbitonhigh.com
Teacher of Spanish employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Spanish
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, attend local 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 passion for languages! In interviews, share your experiences with language immersion trips or creative lesson plans. Let them see how you can inspire students to love Spanish just as much as you do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle classroom challenges or support diverse learners. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨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 and eager to join our vibrant team at Surbiton High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Spanish
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 Spanish and how you inspire students to engage with the language.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that align with what Surbiton High School is looking for in a Teacher of Spanish.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our vibrant community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Spanish language skills and teaching methodologies. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage students at different levels, from KS3 to A-level, and share examples of successful lessons you've delivered.
✨Show Your Passion for Languages
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching Spanish shine through. Talk about any cultural trips or extracurricular activities you've been involved in that promote language learning, as this aligns with the school's vibrant MFL community.
✨Prepare for Classroom Scenarios
Expect to be asked how you would handle various classroom situations. Think about how you would create an inclusive environment and support learners of all abilities. Have a few strategies ready to demonstrate your approach to fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with Surbiton High School's values and ethos. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their commitment to high standards and safeguarding, and how you would embody their collaborative and proactive approach to school life.