training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Job Title: Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
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.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate linguist looking to take the next definitive step in your leadership career, we want to hear from you.
To register your interest, request the full information pack, or arrange a confidential discussion about the role, please submit your CV via the apply link.
We are managing this search on an interim, confidential basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
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