Head of Modern Foreign Languages

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby Senior School was founded in 2015 and is a member of the Inspired Education Group of Schools. There are approximately 450 boys on roll, all of whom study at least one language for 5 years and we regularly add at least 0.5 of a grade Value Added at both IGCSE and A Level. Our students achieve grades that allow them to gain places at top UK universities such as; Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Durham and UCL and universities abroard such as the University of Chicago, Georgetown, Princeton, Bocconi in Milan and the IE Business School Madrid. 

At Wetherby Senior School we seek to employ highly professional teachers with the ability and commitment to enhance the life of the School and to work effectively and collaboratively with all members of the School community to further establish and develop the School. Our emphasis on educating the whole boy means that all members of staff are expected to contribute to the pastoral care of a group of students as a Form Tutor as well as contributing to the School’s co-curricular activities.

Wetherby Senior School are now looking for a head of MFL to join them from September 2026. The post represents an exciting opportunity for a teacher with the necessary vision and ambition to help the School offer a first rate academic education for boys.  As a teacher at Wetherby Senior you will have the opportunity to build your experience, working with a team of specialists and to develop the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages in interesting and innovative ways, with the support of two Heads of Language. Teaching staff at Wetherby Senior School have experience of teaching in both the maintained and independent sectors and colleagues looking to move into independent education are warmly encouraged to apply.

Applications are invited for the role of Head of Modern Foreign Languages, encompassing the leadership of one of French, German or Spanish as well.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to the responsibility of a teacher, as a Head of MFL, the successful applicant will be expected to take:

• Responsibility for leading the MFL Department, including  overseeing line management of all MFL staff.
• Responsibility for managing the curriculum in one of German, French or Spanish, including developing and reviewing schemes of work and monitoring their use by staff.
• Responsibility for managing the staff in the department, including induction programmes for new staff, arranging observations and providing constructive feedback.
• Responsibility for managing the pupils being taught in the department, including fostering high standard of academic work, effective use of pupil tracking data and supporting university applications.
• Responsibility for the administration of the department including producing and reviewing the department handbook, development plan and ensuring the department is ready for inspection. 
• An effective contribution to the pastoral care of the School
• An effective contribution to the co-curricular programme
• Attend staff meetings, whole school staff training, parents’ evening and any other functions as required by the Headmaster or Deputy Heads.
• Fulfil personal requirements where appropriate with regard to school policies and procedures, particularly safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities, customer care and promotion of the School’s core values.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Suitable candidates will have:

• The proven ability to teach French, Spanish or German to A level
• The ability to teach a second language from the languages taught at Wetherby to at least to KS3
• The ability to inspire others and lead by example.
• Outstanding subject knowledge, academic qualifications and the ability to communicate their enthusiasm.
• The ability to deliver dynamic and effective lessons to the full ability range of pupils at the School.
• Experience of successful management of or within an academic department.
• Highly effective communication skills for dealing with all members of the School community.
• A commitment to pastoral care and the welfare and safeguarding of pupils.
• Interests and abilities that can enhance the School’s co-curricular programme.
• Excellent inter-personal skills.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM

Please download and complete our Inspired Application Form and submit alongside your CV.

Inspired Academic Teaching Application Form

Full JD - Head of MFL