Head of French - Independent School in Southampton

Are you a passionate and experienced French educator ready to take the next step in your career
Do you aspire to lead a thriving Modern Foreign Languages Department in a prestigious independent school

Job Overview

Our client a renowned independent school is seeking an inspirational and experienced Head of French to lead their vibrant department from September 2025. This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance the French curriculum ensuring students from KS3 to KS5 develop a deep appreciation for the language and culture while achieving academic excellence.

As Head of French you will provide strategic leadership mentor a team of dedicated language teachers and foster an environment where students are encouraged to explore and excel in French. Working with a highachieving and motivated student body you will play a key role in maintaining the schools strong tradition of academic excellence and holistic development.

The School

Nestled in a stunning and tranquil setting this prestigious independent school is known for its commitment to intellectual curiosity creativity and wellrounded personal growth. The school fosters a supportive and inclusive community ensuring that both students and staff thrive. With a reputation for exceptional teaching standards and a nurturing approach to education this is an ideal environment for an ambitious Head of Frenchto make a lasting impact.

Parents and the wider community regularly commend the school for its outstanding pastoral care academic rigor and emphasis on student wellbeing. The school offers small class sizes enabling a highly personalized approach to teaching and encourages staff to innovate and inspire through dynamic and engaging lessons.

Why Join This School

The school values its staff and offers a range of benefits to support wellbeing professional development and worklife balance including:

• Leadership Development: Ongoing CPD opportunities and career progression support.
• Employee Wellbeing: Familyfriendly policies flexible working options and a cycletowork scheme.
• Excellent Resources: Access to highquality teaching materials modern technology and a wellequipped language department.
• Supportive and Collaborative Community: A welcoming environment where teaching staff are highly valued and encouraged to flourish.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of French you will:

• Lead inspire and manage the Modern Foreign Languages Department with a focus on excellence in French teaching.
• Oversee curriculum planning assessment and delivery from KS3 to KS5 ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
• Foster a love for the French language and culture promoting high academic standards and student success.
• Mentor and support a team of dedicated language teachers driving professional development and best practices.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance the schools language provision and ensure alignment with its educational vision.
• Organize enrichment activities cultural trips and language immersion experiences to deepen students understanding of French culture.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents students and the wider school community championing the importance of language learning.

Head of French Experience & Qualifications

To be considered for this role you must have:

• A degreelevel qualification in French Modern Languages or a related subject.
• A formal teaching qualification with QTS (e.g. PGCE).
• Proven experience in teaching French at KS3KS5 with a track record of excellent results.
• Previous experience in department leadership or curriculum development (or the ambition and potential to step into a leadership role).
• Exceptional organizational communication and IT skills.
• A visionary approach to modern language education with a passion for inspiring students and teachers alike.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Application

If you are a dynamic and forwardthinking French educatoreager to lead a successful department in an outstanding independent school we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter as soon as possible to be considered for this exceptional leadership opportunity.