A well-respected and academically ambitious 1118 secondary school in Northampton is seeking an enthusiastic and reflective Early Career Teacher of Spanish to join its thriving Modern Foreign Languages department. The school has a strong reputation for developing early career teachers into confident skilled practitioners through structured mentoring collaborative planning and consistent behaviour systems.
Modern Languages are central to the schools curriculum vision. Spanish is popular at both GCSE and A-Level and uptake has remained strong due to a curriculum that balances linguistic precision with cultural richness. Students are encouraged to see language learning not simply as an academic requirement but as a gateway to global understanding.
The Opportunity for an ECT
This role offers an excellent foundation for a new teacher. You will teach Spanish across Key Stages 3 and 4 with opportunities to observe and support Sixth Form classes as part of your professional development.
The MFL curriculum is carefully sequenced with a strong emphasis on:
Secure phonics and pronunciation from Year 7
Explicit grammar instruction
High-frequency vocabulary retrieval
Structured speaking practice
Clear modelling of written responses
You will not be expected to create schemes of work from scratch. The department shares detailed lesson frameworks knowledge organisers assessment materials and model answers. Planning is collaborative allowing you to focus on refining classroom delivery.
Your ECT programme will include:
A reduced timetable in line with statutory entitlement
Weekly mentoring sessions with an experienced MFL specialist
Instructional coaching focused on behaviour questioning and adaptive teaching
Opportunities to observe strong practitioners across the school
Subject-specific CPD linked to exam board expectations
The Department
The Languages department is stable and well-led with a mix of experienced and early career teachers who collaborate closely. Classrooms are located within a dedicated MFL corridor and are equipped with interactive boards and digital platforms that support listening and speaking practice.
There is a strong culture of language immersion. Teachers use the target language confidently and students are encouraged to respond in Spanish from an early stage. Intervention sessions speaking workshops and GCSE revision clinics are embedded into the departments calendar.
Enrichment is a genuine strength. The school has established exchange links and cultural events and the department runs language clubs and international awareness initiatives.
The School
This Northampton secondary school has a calm orderly environment with clear behaviour expectations. Senior leaders are visible and proactive ensuring that teachers feel supported. Staff describe the culture as structured purposeful and collaborative.
The school has invested in professional development with clear progression routes and leadership opportunities for those who wish to develop further. Data collection is purposeful and streamlined avoiding unnecessary administrative burden.
Facilities include modern teaching blocks a central library space and a well-established Sixth Form centre.
What Youll Bring
QTS (or pending QTS completion) in Spanish or MFL
Strong subject knowledge and confident pronunciation
A willingness to refine classroom practice
High expectations for behaviour and presentation
Enthusiasm for cultural enrichment and language immersion
Why This Is a Strong First Post
Structured and supportive ECT induction
Established and collaborative MFL team
Strong behaviour systems that support new teachers
Shared planning and reduced workload pressures
Clear opportunities for long-term development
This is an outstanding opportunity for a Spanish ECT seeking a school that combines academic ambition with genuine professional support.
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