Head of Modern Foreign Languages

We are seeking a full time Head of Modern Foreign Languages from September 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the modern languages department at St Paul's Girls' School. Previous experience of leading a single language or a languages department is desirable. The candidate should have excellent academic qualifications relevant to this post and demonstrable interest in the history, culture and literature of other countries, as well as experience of travel or life there. S/he will want to work closely with other colleagues in this large and lively department to develop pupils' linguistic skills and understanding of other traditions.

Essential:

• Ability to teach very able students to university entrance level in at least one language. The ability to teach a second language to GCSE would be an advantage.
• An innovative and imaginative approach to language teaching, showing the capability to deliver inspirational and informative lessons to a variety of age ranges and abilities.
• Genuine enthusiasm for teaching and a commitment to fostering a love of learning among students.
• Dedication to the educational development and well-being of students, striving to inspire them to reach their full potential.

Desirable:

• A proven track record of teaching French to A level.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT capability and a knowledge of software applications relevant to the subject.
• Flexibility, energy and enthusiasm.

The school places great importance on the pastoral care of its pupils and each girl has a personal tutor with whom she meets on a daily basis. You will be expected to become a tutor and to keep an interested, but unobtrusive, eye on the progress and well-being of your tutees and work closely with other tutors, the heads of year and the Deputy Head Pastoral to create a supportive and encouraging environment in which our girls are able to flourish.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to play a full part in the varied co-curricular life of the school and to share in the running and organisation of co-curricular activities, many of which take place outside of the normal school hours and sometimes during the holidays. They should expect to accompany at least one foreign trip per year.

Many activities are increasingly conducted in partnerships with local schools. The department is fully committed to a whole school approach to improving sustainability, environmental awareness and to greater inclusion and diversity both within our curriculum and community.

The school

St Paul's Girls' School is one of the country's leading independent schools for girls aged 11-18, with approximately 840 students. It is an extraordinary school, offering a classical yet forward-thinking education, rooted in a love of academic discovery and enriched by a broad co-curricular programme, nurturing wellbeing provision and a strong commitment to partnerships and community initiatives. Aspirations and achievements go well beyond what one would normally expect from a school, making St Paul's Girls' School an exciting, lively, and stimulating place in which to work.

Students want to make a difference, and many go on to roles tackling some of the greatest challenges facing people and planet. Respect for environmental sustainability is expected of all staff, both in terms of minimising use of resources in daily operations and supporting the school's aim of preparing students fully for life and work in the mid-21st century.

Full details of the school, including our curriculum and public exam results, are available on our website.

Further information about the role and to apply can be found on our website.

Please submit your applications before the closing date. Applications will not be considered without a completed application form. Please use your own words when writing your supporting statement. While we are a digitally forward-looking school, we are mindful of the importance of authenticity in education and would far prefer to hear your unique voice through any application you may choose to make.

We recommend that candidates apply as soon as possible since applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and overseas police checks

St Paul's Girls' School is a "registered body" under the Police Act 1997 because employment here involves access to children under the age of 18. This post will require an enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) before we can confirm an offer of employment. Unless you are a member of the DBS Update Service you will need to apply for a new disclosure, even if you already hold one. Former members of staff who are not on the Update Service who re-join us also require fresh disclosures, unless less than three months have passed between their leaving and their re-employment date. If you have lived or worked abroad for a period of 3 months or more during the past 10 years you will also need to provide appropriate paperwork, such as a police certificate of good conduct, from the countries you have lived in.

Safeguarding guidelines

St Paul's Girls' 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 and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We expect all staff to share this commitment.

St Paul's Girls' School welcomes applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our pupil intake. We seek to offer fair and inclusive employment policies, interview and arrangements that avoid bias and support all applicants and staff equally.

Closing date: 05 February 2026.