Walhampton - Head of Modern Foreign Languages (French)

Summary

Walhampton School is seeking an enthusiastic, inspiring and ambitious Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead and develop the teaching of French across our school, from Pre-Prep through to Year 8.

Detail

Your Role

Walhampton School is seeking an enthusiastic, inspiring and ambitious Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead and develop the teaching of French across our school, from Pre-Prep through to Year 8.

This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent classroom practitioner with the vision and enthusiasm to lead a department, inspire a love of languages and cultures, and make a real difference to children's learning.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for developing a challenging, engaging and progressive French curriculum, ensuring that pupils of all abilities are supported and stretched. They will lead and support colleagues, promote high standards of teaching and learning, and help pupils develop the confidence and skills to thrive in their language learning, including preparation for senior school scholarship assessments.

We are looking for someone with excellent subject knowledge, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for teaching languages. Ideally, candidates will hold QTS (or an equivalent qualification) and have relevant teaching experience. Previous leadership experience would be an advantage, although we would also welcome applications from talented teachers ready to take the next step in their careers.

As a member of our teaching community, the successful candidate will also be expected to take an active part in the school's co-curricular programme and contribute enthusiastically to the wider life of Walhampton.

We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, enthusiastic pupils, opportunities for professional development and the chance to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of language teaching at Walhampton.

What You Will Do

1. Lead and develop the teaching of French across Pre-Prep to Year 8, ensuring a coherent and ambitious curriculum that inspires a love of languages and cultures.
2. Deliver engaging and challenging French lessons that support pupils of all abilities and encourage them to achieve their full potential.
3. Lead, motivate and support departmental colleagues, promoting excellent teaching practice and continuous improvement.
4. Monitor pupil progress and use assessment effectively to inform teaching, identify areas for development and maintain high standards.
5. Prepare pupils for senior school entrance and scholarship assessments.
6. Oversee English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision across the school, ensuring pupils receive appropriate support.
7. Bring language learning to life through cultural activities, competitions, educational visits and the annual residential trip to France.
8. Contribute positively to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, building strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed teacher who combines excellent classroom practice with the ambition and vision to develop our Modern Foreign Languages provision. You will be someone who inspires confidence and curiosity in pupils, enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and shares our school values of Kindness, Curiosity and Achievement.

Essential:

1. A degree in French or a closely related subject, with excellent subject knowledge and an understanding of effective language teaching.
2. Successful experience of teaching French to pupils with a range of abilities.
3. The ability to lead, motivate and develop colleagues, with a clear vision for language learning.
4. A strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and pupil progress.
5. Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
6. A commitment to safeguarding, inclusive teaching and contributing to the wider life of a prep school.

Desirable:

1. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
2. Previous subject or departmental leadership experience, or clear potential to take on a leadership role.
3. Experience of teaching in a prep school or similar setting.
4. Experience of preparing pupils for senior school entrance and scholarship assessments.
5. Experience of organising educational visits, cultural activities or residential trips.
6. Evidence of recent and relevant professional development.

Why Walhampton?

1. A supportive and inspiring team in a beautiful setting on the edge of the New Forest.
2. Professional development opportunities to grow in your career.
3. Competitive salary and staff benefits, including:
4. Free lunch during term time.
5. Free tea and coffee.
6. Healthcare cashback plan.
7. Employee Assistance Programme.
8. 24-hour GP access.
9. Free onsite parking.

Apply Today!

It is our preference for candidates to apply by completing our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking 'Apply Now.' Should you prefer to apply offline, an alternative application form is available on request by emailing hr@walhampton.com. Please note that we only accept applications from candidates completing an application form. CVs will not be accepted unless accompanied by an application form. No Agencies Please.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th November 2026 at 09:00am

Date for interviews: Monday 23rd November 2026

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and we reserve the right to close the role upon appointment.

Walhampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with previous employers and an enhanced DBS check.

Documents

• Walhampton-School-Candidate-Information-Brochure-Head of MFL v.07 PDF Document