Head of French (Maternity)
| Posting date: | 18 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 January 2026 |
| Location: | Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2JP |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | bf7588ac-8a04-4401-b6a1-1fd46a00cb10 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status
Degree or equivalent
Experience
Outstanding classroom teacher and tutor
Sustained performance securing very good student outcomes
The ability to teach French to KS4
The ability to teach French to A-Level
Skills & Knowledge
Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Able to consistently demonstrate effective planning for practical lessons to help support the delivery of outstanding lessons
Confident in own ability to be effective and to take on challenges
Ability to relate well to students, colleagues, parents and Trustees
Effective behaviour management
Able to support students in maintaining high standards
Efficient and effective administrative, organisational and personal management skills
Personal Attributes
Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate
Have a positive approach with a desire to succeed
Energy, enthusiasm and perseverance
Reliability and integrity
Good interpersonal skills
Professional appearance and manner
Positive commitment to individual personal development
Capacity to work hard, under pressure, to meet deadlines and manage time effectively
A good record of attendance
Adaptable and amenable with respect to working practices
Ability to work independently and in a team, take a collaborative approach
Ability to build supportive working relationships with colleagues
Commitment to supporting the full life of the school
Suitable to work with children
To undertake other activities identified from time to time commensurate with the level of the post as determined by your Line Manager or SLT link
To be committed to your own development through the effective use of the School’s CPD processes
To understand your own responsibilities, be committed to and comply with School policies and procedures relating to child protection, health & safety, welfare, security, diversity & equality, confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
To work collaboratively with the wider organisation and act in the interests of the School at all times
To support the delivery of the School’s strategy as it relates to this post
Equal Opportunities
A commitment to inclusive education
What the school offers its staff
Professional Development
Research led CPD programmes, tailored to individual’s aspirations, which are based both in school and across the wider Trust.
A full induction programme for all new staff.
ECT’s will have a lower teaching load, timetabled mentoring sessions and a full programme of training and induction activities.
Unlimited access to the National College CPD platform.
An additional INSET day at the beginning of the academic year dedicated to teacher planning and preparation.
Our “No lesson judgements” policy ensures lesson observations are developmental and supportive.
One INSET day a year dedicated to moderation and curriculum preparation.
Staff Welfare
Data capture that is measured and timely - we report progress home three times a year.
Minimal written reports.
No requirement for teachers to submit lesson plans, even for lesson observations.
Teaching staff are only required to do a maximum of one twenty-minute duty each week.
Supportive yet challenging governance, which understands that teachers are our most valuable resource.
We are a school that appreciates the importance of family. We do our best to support staff when there are issues and requests for additional leave regarding family events and an Additional Leave policy that supports staff when they may need time off school.
A teaching load of 43/50 one-hour periods of teaching per fortnight maximum.
Support
The school calendar is planned in advance across the whole year so people know what is happening and when.
In-house cover supervision team.
A comprehensive pastoral team to help with supporting our students with behaviour and wellbeing.
A highly effective and proactive support staff that play an important role in supporting teaching and learning.
A Marketing, Events and Visits team that are responsible for organising key school events and trips.
Benefits
School budgets are set making the assumption that everybody will get their incremental pay rise.
Cycle to work scheme.
Healthcare cash plan.
Occupational health support.
Priority admission for staff children (see admissions policy on school website).
Employee Discount Scheme (Multiple Retailers – Kent Reward Scheme).
Opportunity to perform paid lunch-time duties (with free lunch).
Free annual flu vaccination.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Free tea and coffee provided in the staff room.
Use of onsite canteen offering hot meals and salad bar.
Opportunities to participate in enrichment activities e.g. theatre visits.
Opportunities for flexible working.
Free on-site parking.
Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme(TPS) or Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS).
Environment
Pleasant working environment with very well-behaved students.
Eleven acres of school grounds set in Green Belt land at Tonbridge Campus.
Further details about the role
Employment Status:Maternity
Full Time/Part Time:Full Time
Salary: MPS/UPS plus TLR2b £6,068 per annum
Start Date: March 2026
About the Post:
The successful candidate will need to be committed to delivering the school’s vision and the high ambitions for the school’s future. Their clear strategic and operational activity leads to sustained improvements and raised standards across the organisation. The Post Holder communicates to others clearly and regularly to their team and those they may work with about the strategic direction of “development and standards” policy and the operational functions for which they are accountable. In addition, they ensure that the systems they introduce are understood and embedded in the every-day work of their subject. The Post Holder seeks to challenge underperformance and remove barriers to inclusion and achievement. They are an outstanding teacher and tutor who consistently models Professional Standards. They actively seek out best practice and inspire others also to continue to improve. The Post Holder actively supports the activities of the school community and the wider community it serves.
The areas of responsibility will include a range of strategic and operational activities. The Post Holder will support by:
• Leading the French department across all relevant key stages.
• Creating and maintaining positive and supportive relationships with students, staff, parents, the PTA, Trustees and all other stakeholders.
• Engaging with appropriate professional development opportunities to promote professional effectiveness in their role.
The Team:
Languages are an important part of the school’s curriculum at the Weald of Kent. Language learning at the Weald of Kent is exciting and engaging. The Languages team consists of a Head of Faculty who also oversees French, a Head of German and a Head of Spanish.
At Key Stage 3, all students learn French, Spanish or German and continue with this language at GCSE. We have an increasing number of students who choose to take a language at A Level, with up to 15 students in each of Year 12 and 13. We have reintroduced German to the curriculum and have a new cohort of students eligible to take A Level German as well. Students follow the AQA specifications in the relevant language at both GCSE and A Level.
Every member in the Languages team plays their part to help provide a large and varied programme of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. We organise a variety of opportunities for our students to visit France, Germany and Spain on cultural trips and we also celebrate all our languages through a series of events throughout the year. Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard as standard and we have invested in a series of digital textbooks.
Application Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026, 9am
Shortlist Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026
Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application. Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.
The School will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the School to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.
This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status
Degree or equivalent
Experience
Outstanding classroom teacher and tutor
Sustained performance securing very good student outcomes
The ability to teach French to KS4
The ability to teach French to A-Level
Skills & Knowledge
Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Able to consistently demonstrate effective planning for practical lessons to help support the delivery of outstanding lessons
Confident in own ability to be effective and to take on challenges
Ability to relate well to students, colleagues, parents and Trustees
Effective behaviour management
Able to support students in maintaining high standards
Efficient and effective administrative, organisational and personal management skills
Personal Attributes
Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate
Have a positive approach with a desire to succeed
Energy, enthusiasm and perseverance
Reliability and integrity
Good interpersonal skills
Professional appearance and manner
Positive commitment to individual personal development
Capacity to work hard, under pressure, to meet deadlines and manage time effectively
A good record of attendance
Adaptable and amenable with respect to working practices
Ability to work independently and in a team, take a collaborative approach
Ability to build supportive working relationships with colleagues
Commitment to supporting the full life of the school
Suitable to work with children
To undertake other activities identified from time to time commensurate with the level of the post as determined by your Line Manager or SLT link
To be committed to your own development through the effective use of the School’s CPD processes
To understand your own responsibilities, be committed to and comply with School policies and procedures relating to child protection, health & safety, welfare, security, diversity & equality, confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
To work collaboratively with the wider organisation and act in the interests of the School at all times
To support the delivery of the School’s strategy as it relates to this post
Equal Opportunities
A commitment to inclusive education
What the school offers its staff
Professional Development
Research led CPD programmes, tailored to individual’s aspirations, which are based both in school and across the wider Trust.
A full induction programme for all new staff.
ECT’s will have a lower teaching load, timetabled mentoring sessions and a full programme of training and induction activities.
Unlimited access to the National College CPD platform.
An additional INSET day at the beginning of the academic year dedicated to teacher planning and preparation.
Our “No lesson judgements” policy ensures lesson observations are developmental and supportive.
One INSET day a year dedicated to moderation and curriculum preparation.
Staff Welfare
Data capture that is measured and timely - we report progress home three times a year.
Minimal written reports.
No requirement for teachers to submit lesson plans, even for lesson observations.
Teaching staff are only required to do a maximum of one twenty-minute duty each week.
Supportive yet challenging governance, which understands that teachers are our most valuable resource.
We are a school that appreciates the importance of family. We do our best to support staff when there are issues and requests for additional leave regarding family events and an Additional Leave policy that supports staff when they may need time off school.
A teaching load of 43/50 one-hour periods of teaching per fortnight maximum.
Support
The school calendar is planned in advance across the whole year so people know what is happening and when.
In-house cover supervision team.
A comprehensive pastoral team to help with supporting our students with behaviour and wellbeing.
A highly effective and proactive support staff that play an important role in supporting teaching and learning.
A Marketing, Events and Visits team that are responsible for organising key school events and trips.
Benefits
School budgets are set making the assumption that everybody will get their incremental pay rise.
Cycle to work scheme.
Healthcare cash plan.
Occupational health support.
Priority admission for staff children (see admissions policy on school website).
Employee Discount Scheme (Multiple Retailers – Kent Reward Scheme).
Opportunity to perform paid lunch-time duties (with free lunch).
Free annual flu vaccination.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Free tea and coffee provided in the staff room.
Use of onsite canteen offering hot meals and salad bar.
Opportunities to participate in enrichment activities e.g. theatre visits.
Opportunities for flexible working.
Free on-site parking.
Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme(TPS) or Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS).
Environment
Pleasant working environment with very well-behaved students.
Eleven acres of school grounds set in Green Belt land at Tonbridge Campus.
Further details about the role
Employment Status:Maternity
Full Time/Part Time:Full Time
Salary: MPS/UPS plus TLR2b £6,068 per annum
Start Date: March 2026
About the Post:
The successful candidate will need to be committed to delivering the school’s vision and the high ambitions for the school’s future. Their clear strategic and operational activity leads to sustained improvements and raised standards across the organisation. The Post Holder communicates to others clearly and regularly to their team and those they may work with about the strategic direction of “development and standards” policy and the operational functions for which they are accountable. In addition, they ensure that the systems they introduce are understood and embedded in the every-day work of their subject. The Post Holder seeks to challenge underperformance and remove barriers to inclusion and achievement. They are an outstanding teacher and tutor who consistently models Professional Standards. They actively seek out best practice and inspire others also to continue to improve. The Post Holder actively supports the activities of the school community and the wider community it serves.
The areas of responsibility will include a range of strategic and operational activities. The Post Holder will support by:
• Leading the French department across all relevant key stages.
• Creating and maintaining positive and supportive relationships with students, staff, parents, the PTA, Trustees and all other stakeholders.
• Engaging with appropriate professional development opportunities to promote professional effectiveness in their role.
The Team:
Languages are an important part of the school’s curriculum at the Weald of Kent. Language learning at the Weald of Kent is exciting and engaging. The Languages team consists of a Head of Faculty who also oversees French, a Head of German and a Head of Spanish.
At Key Stage 3, all students learn French, Spanish or German and continue with this language at GCSE. We have an increasing number of students who choose to take a language at A Level, with up to 15 students in each of Year 12 and 13. We have reintroduced German to the curriculum and have a new cohort of students eligible to take A Level German as well. Students follow the AQA specifications in the relevant language at both GCSE and A Level.
Every member in the Languages team plays their part to help provide a large and varied programme of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. We organise a variety of opportunities for our students to visit France, Germany and Spain on cultural trips and we also celebrate all our languages through a series of events throughout the year. Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard as standard and we have invested in a series of digital textbooks.
Application Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026, 9am
Shortlist Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026
Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application. Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.
The School will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the School to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.
This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.