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Head of Modern Foreign Languages

Job details

Required September 2026

About the Role

St Mary’s is seeking an outstanding leader of Modern Foreign Languages to inspire and guide our experienced team of practitioners. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, passionate, and innovative language specialist to play a central role in shaping the future of our MFL provision.

The school currently offers French at KS3 and KS4, with a strong take-up and excellent student engagement. Leaders and governors are keen to expand the MFL offer for future cohorts, and the successful candidate will be instrumental in designing and delivering this growth.

You will join a talented team of middle leaders, working collaboratively to support whole-school improvement and contribute to a culture of high aspiration.

The successful candidate will bring creativity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a love of languages in all pupils.

Why Join St Mary’s?

• A Catholic community educating its pupils in the gospel values and where the contribution that all staff bring is valued.
• Outstanding (Ofsted, Dec 2024): A school recognised for excellence and high standards.
• Oversubscribed: A popular school with a strong reputation and committed community.
• Purpose-built MFL facilities: Modern, well-equipped classrooms designed to support exceptional language learning.
• Strong partnership and association with Heart of Mercia Trust: Offering support, collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth.
• A positive culture where students value language learning.
• Expanding enrichment offer: A school keen to broaden trips, visits, and cultural experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Catholic ethos and values of St Mary’s are positively promoted through leadership, relationships, and the wider curriculum.
• To lead and inspire an established team of MFL practitioners.
• To oversee curriculum design, assessment, and development across the department.
• To drive consistently high-quality teaching and learning.
• To monitor support and report on pupil progress and attainment at KS3 and KS4 in MFL.
• To implement strategies to raise standards and achievement.
• To lead on expanding the languages curriculum in line with the school aspirations.
• To enhance the department’s enrichment and extracurricular offer, including trips and visits.
• Manage the department budget, resources and oversee examination processes.
• Contribute to whole-school development as part of the school’s wider leadership team.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to supporting and promoting the Catholic ethos of the school, contributing positively to its mission and values.
• Is an exceptional classroom practitioner with strong pupil outcomes.
• Has a clear vision for the growth and development of languages.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
• Can inspire both colleagues and pupils through enthusiasm, expertise, and high expectations.
• Values enrichment, cultural experiences, and global learning opportunities.

What We Offer

•  A supportive, experienced, and forward-thinking MFL department.
• Opportunities to shape the future of languages at an oversubscribed, Outstanding school.
• High-quality CPD and leadership development both within the school and via our association with the Heart of Mercia Trust.
• Excellent facilities and resources in purpose-built teaching spaces.
• An enthusiastic student body and a culture that celebrates academic ambition.

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with KCSIE. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job 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.

All documents relating to this post can be accessed through the school’s website under Contact Us > Vacancies.

How to Apply

Please submit completed application forms and supporting statement to cbryan@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your application.

For more information contact

T: 01432 850416

E: cbryan@st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk

 

Hoople Ltd is working on behalf of our Client as a Recruitment Agency.