Director of Languages

This is a brand-new post, and a unique opportunity for a linguist with experience of educational leadership (perhaps, although not necessarily, as a Head of Department) who is ready for a new challenge, overseeing the design and delivery of an exciting Modern Languages curriculum to rival the very best schools in the country and instil lifelong enthusiasm for languages amongst our pupils. The whole-school remit has been deliberately designed to make it an ideal platform for the successful candidate to progress to senior leadership (e.g. Deputy Headship or Headship) at some of the country’s best schools in due course. When appointed, the postholder will be one of the most senior academic leaders employed by Bedford School, reflecting the importance of the post and the importance of languages to our school’s educational offer. 

An introduction to languages at Bedford

Bedford School is ambitious to become one of the best schools in the country for teaching languages. We are a boarding and day school that is firmly globally minded, with a curriculum deliberately designed to reflect (and celebrate) the diversity of our pupil roll (with over twenty nationalities represented in our boarding community). We offer both the International Baccalaureate and A-Levels in our Sixth Form: at IB, we offer French, Spanish and German as a second language, Spanish and Mandarin ab initio, and German to native speakers. French, German and Spanish are offered at A-Level and GCSE; A Level and GCSE Mandarin is offered to suitably qualified native level speakers. The Modern Languages department works closely with a large team of EAL specialists and a thriving Classics department. Pupils in our Prep School study French for two periods a week from when they arrive in Year 3; from Year 6, they also study Latin, and then from Y7 pick up two periods of Spanish and German (on a half yearly rotation.) 

An illustration of the level of enthusiasm for languages amongst our community can be found in our recent Languages Project. Facilities for language teaching are extensive across both Prep and Upper sites, alongside offices and dedicated space for three Foreign Language Assistants. Class sizes are typically far lower than the maintained sector across all key stages, better enabling our teachers to develop excellent relationships with our children, getting to know them as individuals. 

The postholder will oversee languages provision across our 7-18 age range, leading a team of experienced and ambitious teachers to create an exciting, coherent and challenging curriculum from Year 3 to Year 13. We have created an all-through role because we are keen to ensure a seamless transition from Prep to Upper schools, and to develop ever stronger links between teachers in the two parts of the school. 

The postholder’s team will include a Head of Prep School Languages and a second in charge of Upper School Languages, plus at least one other Head of Language in the Senior School. 

The ideal candidate

Experience of teaching across the 7-18 age range is desirable, although not essential; what is essential, however, is enthusiasm for the potential of an all-through offer, and a clear vision for an exciting curriculum that instils lifelong enthusiasm for languages amongst our boys. Experience of the independent sector and/or a boarding environment is not essential; each year, Bedford School welcomes teachers from the state and independent sectors in England, and from some of the world’s best international schools, and we value the experience that they bring. What is essential, however, is an enthusiasm to build on the many strengths of our unique school community to create an exceptional languages offer for our pupils. 

Our ideal candidate will have outstanding interpersonal skills: someone who can foster effective cooperation and collaboration amongst the team, develop high levels of trust, and develop our provision in a way that values and celebrates each of our teachers’ many strengths. Above all, what we are looking for from our new Director of Languages is an excellent understanding of what outstanding languages teaching and learning looks like, and a clear vision for how to realise it in our school.

The postholder will have the vision, clarity of purpose and determination to get the best from their large and experienced team. They will be a first-rate teacher, able to develop the highest standards of teaching amongst their departmental colleagues. They will be a first-rate manager able to identify the strengths of their teachers, celebrate their success, and bring out the best in them. They will be a first-rate communicator with a keen eye for detail and ability to pre-empt issues before they arise. They will have the interpersonal skills to make the most of opportunities for collaboration between colleagues, and the capacity to unite their team around an exciting and compelling vision for language teaching at Bedford School.

We have the resources to create one of the most successful languages departments in the country; we now need an exceptional leader to realise our potential. 

We offer a bespoke induction programme for all new teaching staff at Bedford; each year, new teachers join the school from posts teaching in the state and independent sectors in the UK and internationally. We run a specific induction programme for all new academic leaders, drawing on professional development programmes designed centrally by the Harpur Trust. Our Languages department is thriving and ambitious with a very experienced team of teachers and we are excited to expand the team with this new post.  

Full-time teachers at Bedford are also expected to play a full part in the extensive cocurricular programme and be a Tutor attached to a boarding or day house. We welcome applications from all language specialists, and from all backgrounds, to provide good role models for our global students. Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the school for interview on the advertised date for a lesson observation, a tour of the school and interviews. The Deputy Head (Academic) Luke Rogers would be happy to talk to prospective applicants and can be contacted on 01234 362200 or email lrogers@bedfordschool.org.uk. Candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. 

Closing date: Friday 17th February 9.00am

Interview date: Thursday 23rd February

Further details and a link to our recruitment portal, where you can apply using our online application form, can be found on our website:

www.bedfordschool.org.uk/about-us/career-opportunities/

The Harpur Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and other checks.

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.