Foreign Language Assistant

We are looking to appoint speakers of French, German, Italian and Spanish to fill 4 voluntary Language Assistant positions, from September 2023 to join a highly successful and motivated department. This could be a fantastic opportunity for an existing member of our school community (relative or friend), who is keen to share their love of their language and culture with very enthusiastic young people.  It may also be a valuable experience for anyone looking to gain experience of working in education. The role has previously helped gain accreditation for Teaching Assistant certified courses and has provided the necessary experience to successfully gain TA positions in other British schools. Equally, it would provide invaluable experience towards gaining a place on a teacher-training programme in the UK or in Europe. The school is situated 25 minutes away from London by public transport, and the area has excellent transport links and is very affordable.

Bexley Grammar School is an oversubscribed, high achieving, coeducational selective school. As an International Baccalaureate world school with excellent resources, a thriving Sixth Form, Specialist College Status in Languages and a wealth of extra-curricular activities, this school provides an exciting and enriching educational experience for all. Language College Status has had a profound impact on the school and all students take two languages at GCSE from a wide range, currently: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. All sixth formers study at least one language for the International Baccalaureate at either Beginner, Standard or Higher level. The Languages department comprises 18 well-qualified subject specialists, all housed in a suite of rooms including specialist language laboratories, and with their own office and individual computers. The department achieves excellent results on a routine basis and contributes significantly to the vibrant extra-curricular life of the school through the many clubs, trips and excursions it delivers. 

This full time position runs from 16th October 2023 to 29th March 2024. It primarily entails delivering sixth form conversation classes. For full details, see the job description and person specification. No previous experience is necessary, although the successful candidate will be well-qualified, dedicated and with an enthusiasm for teaching. Although this is a voluntary position, the school will provide a bursary of £4000 in order to contribute towards accommodation costs and personal expenses during this time, and will provide lunches from the school’s canteen. We have contacts for accommodation at rates that would be well within the bursary amount. The regular school hours of 08:15 - 15:15 would allow the successful volunteer to take on an additional part-time job, such as tutoring, evening classes at the school or work elsewhere for which we would happily provide references. 

It is essential that the successful candidate obtain a passport (not just their ID card) and police record check before commencing the post. 

Further details about the school and an application form are available on the school website (Bexley Grammar School - Vacancies). Please also click on the following links to hear more about the job from our previous language assistants: 

French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSxM2ZvDQco 

German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkmJc5DEClw 

Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8VxXMW3tKU

Italian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmlI1j2qYMA 

Closing date for applications is noon on Friday the 18th of June 2023.

Bexley Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.