Head of Languages Faculty

Westholme School, established in 1923, is a successful independent, co-educational school located on the rural outskirts of Blackburn. The school is based across 3 sites, providing a first class education to around 800 pupils, aged 3 - 18 years.

The Post

We seek an experienced, well-qualified, dedicated and inspirational graduate to lead a highly committed MFL Faculty. The successful candidate will join a friendly and supportive team of six staff (and two FLA’s), and would be required to teach across the full age range. A willingness to contribute to co-curricular activities is essential.

Introduction to the Faculty

The Languages Faculty consists of Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Latin and Classics. Students in Year 7 are taught Spanish with a carousel of taster sessions for Mandarin, French, Latin and German. All students continue with Spanish in Year 8 and 9 and can choose to continue with one of the other language options. At GCSE, students are encourage to study at least one language. Although small numbers, languages are consistently taken at A Level and have progressed to study at competitive universities, including Oxbridge.

Co-curricular activities are an essential part of raising the profile of the languages department and creating the linguists of the future. For example, the department hosts a visiting theatre company performing plays in French and Spanish. We also participate in spelling bees and enrichment days/evenings. We are have a number of overseas visits including a German exchange, PGL to France, Valencia and the Costa del Sol, German Christmas markets and in 2016 a trip to Shanghai and Beijing.

The department consists of a Head of Faulty, a Head of Latin and Classics, as well as teachers of French, Spanish and Mandarin. In addition to this, the school has Foreign Language Assistants for German and Spanish.

How to apply:

Please download our Application Information Pack and Application Form here or on our website.

Your completed Application Form with a quality Covering Letter should be sent to the Principal by noon on Monday 9th November.

Interview date: Interviews will be held asap; these may be conducted via Zoom or in person depending on the circumstances.

Applicants who may wish for further details can telephone the Deputy Head (Academic), Miss Francine Smith, on the school number for an informal discussion.

Westholme School is an Equal Opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment by complying with the school’s Safeguarding Policy at all times. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.