Head of Modern Foreign Languages (VNT8)

Exeter School is the leading co-educational day school in the Southwest, educating over 1,000 pupils aged 3-18. We are looking to appoint a Head of Modern Foreign Languages to join our school, a school of great character, from September 2025. The School seeks an experienced, inspirational and dedicated teacher of French and Spanish to lead this strong and thriving department.

The twin requirements of this position are to be both an excellent teacher of modern foreign languages and to have the ability to drive further innovation and successfully lead the department. It would also be advantageous to be keen to contribute to the broader life of the school through Duke of Edinburgh, cultural, sporting or other extra-curricular activities.

The department aims to make the study of modern foreign languages an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, enabling pupils to develop an interest in, and understanding of, its application in the world in which we live. The department consists of eight teaching staff, three of whom are part time, supporting by a team of three language assistants. Lessons are taught in well-equipped dedicated language classrooms.

The department currently provides specialist subject teaching in French, German and Spanish for pupils in Exeter Junior School as well as for pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 who receive three language lessons per week in up to two languages of their choosing. The courses followed are designed by the department and aim to provide an enhanced coverage of the National Curriculum. The Edexcel GCSE course commences in Year 10 with all pupils required to study at least one language to GCSE level. All receive four lessons per week, and several opt to study a second language alongside the core language requirement. There are typically three classes studying Spanish, two/three learning French and one following German, however, the numbers do vary a little each year. At A level there is typically one class in each language with typical class sizes at this age under 10 pupils. All three languages follow their respective Edexcel courses at this level.

The department has much to celebrate when it comes to public examination results, the most recent details of which may be found on our website. In recent years the department has also has success in the proportion of pupils going on to studying languages at university. Typical destinations comprise a number of competitive universities including Oxbridge. The department also offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities for the pupils such as participation in local, national and international language competitions, visits from various groups, including the Onatti theatre company, and several overseas trips. In recent years the department has led trips to Granada, Nice and Normandy, and the school has had an exchange partnership with a school in Hildesheim Germany for over 50 years.

The modern foreign language department is part of the cultures and communications subject team alongside classical studies (classical civilisation and Latin) and English.

To hear more about the role from our Head, Louise Simpson, please follow the link below to our website:

https://www.exeterschool.org.uk/about-us/working-at-exeter-school/opportunities-to-work-with-us-at-exeter-school/.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 13 February at noon, and early applications are encouraged. We anticipate that interviews will be held on Wednesday 26 February 2025. Applications must include a completed Exeter School application form. For safeguarding purposes, a CV alone is not sufficient. To arrange a discussion about the role please contact hr@exeterschool.org.uk.

The roles will attract a competitive salary as well as generous benefits including employer pension contribution, free school lunch during term time, free on-site parking, discretionary staff discount on school fees and use of indoor swimming pool and fitness suite. 

Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references provided specifically for this post and addressed to the school, and to satisfactory DBS clearance. 

This post falls into the category of Regulated Activity. Exeter School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.