Head of Primary Languages - August 2026 start

Reports to: Head of Primary (or designated member of the Primary School Leadership Team

Responsibilities: Lead the development of the Primary Languages curriculum and Japanese Language Pathways, in alignment with BST’s Strategic Direction 2035 and Languages Policy.

Provide professional leadership and support to the Primary Languages team, and collaborate with Secondary Language Heads to ensure a coherent, One School approach.

Work closely with the Head of Asian Languages and Head of European Languages (Secondary) to ensure alignment of language learning across all phases.

Summary

The Head of Languages leads the strategic and operational development of Primary Languages at BST, with a focus on high-quality, inclusive language learning in Japanese and French. This role combines strong pedagogical leadership—particularly in Japanese language acquisition and literacy—with a commitment to collaboration, staff development, and open communication across the school.

The Primary Languages Team comprises seven teachers and one Educational Assistant (EA) - six Japanese teachers and one French teacher. All students learn Japanese, following differentiated pathways (Japanese Language Acquisition, Japanese Language & Literature, or Japanese as a Second Language), while French is introduced from Year 4 as an additional language.

The Head of Languages line manages the Primary Japanese Coordinator, Japanese and French teachers, and Japanese EA. The post holder reports to the Head of Primary (or a designated PSLT member) and works closely with the Heads of Asian and European Languages in the Secondary School to ensure a cohesive, One School approach to language learning. Collaboration with Primary curriculum leaders is also essential to support continuity, progression, and excellence across all year levels.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Outstanding Leadership

• In collaboration with the Primary Languages Team,  provide a clear vision and coherent approach for the effective delivery of Languages across the Primary School, ensuring alignment with best practice in language education and the needs of all learners.

• Lead and continuously develop high-quality teaching and learning to ensure excellent opportunities and outcomes for all students.

• Design and implement a diverse, inclusive, and challenging curriculum and ensure an effective assessment framework is implemented.

• Use relevant data to track student progress, inform teaching and learning, and set appropriate targets.

• Provide regular, evidence-based updates to the Primary School Leadership Team to ensure they are fully informed of achievements, challenges, and areas for development within the department.

• Promote and embed student leadership opportunities within the department

• Lead all members of the Primary Languages Team by fostering a positive, collaborative learning environment.

• Provide regular coaching and constructive feedback that recognises good practice and supports individual progress against ‘Professional Review and Development’ targets and the BST Teacher Framework.

• Effectively delegate responsibilities across the team, including the Primary Japanese Coordinator, ensuring accountability, promoting collective ownership, and monitoring the successful completion of tasks.

• Keep up to date with pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning in Japanese and French, actively implementing them where appropriate, including the delivery of CPD to staff within the department.

• Contribute to whole-school professional development initiatives, particularly in areas related to language teaching and learning

• Ensure all department documentation is accurate, detailed and meaningful especially with regards to external accreditation.

• In collaboration with the Primary Languages Team, lead the creation and ongoing evaluation of the Languages Development Plan, ensuring it makes a meaningful contribution to BST’s Strategic Direction 2035.

• Ensure the department is well resourced, and that the deployment and management of the department budget is effective.

• Ensure that safeguarding principles are embedded in the department’s practices and that all members of the team understand and follow safeguarding and child protection policies.

• Promote an inclusive environment in which all students, regardless of background or ability, can thrive.

Parental Engagement / Community Links

• Foster strong relationships with parents and the wider school community to support and celebrate language learning.

• Lead and participate in language-related events, workshops, or celebrations that promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

• Be an exemplary teacher and lead by example, clearly demonstrating effective planning, teaching organisation, and demanding high standards of attainment and behaviour in all lessons.

• Use evidence-informed strategies to plan and deliver lessons that promote progress and challenge for all students.

• Guide students to reflect on the progress they have made and their emerging needs.

• Give students regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking, and encourage students to respond to the feedback.

• Have a secure knowledge of the relevant subject(s) and curriculum areas, foster and maintain students’ interest in the subject, and address misunderstandings.

• Have high expectations of behaviour and establish a framework for adhering to the BST Way.

• Take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, responding to advice and feedback from colleagues.

Other roles

• Run, or assist in running, extra-curricular and service activities.

• Complete duties around the school as directed by the Primary School Leadership Team

• Attend, and take an active part in, residential curriculum trips

• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.

• Communicate effectively with parents with regards to students’ achievements and well-being.

• Treat students with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect.

• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding in line with school policies and statutory requirements

• Other reasonable requests made by the Head of the Primary School and Senior Leadership Team.

How to Apply

• Please see attached for the full job description, and kindly submit an application via the link provided in the post.

• Closing date for applications: January 4th 2026

• The British School in Tokyo welcomes applications from suitably skilled applicants from all backgrounds.

• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check or International Child Protection Check, and provision of satisfactory background checks for any previous countries of residence.