Head of Spanish

Our goal is to provide pupils with a rewarding and enjoyable experience of learning at least one language in the hope that they might wish to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired once they leave school, by furthering their language studies at university and using languages in their careers, or simply by practising the language whilst on holiday.

All pupils study two of French, German and Spanish from Year 7. At Key Stage 4 pupils continue with one or two of those languages to GCSE. At all Key Stages there is a strong emphasis on using the target language as frequently as possible in the classroom. Currently, German and French are both pursued to A level, with strong results. In the former language we collaborate with Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls in the delivery of the curriculum. From September 2026, we will also be teaching Spanish as an A level.

Spanish was introduced into the curriculum in 2021 and is very popular. Therefore we are looking for a Spanish specialist (with the ability to teach French) to take the department forward as its first cohort completes GCSE and it becomes an A level option. A range of trips is organised annually by the MFL department. Every June virtually all Year 8 pupils spend a week at a residential centre either in Valencia or on the Cote d’Opale. In addition there is a French exchange for Year 10 pupils to the College Champfleury in Avignon and a German exchange with the Beethoven Gymnasium in Bonn (for Years 9, 10 and 12).

The Modern Languages Department at Skinners’ is made up of five full-time and four parttime teachers. Language assistants regularly support the work of the department.

Language teaching takes place in the Beeby Building, a dedicated suite of classrooms. Each classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboard and other audio-visual equipment; the department has extensive resources. The successful applicant will be an outstanding teacher with excellent subject knowledge. The ability to form good working relationships with colleagues and students is essential.

We want every candidate to have an informed, engaging and positive experience, and to support this we’ve created our Candidate Charter which outlines our commitment to you.

We will:

• provide you with clear, accurate and timely information;
• give you the opportunity to ask questions ‒ and we will ensure you get the answers you need;
• respond to enquiries promptly and usually within 24 hours during the working week;
• adopt a fair and consistent assessment process;
• make sure you have all the documentation and details you need for an interview, well in advance;
• provide you with real insight about what it’s like to be part of our team;
• ensure all offers are fair and equitable; and
• seek feedback on your experience at every opportunity, so we can continue to improve.

In return we ask that you:

• be honest and upfront about your experience, aspirations and motivations;
• provide open and accurate information when submitting an application;
• always give yourself the best opportunity to succeed ‒ research who we are and how we work;
• let us know if situations change in relation to your interest ‒ and help us understand why; and prepare yourself for interview and let us know how we can support you.

Our commitment to you:

Transparency

We will treat you with respect, honesty and fairness

Protecting your privacy

We will ensure your information is secure and handled sensitively

Understanding

You will be given everything you need to make informed decisions

Showcasing talent

We will provide a good opportunity for you to share your skills, experience and potential

Feedback   

We will provide constructive feedback professionally and promptly

Listening

We welcome feedback and we’ll act on what you have to share

Inclusivity

Our hiring decisions align with our commitment to create a high-quality, diverse workforce.

The Skinners’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment in every aspect of their work.

The aims of our Safer Recruitment Procedures are to help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children or are otherwise unsuited to working with them.

What we will provide

All applicants for all vacant posts will be provided with:

• a job profile outlining the duties of the post, including safeguarding responsibilities;
• a person specification which will include a specific reference to suitability to work with children; and
• The Skinners’ School application form

All applicants for employment will be required to complete this application form, containing questions about their academic and full employment history and their suitability for the role.

In addition, all applicants are required to account for any gaps or discrepancies in employment history.

Completed applications should be emailed to the Headmaster’s Secretary, Mrs Wendy Dray at wendy.dray@skinners-school.org.ukThe closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday 3rd March 2025.

Candidates will be invited for interview during the following week. We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications would be welcomed.

Further information about the school and an application form can be found on our website here.