Head of French

We are looking to appoint a well-qualified, enthusiastic and experienced Head of French for this academically selective school, from 1st January 2025. An April 2025 start may be possible for the right candidate. 

Candidates must have experience of teaching French to A Level and have the breadth and depth of subject knowledge required to mentor Oxbridge candidates. The ability to offer German or Spanish to GCSE would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

§ leading a team of six (four teachers, including the Head of Department, and two native level language assistants who will join in October).

§ promoting the highest standards of teaching and learning within the department;

§ implementing quality assurance procedures to ensure that the pupils achieve the best possible outcomes;

§ generating opportunities for pupils to put their language learning into context, by organising cultural or exchange visits to French-speaking countries. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. No experience of working in the independent sector is required; however, a willingness to participate in the wider life of the school with pastoral care duties and help with co-curricular activities is essential. 

Early applications are most welcome; depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to bring the closing date and interviews forward.

Modern Languages at KEHS

Modern languages are popular at KEHS. All girls in the Thirds (Year 7) study French; girls in the Lower Fourth (Year 8) study two languages from a choice of French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, continuing with both languages until the end of the Upper Fourth (Year 9). All pupils must take at least one modern language to GCSE; approximately one third of each year group opts for a modern language at A Level. We offer the AQA specifications for all public examinations

Examination results in French are consistently very high: in 2024, 93% of girls achieved grades 7-9 in GCSE; at A Level, 6 out of the 7 candidates achieved an A*. Each year, girls go on to study languages at top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge..

Equal emphasis is given to the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking and colleagues are supported by Foreign Language Assistants in all languages, who help students develop their communication skills in the target language. The department aims to stimulate independent learning and intellectual curiosity. Our languages teachers are committed, passionate and keen to embrace new initiatives; several are dual linguists.

The French Department runs regular trips: Year 8 pupils visit Normandy and Brittany, with all cultural visits and activities conducted in French by native level speakers; Year 10 pupils take part in a study trip to Nice; and A Level students are given the opportunity to take part in a study trip to Brussels.