Director of MFL

REF: SCH-PAT-0573 

The Role 

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced MFL leader to join the Pontefract Academies Trust as Director of Modern Foreign Languages. This unique opportunity will see you leading the MFL departments across two successful secondary schools—Carleton High School and The Kings School. You will be responsible for the strategic development of MFL across the Trust, ensuring high-quality teaching and strong results at both secondary schools.  

This role is perfect for an experienced MFL middle leader who is looking to expand their influence and take the next step in their leadership career, leading a larger team across multiple schools.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Provide strategic leadership for the MFL departments across Carleton High School and The Kings School.  
• Teach Spanish at both schools, demonstrating outstanding classroom practice and a passion for language learning.  
• Drive academic excellence, with a proven track record of securing strong individual and departmental outcomes.  
• Mentor, coach, and inspire MFL staff across both schools to raise standards and outcomes for all students.  

The ideal candidate will:  

• Be an outstanding MFL practitioner, with a focus on Spanish, and a proven record of delivering strong individual student results.  
• Have significant experience in leading and managing a high-performing MFL department, with a demonstrated ability to secure strong outcomes at a departmental level.  
• Be ready for a step up to a more strategic role, with responsibility for developing MFL across two schools within a Trust.  
• Possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.  

About The King’s School and Carleton High School  

As a proud member of Pontefract Academies Trust, The King's School and Carleton High School are renowned for their strong reputation for educational excellence and consistently achieving strong academic results.   

The King’s School, established in 1139, has stood as a pillar of educational excellence for nearly nine centuries, embodying a rich tradition of learning and achievement. Carleton High School, on the other hand, was recognised as the 'Most Improved Secondary School in the North of England,'! Located just two minutes apart, both schools offer a premier learning environment to the young minds of Pontefract and beyond.  

Though The King’s School is rich in history and Carleton High School has a modern edge with a state-of-the-art new build arriving in 2025, both schools share the same ethos. They are not just educational institutions, but caring, high-performing environments where students grow into their best selves, embracing the core values of respect, determination, excellence, and responsibility.  

About Pontefract Academies Trust    

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success.  

What can we offer you?    

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:    

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities.  
• Generous employer pension (Teachers Pension and West Yorkshire Pension Fund).   
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependant on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays).  
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance.    
• Cycle to work scheme.    
• Discounted gym membership    
• Free eyecare via Specsavers   
• Childcare vouchers   
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters).   
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2.   
• Free flu vaccinations.   

Next steps

Please visit the Pontefract Academies Trust website where you can find the Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028.     

We're always thrilled to connect with potential applicants before interviews. If you're curious to learn more or would like to experience the warmth of our wonderful schools through a visit, please feel free to reach out at recruitment@patrust.org.uk or give us a call at 01977 232146.     

Completed application forms should be returned via Face-Ed no later than 10:00am on Thursday 23rd January 2025.  Interviews to be held Wednesday 29th January 2025.   

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.    

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.    

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.