Teacher of MFL (Spanish & French)

Summary

The King's School, Gloucester is seeking an inspiring and high-achieving teacher to join its MFL Department, teaching Spanish to pupils from beginners in Year 7 through to KS5; the ability to also teach French to KS3/4 would be an advantage.

Detail

Required: As soon as possible

Reporting to: Head of MFL

Hours: Full Time

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Thursday 15th January

The Role

The King’s School, Gloucester is seeking to appoint an inspiring and high-achieving teacher to join its MFL Department, teaching Spanish to pupils from beginners in Year 7 through to KS5; the ability to also teach French to KS3/4 would be an advantage. The successful candidate will have a genuine enthusiasm for their language(s) and, through excellent teaching, will be able to instil a love of the subject in their pupils, shaping learning of MFL into an enriching linguistic journey.

The School

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

The Department

In today’s world, we believe all pupils should have the opportunity to study a Modern Foreign Language, and we are fortunate to be able to provide this opportunity in an inspirational setting overlooking the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.

The Modern Foreign Languages Department at King’s aims to make students proficient in the use of two languages: French and Spanish. This involves not only linguistic competence, but also an understanding of different cultures; as such, we actively encourage participation in events, competitions, clubs and overseas trips. Our schemes of work look to teach beyond the confines of the specifications, and inspirational teaching brings languages to life.

In their first year, all pupils learn both French and Spanish. As they progress through the curriculum, they may choose to carry on one or both languages to GCSE and beyond. By the end of the course, our objective is for all students to communicate effectively in the target language and appreciate the countries and cultures in which it is spoken. Visits abroad provide a practical opportunity to use their language skills; every year, Second Form (Year 8) pupils attend an activity and language course in Normandy; every other year, Third Form (Year 9) through to Upper Sixth (Year 13) pupils can join us on a trip to Spain and/or France.

Main Duties

• First class, innovative teaching in a manner appropriate to pupils' ages and abilities;
• Promoting the importance of MFL in a modern world, in order to increase uptake at GCSE and A-Level;
• Assessing and recording pupils' progress in accordance with departmental and School policies;
• Attending and contributing to departmental meetings;
• Developing and sharing teaching and learning resources;
• Monitoring the work and progress of pupils, including those with specific learning needs;
• Maintaining professional skills through INSET and our Continuing Professional Development programme;
• Contributing to the construction, monitoring and delivery of a teaching programme for your subject area at KS3, KS4 & KS5;
• Contributing to the coordination of the setting and marking of trial exams at KS5 and KS4;
• Promoting the awareness of relevant career opportunities and experiences for pupils;
• Helping to organise appropriate extracurricular opportunities and experiences (e.g. educational trips) to enhance the enrichment and learning of students in your subject area, and also contributing to the provision of the general extra-curricular programme of the MFL department;
• Helping to initiate and promote links with The King’s Junior School, other schools and educational organisations where appropriate;
• Contributing to the extra-curricular life of the School through the Activities and Academic Enrichment Programme or other appropriate commitment;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Taking part in the pastoral life of the School as a Form Tutor or Cover Tutor;
• Any other tasks or responsibilities that may reasonably be assigned by the Deputy Head (Academic) or Headmaster.

Personal Profile

• A degree related to MFL or native proficiency in one of the languages offered at King’s;
• Experience of teaching and raising attainment at KS3-5;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, the School and the pupils;
• Forward-thinking approach and dynamic, effective teaching strategies that engage all learners;
• Initiative and resourcefulness, able to produce excellent lesson sequences;
• Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
• Willing to undertake further professional development;
• Further post-graduate qualifications and experience relating to MFL are desirable.

Salary

The King’s School offers its own salary scale, details of which can be discussed at interview. The salary will be commensurate with the significance of this role in a leading HMC school and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Timetable, Induction and Training

The School operates a ten-day timetable cycle, consisting of 60 periods. Full-time members of staff teach 48 periods per cycle. Early Career Teachers (ECTs) receive a reduced timetable in their first two years for training and induction. Applicants without formal teaching qualifications will be considered for this position. The King’s School has a strong record of training and developing teachers in situ, and there are opportunities for further development at every level.

King’s supports unqualified teachers in achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the Post Graduate Certificate of Education qualification whilst working at the School, and the School is fully accredited to participate in the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel ECT Programme. ECTs are provided with a comprehensive induction and mentoring programme which supports them in achieving Qualified Teacher Status.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES or by submitting a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th January at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 15th January. However, early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing date, if appropriate. Candidates are advised that the School is on Christmas break from Monday 15th December to Friday 2nd January inclusive; applications received during this period may experience a slight delay in their acknowledgement.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.

Documents

• Application Form - Teaching Role DOCX Document
• King's Recruitment 2025 PDF Document
• Teacher of MFL - December 2025 PDF Document