Head of French - Kendrick School

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded grammar school in Reading is looking for a well-qualified Subject Leader of French to drive excellence in language education. The role involves leading a department, fostering a love for the French language, and contributing to an inclusive school community. This exciting opportunity requires an experienced teacher with a vision for the curriculum. Benefits include professional development and supportive work environment.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Training and development

Access to swimming pool and sports facilities

Qualifications

• Must have excellent subject knowledge in French.
• Experience in a leadership role advantageous.
• Ability to teach lower school Latin preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the French department in a successful grammar school.
• Develop and implement innovative curriculum strategies.
• Inspire students to excel in their language studies.

Skills

Inspirational teaching

Creative lesson planning

Leadership skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Full-Time (a minimum of 0.8FTE would be considered)

Graded ‘Outstanding’ in all its OFSTED inspections, Kendrick School is a centre of academic excellence with a track record of high performance and achievement.

Required for January 2026, a well-qualified and enthusiastic Subject Leader of French at this successful 11-18 girls’ grammar school in Reading.

All students study French or German in Year 7 and study both subjects in Years 8 and 9. All students must choose a French or German as a GCSE option and a significant number of students continue to take the subject at A Level. Several students continue to study the subject at prestigious universities.

Kendrick School is a welcoming, inclusive, and happy community, with students who are engaging, cooperative and eager to learn. Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme, free car parking, a contributory pension scheme, training and development and use of the swimming pool and sporting facilities.

This position would suit a teacher who is already a Head of Department or an experienced teacher ready to take on a key departmental leadership position. We are looking for someone who is inspirational, creative and forward thinking to create a vision for French, both within and beyond the classroom. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with energy and vision to join the school. The ability to teach lower school Latin would be an advantage but not essential.

Ofsted Report

“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary both in lessons and around the school. They respect and exemplify the values within the school pledge. Pupils love being here. Attendance is high, pupils are punctual, and lessons are free from any low-level disruption”.

“Pupils respond to teachers’ very high expectations. They enthusiastically engage in debate and discussion and immerse themselves in all that the curriculum offers. They become confident independent learners, achieve exceptionally well and are very well prepared to become exemplary citizens”.

Further details and an application form can be downloaded from the school website or obtained by emailing [e-mail].

• CVS cannot be accepted as a method of application.
• Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 13th October 2025
• Interviews: Friday 17th October 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Kendrick School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure & Barring Service. Kendrick School is an Equal Opportunity employer.