Head of Italian

CHARTERHOUSE; Godalming; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Godalming seeks a dynamic Head of Italian for a part-time role. Responsibilities include leading the Modern Languages Department and teaching Italian within the IB Diploma Programme. Candidates should have a relevant degree, teaching qualifications, and a passion for Italian culture. The school offers professional development, an inclusive community, and generous benefits. Apply by 12 noon on January 21, 2026, through the school's website.

Benefits

Pension

Private medical insurance

School fee remission

On-site parking

Sports facilities

Free lunches

Qualifications

• Good Honours degree relevant to teaching Italian; a teaching qualification is desirable.
• Native or near-native fluency in Italian with a genuine passion for Italian culture.
• Proven outstanding teaching ability, preferably with experience teaching IB Diploma courses.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Italian provision within the Modern Languages Department.
• Develop and implement an engaging curriculum for Italian.
• Promote pupil engagement through cultural activities and trips.

Skills

Fluency in Italian

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Good Honours degree relevant to teaching Italian

Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE)

Tools

Educational technology

Job description

Overview

Location: Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey

Start Date: September 2026

Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE), Permanent

About Charterhouse

Charterhouse is a prestigious coeducational independent school set on a stunning 250-acre campus in Surrey. Founded in 1611, we provide a world-class, future-ready education rooted in kindness and belonging. Our welcoming and diverse community inspires academic excellence and personal growth, empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

The Role

We seek a dynamic and committed Head of Italian to lead our thriving Modern Languages Department. This part-time role (0.5 FTE) focuses on teaching Italian within the IB Diploma Programme, including Italian Ab Initio and Italian A: Language and Literature (for native speakers). The successful candidate will sustain our record of high-quality teaching, develop an ambitious and engaging curriculum, and promote the importance and excitement of Italian across the school community.

As Head of Italian, you will inspire and support a passionate team, oversee curriculum delivery, and contribute to the department’s continued growth in a vibrant multilingual environment. An expanded role may be available for candidates who also teach GCSE in another language.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Italian provision within the Modern Languages Department, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Develop and implement an engaging curriculum for Italian aligned with national and international IB standards.
• Oversee Italian course organisation, pupil setting, exam entries, resources, and contribute to departmental administration and budgeting.
• Support and mentor staff, including part-time and newly appointed colleagues.
• Promote pupil engagement through cultural activities, trips abroad, language societies, and enrichment programs.
• Contribute to whole-school academic and pastoral life, acting as a Tutor attached to a boarding house.
• Ensure health, safety, and safeguarding compliance within all departmental activities.
• Maintain strong links with feeder schools and the wider language-learning community.

Person Specification

• Good Honours degree relevant to teaching Italian; a teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE) is desirable.
• Native or near-native fluency in Italian with a genuine passion for Italian culture.
• Proven outstanding teaching ability, preferably with experience teaching IB Diploma courses and native speakers.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with ability to inspire pupils and colleagues alike.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Well-developed pastoral instincts and commitment to pupil wellbeing.
• Proficient use of educational technology and innovative teaching resources.
• Willingness to contribute to co-curricular activities, including trips and language events.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, co-educational environment.

Why Join Charterhouse?

• Join a world-class independent school known for academic excellence and innovation.
• Be part of a supportive, inclusive community valuing kindness, belonging, and individual potential.
• Benefit from excellent professional development and generous staff packages including pension, private medical insurance, school fee remission (subject to eligibility), on-site parking, sports facilities, and free lunches.
• Participate fully in the rich academic, pastoral, and co-curricular life of the school.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website by 12 noon on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, completing the online application and uploading your CV. Early applications are encouraged. Successful candidates will be subject to child protection and criminal record screening.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Patricia Aguado de la Fuente, Head of Modern Languages, at [e-mail].

Charterhouse is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Contact

Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX

Tel: [phone] | Email: [e-mail]

Website: charterhouse.org.uk