Head of Learning - MFL

LeighAcademiesTrust; Rainham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teacher Pension Scheme

TLR

24/7 access to a free virtual GP

Collaborative MAT network

LAT benefits

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Leigh Academy Rainham, part of Leigh Academies Trust, invites applications for Head of Learning - MFL to lead the Modern Foreign Languages department from April 2027. This role offers a clear leadership path for an experienced teacher looking to shape curriculum, pedagogy and outcomes across the academy.

You will inspire students and colleagues, develop a strategic vision for language learning, and ensure a curriculum that is engaging, ambitious and inclusive.

Qualifications

• Experience leading department and shaping curriculum at scale.
• Ability to lead, develop and support a team.
• Must be able to teach Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Lead the MFL department and shape strategic direction across the academy.
• Influence how the subject is taught to improve outcomes for students.
• Work with staff to develop engaging, ambitious, and inclusive language provision.

Skills

Leadership

MFL

Spanish

Job description

MPS/UPS (England & Wales) + TLR + Teacher Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Leigh Academy Rainham is looking for a Head of Learning - MFL to lead our department from April 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role, shaping the strategic direction of Modern Foreign Languages and influencing how the subject is taught across the academy.

We are a successful and growing school, seeking a talented practitioner who can maintain high standards, inspire both students and colleagues, and ensure a curriculum that is engaging, ambitious and relevant. Please note that the ability to teach Spanish is an essential requirement for this role.

We are looking for an experienced educator with a strong track record in the classroom and the ability to lead, develop and support a team. In return, we will provide the professional support, autonomy and resources needed to thrive in the role and make a lasting impact on students' outcomes and experiences.

Why join us?

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven school
• Work in a modern, purpose-built learning environment
• Join a team that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth
• Receive high-quality training and development through Leigh Academies Trust

Plus, enjoy great staff benefits, including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service
• Wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives
• Free onsite parking

Working with us at Leigh Academy Rainham

Since opening our doors in September 2021 to our first 180 students, Leigh Academy Rainham has quickly become a sought-after, oversubscribed school for ages 11–18. We’re on a mission to inspire every learner, nurturing curiosity, compassion and ambition through a rich, challenging curriculum and a deeply inclusive culture.

Our close-knit community thrives on collaboration, human-scale education, and strong pastoral care - ensuring every student feels known, valued, and supported. We partner closely with families to help our young people flourish as confident, culturally aware leaders of tomorrow.

Working in a brand-new school is a unique adventure. We’re seeking staff with drive, creativity, and a can-do spirit, ready to shape an exceptional academic and co-curricular offer from day one. Bring your skills, talents - and your sense of humour - and be part of something extraordinary.

Click here to find out more about Leigh Academy Rainham.

Applying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Grace Upton (Recruitment Coordinator): [e-mail] / 01634 412 273.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.