Teacher of French and Spanish

Upper School. Start Date: January 2026

This post is to cover a maternity leave but we will consider a permanent appointment.

The Perse School, founded in 1615, is one of the country’s leading co-educational independent day schools and a charitable company educating around 1,700 children aged 3- 18.

The school provides an exceptional education which is both traditional and innovative, ambitious and caring, understanding and structured, industrious and fun. Located in Cambridge, it comprises three schools, the Pelican (3-7), the Prep (7-11) and the Upper (11- 18), with a franchise in Singapore newly opened in January 2025.

The MFL Department

The Perse Modern Foreign Languages department comprises a wonderful team of teachers across four main curriculum languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin), and two extracurricular languages (Italian and Japanese). Our team strives to ensure our students reach their potential and develop the skills, cultural understanding and passion needed to excel internationally in their chosen field as considerate global citizens.

Being part of the MFL team is to be part of a wider vision to develop an intrinsic interest in language and culture, allowing a focus on the real purpose, benefit and enjoyment of language learning. All members of the MFL team have opportunities to collaborate and share good practice between languages, all the while contributing to the well-respected MFL profile within the school.

Our classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard and rooms for the Oral Language Assistants to meet regularly with pupils for oral lessons. All year groups have their own devices, but teachers also have access to ICT rooms with a range of online subscriptions to support language learning. Our library is well-stocked with an extensive collection of foreign language films, books and magazines, which pupils are encouraged to use.

We also aim to share our enjoyment of languages with our pupils through a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities. We regularly have success in competitions, with our teams frequently winning the Mother Tongue Other Tongue competition, Spelling Bee competition and Anthea Bell translation competitions. Trips are also very popular; we lead trips to Annecy, Bordeaux, Vienna, Cologne, Andalucía, Madrid, Cantabria and Singapore. All staff in the department contribute to the educational visit and extra-curricular programmes.

French

The French department team consists of eleven talented and committed teachers, along with two full-time language assistants. Whether teaching Year 7 beginners or an Upper Sixth A Level group, we aim to bring enjoyment to language learning while stretching pupils to inspire a global outlook and a passion for foreign language and culture.

All pupils at The Perse School study at least one modern foreign language up to GCSE level, with French being a popular choice. Throughout Lower and Middle School, we place a strong emphasis on helping pupils develop the skills and dispositions required to become autonomous and confident linguists. We are highly successful in preparing our students for public examinations, with 90% of pupils achieving GCSE grades 9-7 in 2025. From Year 7 onwards, there is also ample opportunity to extend pupils beyond the confines of the syllabus. We relish exploring Francophone history, film and literature, learning some idiomatic French, and entering reading, translation and debating competitions. We also run a range of extracurricular clubs and societies in which all teachers take part.

Post-GCSE, we buck the national trend, with French remaining an increasingly popular subject that attracts pupils from all disciplines who recognise that a foreign language is a real asset at university and beyond. We have consistently high numbers of students choosing the AQA A Level, many of whom choose to extend their studies by taking the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) at B2 level. The Perse is now a certified DELF examination centre, meaning that we run these exams in-house. We also have an ever-growing number of non-A Level linguists who attend classes preparing them for the B1 qualification. Each year, many students go on to read Modern Languages at top universities, and in recent years several have applied to study in France at institutions such as Sciences Po. We offer a thorough university preparation programme to support these pupils.

Spanish

All pupils at The Perse School study at least one modern foreign language to GCSE and, with four GCSE classes and an 81% grade 9-8 success rate, Spanish proves to be a very popular option year on year. Perse pupils follow a tailor-made curriculum to mirror Perse teaching philosophies and develop SMSC through Perse values, including promoting cultural, historical, geographical, artistic and IED understanding. For example, with a focus on skill-based learning, pupils might learn of linguistics and technology through indigenous language, gender equality through Mayan and Aztec culture or education through human rights. Pupils continuing to A Level follow an extension-rich, rigorous programme that prepares students for higher education at the most competitive universities and beyond, with an average attainment of 100% A*-A. Each academic year Old Perseans return to the School to inspire current pupils of their experiences studying Spanish at university and abroad in the Hispanic world, from teaching in Salamanca to working in the archaeology department in Machu Picchu.

We also aim to share our enjoyment of languages with our pupils through a wide variety of activities and events. As well as our popular Spanish school trips to Madrid and Toledo in the Middle School, and a work experience trip to Santander in the Sixth Form, we organise off-timetable language immersion days for all year groups in partnership with seven visiting partner schools from the region of Cantabria. There are opportunities for all ages to take part in Spanish societies, productions and national competitions including reading, translation, essay, short story and poetry, with several success stories in recent years, including reaching the national final of the Spelling Bee. We encourage all MFL staff to take an active role in supporting and developing these extra-curricular endeavours.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages – French and Spanish

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Accountability

The Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages is ultimately accountable to the Head but day to day accountability will be to the Heads of Department (French and Spanish) and Director of MFL. The following duties shall be deemed to be included in the professional duties which the Teacher may be required to perform:

Curriculum

• Teaching throughout the school in a manner appropriate to students' ages and abilities;
• Assessing and recording students' progress in accordance with departmental and school policies;
• Preparing students for university applications in related subjects;
• Promoting and teaching Key Stage 3 and GCSE in French and Spanish, with the potential to teach at least one of the subjects to A-level.
• 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 Professional Development programme;
• Being proactive in exploring innovative ways of delivering ICT through the curriculum;
• Producing displays to create an attractive learning environment;

Extra-curricular and pastoral

All teachers at The Perse School are required to be a form tutor and contribute to the extra-curricular programme, alongside their academic teaching. These elements of a teacher’s role are fundamental to working at the school and embedded in our core values. Teachers are required to:

• Contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school through Games, the Enrichment Programme or other appropriate commitment;
• Be a form tutor;
• Contribute to the PSHEE or Emotional Wellbeing programme.

Safeguarding

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

Review

• The job specification will be reviewed biennially as part of the professional development cycle. Any changes may be made through review with the Deputy Head (Staffing and Operations) and the Director of HR.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• High Class Honours Degree in an MFL language or related subject.
• PGCE desirable but by no means essential.

Skills and Experience

• The capacity to inspire pupils of all abilities and enhance pupil learning.
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of literacy, attention to detail and ability to use initiative.
• High order administrative skills, effectively manages commitments and deadlines.
• ICT competence and willingness to learn and use new technologies.

Personal competencies and qualities

• Motivation to work with children and young people.
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people.
• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours.
• Positive attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline.
• Empathy for pupils, parents, staff and the community.
• Shares in the values that define the School community: intellectual curiosity and scholarship, endeavour, breadth and balance, and valuing one another and the environment.
• Works collaboratively and supportively with colleagues within school and with colleagues in other organisations.
• Respects and values the different experiences, ideas and backgrounds others can bring to work and to teams.
• Ability to motivate and encourage participation in activities both inside and outside the classroom and a willingness to take part in / organise trips and visits.
• A generosity of spirit and a willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the School.
• Committed to continual personal and professional development.

Safeguarding

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

Timetable

The School operates to a ten-day timetable cycle, consisting of the equivalent of 80 x 40- minute periods (8 per day). Most full-time members of staff teach approximately 62 periods per cycle, including a 4 period allowance for tutoring. Early Career Teachers receive period remission in their first two years for training, mentor sessions and induction. Teachers who are new to teaching are very well supported and where possible benefit from additional handover time, training and team teaching.

Applicants without formal teaching qualifications or experience

Applicants without formal teaching qualifications or experience will be considered for this position. Indeed, the current post-holder arrived from a background of programming and leadership in industry, in pursuit of a fresh career challenge, and has made a tremendous success of the transition into education.

The Perse School has a long record of training and developing teachers in situ, and many highly successful teachers started with no formal teaching qualifications. For applicants without a teaching qualification we are looking for: a high level of subject knowledge, enthusiasm, good communication skills, patience, an empathy with young people and a desire to get involved in the extra-curricular life of the school. Training and induction sessions are provided for all new members of staff, with additional support for those new to teaching.

Early Career Teachers

The School is fully accredited to participate in the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel NQT Programme (IStip: https://istip.co.uk/about/). ECTs will be provided with a comprehensive induction and mentoring programme which supports them in achieving qualified teacher status (QTS).

Terms and Conditions

Teaching Staff Salary Scale and Employment Benefits

The Perse School’s salary year normally runs from 1st September to 31st August. The PerseSalary Scale is set significantly above the maintained sector to recognise the high levels ofcommitment required of all staff and the contribution they make to school life. Teachers at The Perse School are required to be involved in the pastoral life of the school, for example as a form tutor and contribute to the extra-curricular programme, alongside their academic teaching. These elements of a teacher’s role are fundamental to working at the school andare embedded in our core values.

Membership of the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS) is offered to those members of staff on a teaching contract. New teachers joining the school will be auto-enrolled into APTIS. APTIS is a Defined Contribution (DC) scheme.

Contributions are paid into the scheme by both the school and the employee and are invested by the provider (Aviva) on your behalf. The benefits at retirement are based on the amount accumulated within the plan by the time you choose to receive your pension benefits and this, in turn, is determined by the amount of contributions paid in and the investment returns achieved.

The school will contribute up to a maximum of 23.68% of your pensionable salary into theAPTIS pension scheme and a Death In Service scheme (life assurance policy, that would payout a lump sum of three times your salary if you die whilst you are employed by the school). This is reflected in the table below as the ‘APTIS max’ which is an indicative ‘basic grosssalary’ at different Scale Points before pension contributions and PAYE (National Insuranceand Income Tax) are taken out. In addition, teachers receive aschool payment/class teacherallowance and where relevant to the role, additional responsibility allowances.

Teachers can opt to change their employer contribution rate into APTIS, subject to aminimum of 13.75%, with the difference taken as a ‘non-pensionable income supplement’ (which equates to additional salary). This is reflected in the table as the ‘APTIS min’ which is an indicative basic gross salary at different Scale Points before pension contributions andPAYE (National Insurance and Income Tax) are taken out.

Service scale September 2025 Salary - to view the full table please see the attached Candidate Pack

School Payment: in recognition of evening commitments, residential trips, non-term time holiday activities, preparation of public exam classes and some market differences the additional payment is made to all Upper teaching staff.

Responsibility: can be recognised both in terms of timetable remission and/or responsibility payments. Responsibility payments are made to teachers whose duties include a substantive additional responsibility that is not required of all teachers.

Weekend Payments: staff who take responsibilitity for a team fixture or other preauthorised responsibility (drama rehearsal, outdoor pursuits activity) on a weekend in term time can claim a non-pensionable Weekend Payment, termly in arrears at either a standard £118 or enhanced rate £145, per fixture/activity.

Benefits

• Teachers undertaking research which will benefit the school may apply for a non-pensionable research award valued at £730.
• Excellent professional development opportunities and access to funding on a range of qualifications which include, PGCE, Masters level and Leadership qualifications.
• Ability to get involved with a range of extra-curricular activities and exciting trips including outdoor pursuits.
• School tuition fee remission of 50% for children to the junior or senior school (subject to passing admission test requirements). Fee remission does not apply to additional activities such as early/ late stay, summer schools, trips etc.
• Free lunch in the dining room during term-time and tea and coffee in the staffroom.
• Free access to sports facilities including a gym and new swimming pool which opened in September 2024, during defined periods.
• Opportunity to join in with social activities organised by the School’s Social Committee.
• Generous sick leave and parental leave pay above the statutory requirements.
• Assistance with relocation costs inaccordance with HMRC rules as specifiedin the School’s Relocation Policy.
• Parking on site and Cycle to Workscheme also available.

Application process

Please click the 'Apply' button above which links to the vacancies section of the website to register/sign-in and submit your application. Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to the HR Department at recruitment@perse.co.uk.

Interviews

Candidates will be invited to spend a day at the School and to meet the Head, members of the executive leadership team, the Director of MFL and Heads of French and Spanish. Candidates will be asked to teach a lesson as part of the selection process and further details will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

The closing date for applications is Friday 17th October at 9.00am, but applications will be considered as they are received. The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Interviews will be on Tuesday 21st October.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the school on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The school is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The school requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.

Recruitment Policy

The School’s Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure is available for your information on the school website. The Perse School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.