VACANCY INFORMATION PACKFRENCH LANGUAGEASSISTANTPART-TIME, TERM-TIME Dear Applicant,Thank you for your interest in joining the Reading Blue Coat community. I am delighted that you are considering this opportunity,and I hope that this pack gives you a sense of what makes our School such a special place to work.Reading Blue Coat is a school with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking outlook. Our values – aspiration, compassion, courage,integrity and service – are at the heart of everything we do. They shape not only the enriching education we provide for ourstudents but also the culture we create for our staff: one of ambition, kindness and shared purpose. We are a vibrant and welcoming school, where talented colleagues work together to inspire a love of learning, nurture individualpotential and equip talented young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether inside or outside the classroom, every roleat Blue Coat plays a vital part in our mission to excel.If you share our commitment to working hard, caring deeply and making a meaningful difference, I encourage you to explore thisopportunity further. I would be delighted to meet you soon.Pete ThomasHeadmaster READING BLUE COATLETTER FROM THE HEADMASTERPage 2INTRODUCTIONReading Blue Coat is a leading independent co-educational day school for students from ages 11 to 18. As at September 2025,the School has over 850 students and is now into our third year of full co-educational from Year 7 upwards – our Sixth Form hasbeen fully co-educational for over 40 years; all year groups will be co-educational by September 2027.The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company, and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital inHorsham, West Sussex. Inspired by the philanthropic nature of of Christ's Hospital, Richard Aldworth set aside £4,000 in his Will‘For the education and bringing upp of twenty poore boyes of Reading’  Through this one, simple act, Aldworth’s Hospital, nowReading Blue Coat, was created. In 1660 the first students walked through the doors of a former inn in Silver Street in the Centre ofReading. And in 1947, Reading Blue Coat moved to the magnificent estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire village of Sonning, where itremains today.The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and concern within the community andenabling all students to develop their full potential. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which eachstudent can realise his or her full intellectual, physical, and creative potential. Students are encouraged to be self-reliant andadaptable, and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding ofthe needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and co-curricular activities that combine to meet theseobjectives.In living this ethos, we strive to fulfil our purpose to:Inspire in our students a life-long love of learning, and the confidence to individually flourish.Equip our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Cultivate a warm, kind, noticing culture where students are happy, inclusion is the norm, and diversity is celebrated.Develop grounded, socially responsible, outward looking students, ready to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive contributionto the world.Nurture a community based on our shared values of aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity and service.The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are teaching staff. Reflecting the move to full co-education,nearly half of our teaching staff are female.FREADING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 3FACILITIESReading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of Sonning. It is also three miles fromTwyford, which is located on Crossrail, with fast train service across London. Set in 46 acres of land for students to enjoy,the facilities are very well maintained, and the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructureof buildings. Planning permission has been obtained for a new Performing Arts Centre.ACADEMIC LIFEThe academic curriculum at Reading Blue Coat is based on the principle that all students should experience a broad and balancedrange of basic subjects and skills. From Year 9 onwards, this range is gradually modified, by elements of choice, enabling both theinterests and aptitudes of individual students to be reflected. Most lessons are taught initially in classes of mixed ability, althoughsetting occurs in Mathematics in Year 7, in Languages in Year 8, and Science in Year 9. Geology is also a thriving subject. In Year 11,all students take qualifications in English, Maths and Science (all IGCSE) and aForeign Language. They also take three GCSEs from abroad range of eleven subjects. All students take a GCSE in Religious Studies (full course) in Year 10.In the Sixth Form students can choose from a range of 24 subjects, including subjects most will not have studied before, such asEconomics, Politics and Psychology. Enrichment opportunities in the Sixth Form include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),and a schedule of visiting speakers. Reading Blue Coat always seeks to stretch and challenge students and the School’s LearningSupport Department ensures that students with specific learning needs are supported effectively. The School’s Learning ResearchGroup ensures a sustained focus on developing teachers and pedagogical enrichment.2025 academic results were impressive; the results were amongst Blue Coat’s best with 84% achieving A*- B at A level, and at GCSE83% gaining Grades 9 to 7.The majority of Year 13 leavers proceed to degree courses at universities of which approximately 78% go to the Russell Group Plusuniversities. Each year over 90% of our students attain places at their first choice university, whilst others are successful in securingfuture learning opportunities in their chosen career.PASTORALPastoral care, focused on the individual, is at the heart of the School. We place significant emphasis upon building warm relationshipsand effective communication with students, for example through regular one-to-one conversations between students and theirtutors. Well trained staff provide effective support for student wellbeing, promoting friendship, positive physical and mental health,and helping students find their purpose and passions. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral structure is based around the tutorial system,which is structured in terms of year group and the House system (e.g., ‘Year 8 Malthus’ tutor group).There are six Houses: Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood and West. The tutors who lead tutor groups are the ‘go-to’members of staff for each student, and they are personally responsible for checking in with students each day and overseeing thedevelopment of their character and intellectual curiosity. At the heart of the School are the values of aspiration, courage,compassion, integrity and service, and all the activities of tutor groups and Houses seek to promote and embed these values. Inadditional to pastoral support, the House system further enables students to take part in activities that foster enjoyment and groupspirit through a variety of opportunities that include performing arts and sport. Beyond the core tutor group, Reading Blue Coat provides a rich variety of other forms of pastoral care. Students also benefit frompastoral education through an exciting and responsive Wellbeing and Futures curriculum, which helps them to develop the skills,knowledge, and habits to lead happy and fulfilling lives. They also find themselves in a highly inclusive environment, thoughtfullypromoted and celebrated through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme. When additional support is required, studentsmay also access our newly renovated (2023) Wellbeing Centre, where they may find support from healthcare professionals or accesscounselling sessions.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 4CO CURRICULAR Our co-curricular provision is vibrant and diverse with high levels of engagement throughout the student body. Focused very much ondeveloping the characteristics that make up the school values our co- curricular provision incorporates the Performing Arts, Sport,Activities, Adventure Education, Clubs and Enrichment. All academic staff at the school are expected to contribute to the School’s co-curricular provision in a meaningful way. PERFORMING ARTSReading Blue Coat has a highly regarded reputation for drama, dance, music and public speaking with an extensive programme ofenrichment, rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Music is at the heart of the School and many of our pupils attend our weekly ensemble rehearsals which amount to over fourteenevery week. Alongside this, a huge number of pupils take the opportunity learn a musical instrument during one-to-one lessonstimetabled during the school day. The music department develops a diverse programme of music concerts over every academic yearincluding large scale concerts as well as more intimate recitals, they are also heavily involved in the school musicals. The School productions are highlights of the cultural calendar and often involve casts of over 60 pupils. Our most recent productionof Oliver was a roaring success and perfectly showcased the talent at Reading Blue Coat. Our other recent productions haveincluded Billy Elliot, Lord of the Flies, Footloose, Punk Rock, Curtain Call, The Lion King, The Crucible, and Oliver!. Cast sizes forproductions can average up to 100 students for musical productions and 20 – 50 students for school plays. Pupils are also given theopportunity to participate in LAMDA lessons on a one to one basis. Pupils interested in Theatre are also given the opportunity toparticipate in workshops, playwriting, directing, backstage work and our student technical theatre team is flourishing. The dance programme is ever evolving with a range of clubs on offer, including street dance, contemporary and commercial dance.Pupils are able to showcase their work in a range of performances and are looking forwards to this years ‘Feel the Beat’performance. Our inaugural internal dance competition was a huge success this year with over 60 dancers taking part andshowcasing their own choreography. Our pupils have also had the opportunity to represent the school at external dancecompetitions and have achieved great success in their respective areas.Public speaking is a hugely popular aspect of school life with over 100 pupils actively involved each week. Over the course of theacademic year pupils are able to attend weekly session to hone their skills which are then showcased in a variety of differentperformances. SPORTThe School has a strong reputation for the high quality of its sporting teams. Sport plays a key role in developing every student’sphysical potential whilst embodying the values of the School. Sports are coached to a very high level while providing for, andencouraging those, for whom participation rather than excellence is important.All students have a timetabled games afternoon where they participate in competitive and recreational team sports with a focus ondeveloping skills and teamwork. The focus sports are athletics, cricket, football, netball, hockey, rowing, and rugby. School sportfixtures and training take place on a Saturday and we are very proud to have 63 competitive teams and around 80% of our studentpopulation representing the school at fixtures over the course of an academic year. In recent years a number of our sports teamshave achieved national champion status and we have netballers, rowers and rugby players who have been selected to internationalage group teams and gone on to play professionally.Alongside our core sport offering we also provide a diverse range of alternative sports that pupils can either participate inrecreationally or competitively, these include swimming, basketball, tennis, touch rugby, rugby 7’s, cross-country and table tennis. ACTIVITIESOur Activities programme is unique to Reading Blue Coat School and allows pupils the opportunity to explore our co-curricularprovision during dedicated timetabled lessons every week. Pupils in year 7 to year 9 explore a variety of Adventure Educationsessions including Sailing, Bouldering, Paddle Boarding and are also given the opportunity to explore our state of the art on-site Highand Low Ropes Course. Activities is also the place where our pupils are introduced to Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and theAldworth Partnership.Pupils in years 10 to 13 come together every Thursday to participate in Senior Activities. This is split into six categories and pupilsare encouraged to choose a different strand each term. The sections are: Adventure, Creative Arts, Leadership and Social Action,Sport and Wellbeing , Service, Super Curriculum. There are over 40 sessions available to students with the aim of the sessions beingto explore new interests and challenge themselves whilst embodying the school’s values.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 5ADVENTURE EDUCATION Our Adventure Education allows pupils the opportunity to explore our wonderful site and surrounding areas whilst really focusingon character education. The Adventure Education programme is very much intertwined with our Activities programme which runseach week for every year group across the school. We are very proud of our Adventure Education facilities which includes use ofthe river for paddle sports, a high and low ropes course as well as an indoor climbing wall.Alongside our weekly adventurous activities we are also very proud of our successful Duke of Edinburgh programme which is opento all pupils from year 9 and above. Pupils are highly engaged and we recently had over 100 pupils complete their Bronze Awardfrom year 9. As part of our Adventure provision we also run a programme of expeditions each academic year, this year our pupils will have theopportunity to visit Eswatini over the Summer break. During every summer term every pupil will participate in a school residentialwith year groups visiting a range of destinations like Pembrokeshire, Devin and the Peak District. The Adventure Education department is also home to our Combined Cadet Force where pupils have the opportunity to join theArmy, Navy and RAF sections. CCF sessions take place during Activities sessions and are hugely popular with over 170 students onroll. CLUBS AND ENRICHMENTWe have a huge number of clubs and enrichment activities that run at Reading Blue Coat with over 100 different sessions runningevery week. These sessions take place during lunch time and after school and all academic staff are expected to contribute to ourco-curricular provision. Nearly all of our activities are included in the school fees and pupils are welcome to participate in as many asthey want. Our pupils are heavily involved in shaping the provision and in the last 18 months we have seen the introduction ofDungeons and Dragons Club, Photography Club and Craft Club at the request of our pupils.FOUNDATIONERS & FOUNDATION AWARDSThe diversity of our educational community is underpinned by the School’s centuries long commitment to transformationalbursaries. Reading Blue Coat offers means tested bursaries worth 100% of the school fees, plus additional extras such as uniform,lunch, travel, trips and a laptop, to two students annually who live within the borough of Reading. Our ambition is to grow thenumber of Foundationers in the School through fundraising.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 6COMMUNITYReading Blue Coat students are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world and to show consideration for all thosewith whom they come into contact. These principles are based on the ideas handed down by Richard Aldworth who founded theSchool in 1646.In recent years the School has greatly enhanced its links with the wider community through the work of the Aldworth Partnership.The Aldworth Partnership is the umbrella term for the School’s student led partnership and charity work. As well as fundraising forlocal charities such as crisis charities, special needs schools, food banks and homeless charities, the Aldworth Partnership also hasstrong links to local primary schools. Work with these primary schools includes helping with lunch time clubs, running a schoolchoir and reading clubs. We also often host primary schools for Science and Design and Technology days onsite as well as in ourForest School based in our woodlands. Whilst our main focus is for our students to take part in meaningful partnership work, it isalso an opportunity for our Staff to give back to the local community. . . As the Aldworth Partnership continues to grow, the long-term aim is that all Blue Coat students have the opportunity to beinvolved in transformative service projects in the local and wider community at some point in their school career.The Foundation Office provides links with our alumni (Old Blues) after they leave the School so that they continue to feel part ofour special community. Old Blues are offered many opportunities to come back to Blue Coat for reunions and social events. Thereare also opportunities to give back through our Futures programme such as mentoring opportunities and giving talks to students.Reading Blue Coat Connect is a networking site specifically for Blue Coat community and Parents, Old Blues and Staff areencouraged to join. The Foundation Office fundraises for specific School projects such as bursaries and capital projects as the needarises. READING BLUE COATFurther information is available on the School’s website at www.rbcs.org.ukBACKGROUNDPage 7THE MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENTThe Languages Department at Reading Blue Coat offers students a stimulating and inspiring environment in which to learn languages.In year 7 we do a carousel, in which all students do an 8 week beginners’ course in French, German and Spanish. In year 8, they willchoose one main modern language and have the opportunity to do a second. This is also true for year 9 after which the students willchoose whether to do one or two languages at GCSE.The department offers French, German or Spanish at A level. We are keen to give students an experience of the country whoselanguage they are studying, so students have the opportunity to visit a country in year 9 or 10 and in the Sixth Form. Students ofFrench have the opportunity to go on a study tour to France in years 9 and 10, whilst Sixth Formers go to Lille for work experience.In year 8 and 9 students of Spanish are offered the chance to go to Barcelona, whilst Sixth Formers go on a study tour to Madrid.Year 9 and 10 German students are offered the chance to go to Munich, whilst sixth form students go to Berlin.There are currently five full-time members and three part-time members of the department, which include the Head of French,Head of German and Head of Spanish. There are also Language Assistants available in all three languages.All students in Year 7 receive four lessons a week of 35 minutes in the language they are studying as part of the carousel. In Year 8they have three lessons a week in their main language and two in their second language, whilst in year 9 they continue to have threein their main language but in their second language they now have four. In the Lower school the main emphasis is on speaking andenjoyment, so that the students feel motivated and keen to speak the languages. As part of their language learning, students alsolearn basic grammar and there are regular vocabulary tests and termly assessments, to assess progress. We also make good use ofmodern technology, particularly smart boards, to give more variety to language learning, as well as subscribing to several websites,including Language Nut, Quizlet, Language Gym and Linguascope.In Years 10 and 11 students receive four lessons a week and are more focused on their preparation for the Edexcel IGCSE, whichthey sit at the end of Year 11. This involves students having to write and speak with a certain level of independence and spontaneity,which is what we try to encourage during lessons. We encourage students to speak in whole sentences as soon as possible andmake good use of Conti methods, which focus on sentence builders rather than just learning individual items of vocab. GCSE resultshave been very successful over recent years, with the majority of students achieving Grade 7 or above in all three languagesAt A level, students are taught in much smaller groups and are prepared for the AQA exam. This involves the teaching of a numberof social and cultural topics, all of which are linked to the country. In addition they are taught a film and a book. At A level studentshave to prepare a research project, which they have to discuss in the oral exam. Language students are generally very motivated andare keen to attend their extra lesson with the Language Assistant. Many go on to university to study languages. We also encouragethem to go into primary school to run language clubs for younger students. Grades are very good at A level with 100% of grades atC or above last year.The department is comprised of 7 classrooms and an office in the Richard Aldworth Building. Full-time teachers have their ownclassroom with an Interactive Whiteboard, allowing access to the School’s network. In addition to this, the department has acomprehensive stock of texts and audio visual resources. The School has a spacious Library, situated in School House, the oldestbuilding on the school site. We also have books in the department and encourage students, particularly Sixth Formers, to doindependent reading as part of their language learning.THE DEPARTMENTPage 8For an informal telephone conversation about the role, contact contact Miss Christele Claveau, Head of French on 0118 44 1005 CNC@rbcs.org.ukMAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST  The primary role is to support the French language teaching at Sixth Form, Years 10 and 11 and sometimes at Year 9 level. Thisincludes pronunciation, general conversation, aspects of the target language culture, reinforcement of topics seen in class andpreparation for oral exams. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The main responsibilities are as follows:Prepare and conduct oral lessons with Sixth Form students (maximum of two to three students at any time) on a weekly basis,providing own materials as a basis for these discussions. Prepare and conduct oral lessons in small groups with Year 11 students, based on topics covered in class.Provide individual support to less able students who have dropped down to one language and so have time allocated for extralanguage lessons. This will usually involve reinforcing material covered in the past, for which a workbook is provided. Assist new Year 9 students, who have arrived with no French language skills, to learn the basics of French language.Assist with cultural events or outings organised by the Department in order to contribute to the promotion of ModernLanguages in the School.Liaise with teachers in charge of oral examinations and check if any specific work needs to be carried out in preparation forexaminations.Support students in Years 10 and 11 who are in need of regular, additional practiceAdditional Duties:The postholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the School. The postholder is responsible for using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a safe environment. This job description is not exhaustive. Other duties, within the scope of the post, as requested by the Headmaster, Bursar ormembers of the Senior Leadership Team will be undertaken as required.LINE MANAGERHead of FrenchDEPARTMENTModern LanguagesCONTRACT STATUSPermanent part-time and term time only contract commencing as soon aspossible.SALARYSalary will be in the range of £19 to £22 per hour for teaching 24 periodsper week. Each teaching period is of 35 minutes duration. Additionalperiods may be required dependent upon student needs.Annual salary is paid by bank transfer on the 25th of the month, or nextworking day thereafter, in 12 equal payments throughout the year.ROLE DESCRIPTIONFRENCH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT  Page 9FRENCH LANGUAGE ASSISTANTTheThe person specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. It isexpected that the successful applicant will have and can demonstrate:PERSON SPECIFICATIONSkills, Attributes and QualificationsEssentialDesirableFrench speaker (native speaker level) xGood command of English language (verbal and written) xPrevious experience of teaching or tutoring in French languagexWorking knowledge of the curriculum xGood attention to detail xAbility to stay calm under pressure xExcellent reliability, punctuality and flexibility xPersonable and friendlyxAbility to work independently and also as part of a teamxGood working knowledge of Microsoft OfficexPromote equality and enable the educational and social inclusion for all participantsxCommitment to the ethos and values of the SchoolxEducated to Degree level or equivalentxPage 10FRENCH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT  HOW TO APPLYClosing date for applications: 09:00 on Friday 23 January 2026Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appointand close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once wehave closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.Applications should be submitted using the School’s Employment Application Form, which can be downloaded from ourwebsite “Vacancies” page www.rbcs.org.uk/vacancies/This should be submitted with your letter of application, by email to: recruitment@rbcs.org.uk Contact for questions about the application process should be addressed to Mrs Inga Gregory, Director of HR, Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4 6SU.Email: recruitment@rbcs.org.ukPage 11FRENCH LANGUAGE ASSISTANT  PLACE OF WORKReading Blue Coat School,  Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.MEALSLunch and refreshments are providedfree by the School.SPORTS FACILITIES Free membership of the SchoolSports Centre with access to fullyequipped gym and swimming pool.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE Confidential independent support serviceavailable to staff when you most need it.WORKING HOURSApproximately 12 hours per week over 3days. Working hours and days to be agreedat the start of each term as determined bythe teaching timetable, requiring candidatesto be flexible with their availability. Theschool teaching day is 8:30am to 4:20pm. PARKINGFree Car parking is available on site.LEAVE ENTITLEMENTA paid holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeksper annum applies. Holiday year runs from1 September to 31 August annually.Holiday cannot be taken during termtime.CYCLE SCHEMETax-free Cycle to Work Scheme isoffered by salary sacrifice.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTStrong commitment to  support professional development  with a dedicated people  development budget.PENSIONMembership of the RBCS Group PersonalPension Scheme (employee contribution of5% of salary and employer contribution is8% of salary).CAR SCHEMELeased cars scheme offered  by salary sacrifice affording  large savings.THE BLUE COAT BENEFIT HUBThrough the Blue Coat Benefit Hub youcan access discounts, rewards, andperks on thousands of the brands thatyou love to shop with including travel;motoring; electronics; clothing;education; entertainment; restaurants;health and wellness; beauty and spa;insurance; sports and outdoors.BENEFITSReduction in RBCS school fees for employees’ children school fees offered after 6 months service:50% reduction for all full time staff  (pro-rated for part time staff).Fees (from September 2025)  are £8,279 per term.Page 12MEET THE STAFFGETTING HEREAll staff, both teaching and support, form part of a qualified and experiencedteam, which functions at its best in being mutually supportive in a common goal:to provide the best possible education for all Blue Coat pupils.Relationships between staff and pupils at Blue Coat are often remarked upon byvisitors and parents for being warm, relaxed and mutually respectful. Click on the link to find out more about some of our staff. Can you see yourselfas part of the Blue Coat team?www.rbcs.org.uk/the-school/meet-the-staff/BY CARWe are located in the village of Sonning-on-Thames, just off the A4,between Reading and Twyford.We are about 15 minutes’ drive from Junction 10 of the M4motorway. From there, take the Reading / Bracknell turnoff atJunction 10 on to the A329M to Reading. At the roundabout by theflyover take the third exit (A4) towards Maidenhead. Follow thedual carriageway over the next roundabout and up the hill. Overthe railway bridge, turn left into Sonning Lane. The School is about½ mile on the left.BY BUSThe School and village of Sonning is served by local bus services 128and 129 (operated by Courtney) from Reading to Wokingham.Also by service 850 (operated by Arriva Bus) from HighWycombe, Marlow, Henley, Twyford to Reading. Alight atthe junction of Sonning Lane and Bath Road, from where it isa short walk.BY TRAINOur nearest rail links are at Reading central station (mainlineto London, Wales and the West), which is about 5 milesfrom the School (about 15 minutes by taxi). We are also served by local stations at Twyford, which isabout 3 miles away (about 10 minutes by taxi), and at Earley,which is about 4 miles away (about 15 minutes by taxi).For information, call Reception: 0118 944 1005Page 13ONE READING BLUE COATour communityHolme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire RG4 6SUTel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk