Job Information Pack French Teacher– Prep School
Job Information Pack French Teacher – Prep School
Welcome to Birkdale
Thank you for your interest in this role at Birkdale School. I hope this information pack provides you with everything you need to know about the vacancy, our school, and why we are proud to be a family where everyone is stronger together.
Birkdale is a special place for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, from our Prep School through to the Sixth Form. Our pupils learn and play alongside each other, supported by outstanding, passionate teachers and staff. We are dedicated to developing every individual's potential while achieving the best possible academic results.
We are a welcoming, happy, and aspirational environment, featuring small classes and expert teaching. This approach allows our pupils to learn effectively and achieve highly; typically, around two-thirds of all GCSE grades achieved are between grades 7 to 9.
We also offer a large number of extra-curricular activities in sport, music, drama, and other pastimes that enrich our students’ lives and help them develop new skills.
Our high expectations, huge breadth of activity, and outstanding pastoral care are all rooted in our strong Christian ethos, which characterises the education we offer.
I look forward to potentially welcoming you to Birkdale soon
With best wishes,
Mr Ben Bowles Head, Birkdale School
The Role
We seek to appoint an enthusiastic French Teacher to join our successful and friendly Modern Languages Department. In the Prep School, French is taught to all pupils, building their confidence and language skills in anticipation of an exciting residential trip in their final year.
Alongside French, we provide pupils with a vibrant foundational experience in Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Latin (although there is no expectation of expertise across all these languages). This diverse introduction prepares them seamlessly for the Senior School, where they can choose to pursue these languages further as part of a rich linguistic curriculum.
The French Teacher will work across our Prep school children from Pre-Prep 2 to Prep 4 (Y1- Y6). The French Teacher will be solely responsible for delivering the Modern Languages curriculum across the Prep School. It is important that the appointee has a good knowledge of the general cultural literary background of the target-language country as well as being interested in current social affairs happening in the respective speaking countries.
This is a part-time position required from September 2026. The successful candidate will be contracted to work one day per week, with Mondays being our preferred day.
Modern Languages at the Prep School
Languages are a vibrant and highly valued part of our Prep School curriculum, with pupils receiving two dedicated periods of study per week in mixed-ability tutor groups. Our core philosophy is to foster a genuine love for language learning, with a strong emphasis on excellent pronunciation, communication confidence, and pupil enjoyment. We aim to inspire pupils of all levels to become true linguists—encouraging them to make independent connections and push their intellectual curiosity beyond the standard framework.
The department prides itself on a stimulating, positive classroom atmosphere where every child is supported to reach their full potential. We maintain close, regular collaboration with the Senior School Modern Languages department to ensure a seamless curricular transition and a comprehensive handover of pupil effort and attainment as they move upward.
Cultural immersion is central to our approach. We run a full programme of activities, including celebrating the European Day of Languages each September with school-wide competitions. A particular highlight is our P4 residential trip to France, where pupils spend a week fully engaging with the culture and confidently applying their language skills in real-life situations; a willingness to attend and share in this experience would be a fantastic advantage.
Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Head:
● Deliver creative, dynamic, and engaging French lessons that foster a lifelong love of languages across Key Stages 1 and 2 (Year 1 to Year 6).
● Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, inclusive lessons tailored to mixed-ability tutor groups, focusing on oral confidence, excellent pronunciation, and pupil enjoyment.
● Ensure the Prep School French curriculum builds solid foundational language-learning skills, aligning seamlessly with requirements for later transition to the Senior School.
● Monitor, assess, and record pupil progress, writing formal progress reports for all classes taught in line with the school’s reporting cycle and attend Prep School parents’ evenings.
● Maintain professional and warm communication with parents regarding their child’s attainment and effort, and collaborate effectively with fellow teaching staff and Teaching Assistants.
Actively advocate for Modern Languages across the Prep School, contributing to cultural events such as the European Day of Languages and liaising with the Senior Modern Languages department to build cross-year-group linguistic opportunities.
Promote and uphold the school’s behaviour and pastoral policies to maintain a stimulating, safe, and respectful classroom environment including the displaying of pupil work.
● Participate in relevant staff briefings, professional development days, or departmental meetings where applicable to your working day.
● Uphold the school’s rigorous commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children at all times.
Person Specification
Must be fluent in speaking, reading, writing and listening in French, and be of native language level in all four areas.
An open, friendly and confident personality.
A keen follower of modern French culture and current affairs, and an interest and passion in imparting this knowledge onto pupils.
The ability to deliver quality lessons that demonstrate imagination and originality. Students should look forward to their sessions and should be able to apply session content to their wider studies of the language.
The ability to demonstrate initiative.
Some experience in the classroom in either a leadership or supportive capacity, and preferably in a language-learning environment would be desirable but not essential.
Be in sympathy with the strong Christian ethos of Birkdale School.
Be able to work within organisational procedures and meet the required standards for the role.
Be able to work collaboratively and supportively with school colleagues.
Be able to relate effectively to parents and to pupils.
Display commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people, and be able to form and maintain appropriate relationships.
Information about Birkdale
Birkdale is a very successful independent day school located in Sheffield for children aged from 4 to 18, amounting altogether to 770+ pupils.
Birkdale is located on three sites in south-west Sheffield, the 11-18 (Y7 to Y13) Senior School, the 4-11 (Reception to Y6) Prep School and the playing fields at Castle Dyke.
Birkdale is the only HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) school in South Yorkshire and the Head is also a member of the Society of Heads. The Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS (The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools).
The Christian ethos of the school manifests itself in the particularly friendly and supportive atmosphere. A good proportion of the staff are committed Christians, although as a community Birkdale is open to all, whatever their beliefs.
There have been some exciting developments in recent years which include the introduction of girls at Birkdale. From September 2020, Birkdale began the process of moving from being a school for boys only, with a co-educational sixth form to being a fully co-educational school.
From September 2024, all year groups at the Prep School were co-educational with the first 11+ co-educational cohort joining the Senior School.
This is an exciting time to join our school.
Additional Information
You may wish to note that the length of Birkdale’s terms are slightly shorter than those of a maintained school and therefore, the school holidays are longer. Term dates are on the school website.
This role is working 1 day per week and starting September 2026 and will include attendance at inset days, open days and any relevant twilight training.
Salary will depend on experience and qualifications, and will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Pension: Birkdale offers the choice of joining the TPS scheme, or an attractive private pension scheme from APTIS with Aviva.
● Staff are entitled to a remission of school fees amounting up to 71.6% for full-time staff and pro rata for parttime and part year working staff.
● Sick pay: The company sick pay scheme provides ex-gratia sick pay at the full rate for up to 3 months in any 12 months, with 50% income protection for extended sickness.
Additional Benefits: Death in service and access to additional wellbeing and health support including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments, Unlimited mental health support, Physiotherapy, Personal training, Nutrition consultations and more.
During term time, lunch is provided to staff on site.
Car parking is available on site.
How To Apply
Please submit:
A cover letter addressed to Jackie McDermott, Head of Prep of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you believe you are interested in the role, and the skills and experiences you can bring to it (minimum font size of 11)
A completed Birkdale School application form which includes the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of two referees. This can be found on our website >>
Recruitment timetable:
Closing date for applications – Wednesday 17th June 2026 at 9.am.
Interviews – Wednesday 24th June 2026
Email your application to: Jackie McDermott, Head of Prep at recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk by the closing date.
For an informal discussion regarding the role please do not hesitate to contact the above email address with any questions you may have. Applicants who do not provide a Covering Letter and Application Form, as stipulated, will unfortunately not be considered. If you have any difficulties in providing this, please do not hesitate to contact the HR team at Recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk
Pre-Employment Checks
Birkdale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people.
All applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Current legislation applying to this post includes The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2008 and the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK and undergo appropriate criminal record checks, including an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the documentation etc needed in connection with all the above requirements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates. Prior to taking up appointment, we will then request a declaration about medical fitness, and proof of qualifications from the successful candidate.
Under the guidance set by KCSIE Birkdale School will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates.
Equal Opportunities
At Birkdale School, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all individuals.
We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, providing a level playing field for all of our staff and pupils. We aim to foster an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you meet most of the criteria but are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to reach out - we value potential and a willingness to grow.
Stronger Together
birkdaleschool.org.uk