Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)

Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)

 Permanent, full-time from 1st September 2026

Information for Candidates

             INTRODUCTION

Celebrated throughout the world as a centre of musical excellence, The
Purcell School is the most vibrant, exciting and exhilarating place to work
or study.  We are a close-knit community dedicated to nurturing some of
the worldʼs most talented young musicians and we recognise the unique
privilege it is to work with these incredibly gifted students.

Our students are the liveliest, most committed and self-motivated young
people you could hope to meet.  Every day, the Schoolʼs corridors echo
with the sound of extraordinary music as our students prepare for one of
the 150 concerts we present every year, both here at School and in the
most prestigious venues in London.

It is a working environment quite unlike anywhere else!  We want our
students to be challenged and inspired by every aspect of their experience
here, and we support and encourage staff to achieve this.  Academic
classes are small, behaviour is excellent and the opportunities for
innovative and creative teaching practice are limitless.

If you are committed to providing an outstanding student experience and
prepared to play a full part in the life of this extraordinary place, The
Purcell School offers you the opportunity to join an exceptional team,
serving truly exceptional students in a totally unique environment. I very
much hope you will consider making an application to join us.

Kind regards

Paul Bambrough

Principal

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)

We  are  seeking  an  experienced  teacher  with  outstanding  knowledge  of  German  language  and
culture, capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional
classroom practice. The successful candidate will lead a small but highly motivated team of MFL
and EAL teachers and will take responsibility for the German teaching in the school from Year 7 to
Year 13 in the dedicated German classroom.

French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum. They
are  options  at  GCSE  and  A  Level.  While  a  modern  language  is  not  a  core  subject  at  GCSE, the
uptake  at  Year  10  is  consistently  strong.  The  two  languages  are  not  set  against  each  other,
allowing some students to take both at GCSE if they wish and in the Sixth Form too. The Edexcel
specifications at GCSE and AQA at A Level serve our students well, offering academic rigour and
an overview of the culture of the target language countries.

The  department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar
and  vocabulary,  combined  with  much  speaking  and listening, is essential in training successful
linguists. The department has a history of success with students of all abilities, partly due to our
small class sizes which are ideal for language teaching.

This is an exceptional opportunity to teach in a truly international school (approximately half the
students  come  from  abroad)  with  creative  and  enquiring  students  who  understand  and
appreciate  each  othersʼ  languages  and  cultures.   With  small  classes,  articulate  students  and a
friendly staff body, it offers the ideal environment for a passionate and energetic linguist to really
make their mark.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This  is  a  full-time  post  to  start  in  September  2026.  Competitive  salary  according  to  the
candidateʼs experience.

Children  of  staff  are  not  eligible  to  be  educated  at  the  School  except  through  the  normal
admissions and audition process.

All  members  of  staff are expected to contribute fully to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular and/or
boarding provision.

Lunch  and  supper  (when  there  is  an  evening  event)  can  be  taken  free of charge at school
during term-time.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates wishing to apply should submit a letter  to the Principal as soon as possible outlining your motivations for applying
and why you believe that you meet the requirements of the role as expressed in this job pack. Please do not send a separate
curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted.  The closing date for applications is Sunday 19th April 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff and to lead a short
lesson. Interviews will explore your vision for the future of MFL in the School, your subject knowledge, leadership and pastoral
experience and your ability to relate appropriately to students.

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to recruitment@purcell-school.org or by letter to:
Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS.

JOB SPECIFICATION

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

JOB TITLE: HEAD OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (GERMAN SPECIALISM)

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager is the Director of Teaching and Learning.

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

●  To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the

needs of all students

●  To ensure that all lessons within the department are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning

requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges

●  To teach all year groups a range of language related enrichment activities
●  To lead the MFL team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and

planning appropriate actions to meet them

●  To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks
●  To organise a framework for administrative tasks. This includes both day to day administrative and MFL specific tasks
●  To manage both the people and resources associated with the department
●  To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the Schoolʼs Health and Safety Policy
●  To remain fully informed about national and local developments in the subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider

educational issues

●  To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan
●  To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for external examinations
at GCSE and A Level with a range of suitable internal mock exams/assessments administered to help raise student
outcomes

●  To manage the departmental budget.

FOR  ALL TEACHING STAFF

●  To carry out teaching commitments as agreed with the Principal and Vice-Principal
●  To participate in the Schoolʼs appraisal scheme
●  To support and implement the Schoolʼs Behaviour Policy
●  To monitor studentsʼ attendance in lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal when difficulties arise
●  To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues
●  To supervise students during internal and external examinations
●  To supervise students during breaks on a duty rota
●  To attend assemblies
●  To attend relevant meetings
●  To attend Parentsʼ Evenings
●  To participate in school inset meetings
●  To contribute to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular and/or boarding provision
●  To assist occasionally at whole school events.

FOR  ALL STAFF

●  To promote the aims and values of the School
●  To support and protect the interests of the students
●  To support colleagues in their work and ensure the smooth running of the School and the well-being of the School

community

●  To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, school policies and guidance on the safeguarding of children

and young people

●  To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required
●  To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook
●  To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge:

A first degree in German or a closely related subject (essential)

Experience teaching students in one-to-one, small group and class settings (essential)

Qualified teacher status (essential)

Understanding of SEND and adolescent mental health (essential)

Thorough knowledge of the requirements of the GCSE and A Level specifications (essential)

Ability and Skills:

The ability to use an imaginative range of teaching strategies to promote high expectations and a high level of challenge

The ability to use assessment for learning to improve teaching and learning

Good communication, planning and organisation and the ability to lead a team

The ability to develop teaching and learning resources and to contribute to schemes of work

Reliable judge of standards, achievement and potential

Excellent administrator with the ability to prepare an annual budget for the MFL department and to keep an accurate
record of expenditure

Personal Attributes:

The ability to inspire staff and to inspire students of all levels and abilities

Enthusiasm, energy, creativity and imagination

Willingness to play a full part in the life of the School and raise the profile of MFL within the School

Able to work effectively as part of a team