Teacher of French (Maternity Cover)

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R E C R U I T M E N T   P A C K :
T E A C H E R   O F   F R E N C H   ( M A T E R N I T Y   C O V E R )

ABOUT WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Withington Girls’ School was founded in 1890 by a small group of
eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same
educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were
already available to their sons. In keeping with the Founders’ wishes,
the School has remained relatively small, with 756 pupils in total with
163 in the Junior School (Years 3 - 6), 429 in the Senior School (Years 7 -
11) and 164 in the Sixth Form. The Head of Withington Girls’ School
is a member of both the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and HMC
(The Heads’ Conference).
Pupils come from a wide geographical area around Greater Manchester
and Cheshire, and from many different social, cultural and religious
backgrounds, creating a diversity in which the School rejoices.
The School is non-denominational and girls of all faiths, or none,
are equally welcome. Through the Withington Girls’ School Trust,
around 100 means-tested bursaries are offered each year according
to need. The Governing Body is strategically focused and highly
supportive of all areas of the School.

A FOCUS ON EXCELLENT TEACHING AND PASTORAL CARE
The School’s A Level and GCSE results are outstanding, with Withington
ranked consistently in national league tables as the top independent
school in the North West of England. The Sunday Times’ prestigious
schools guide, Parent Power, named Withington the North West
Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020, 2022 and 2023 and
North West Independent Secondary School of the Decade in 2021.
Withington has been listed in the annual Tatler Schools Guide to the
UK’s top independent schools since 2012.
Girls who gain a place as a result of the entrance examination
normally take GCSE/IGCSE examinations in 9/10 subjects, followed by
3 or 4 A Levels. An exciting and varied Enrichment programme offers
Sixth Formers core elements such as PSHCE, financial literacy and
professional skills plus a range of choices from computer coding and
languages, to mosaics, mindfulness and cooking and preparing healthy
meals. In addition to the Enrichment Programme, which all Sixth

Formers follow, many also complete an Extended Project Qualification
(EPQ). Studies are directed towards encouraging a love of learning for
its own sake, frequently going beyond the confines of the examined
curriculum, as well as towards the ultimate goal of University entrance,
including Oxford and Cambridge.
The excellent quality of teaching and pastoral care is a major factor in
the exceptional level of achievement secured by pupils, both within
and outside the classroom. Staff are eager to share their passion and
enthusiasm for their subjects and give willingly of their time to assist
individual pupils outside lesson times; the relationship between pupils
and staff is a particular strength of the School. The School runs on
‘the 3 Rs’ of Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for
personal actions and its pupils thrive within the warm, friendly and
supportive environment.
Preparation for life after school starts early and involves a programme
of careers advice, work experience and UCAS application guidance.
Older pupils work with younger pupils in numerous ways, through the
House system, extra-curricular activities, peer support and mentoring.

A BREADTH OF ACTIVITIES
Academic excellence is secured alongside an extensive range of extra-
curricular opportunities, including Music, Drama, Sport, the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise Scheme, Model United Nations,
Debating and Robotics Clubs, to name but a few. Sixth Formers
volunteer as assistants in local primary schools, residential homes,
hospices and hospitals.
All pupils, throughout the School, engage in charity fundraising,
collectively raising around £30,000 each year. There are special links
with local charities, Wood Street Mission and The Booth Centre,
The Christie hospital, two schools and a hospital in Kenya and a school
in Uganda. Groups of Upper Sixth Formers engage in voluntary projects
in The Gambia and pupils take part in World Challenge, or similar,
expeditions. Academic departments offer subject-related trips and
activities in addition to cultural trips at home and overseas.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEABOUT WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL

AN INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES
The School enjoys excellent facilities and has an ongoing programme
of major developments. Recent projects have included a purpose-built
Junior School building, a central, enclosed ‘Hub’ area at the heart of the
school and an expanded and refurbished suite of university-standard
Chemistry laboratories, all of which were completed in 2015.
During 2018 a significant new sports facilities development was
completed, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to the
promotion of physical activity for girls, one of the school’s founding
principles. In 2019 the outdoor netball courts and all-weather pitch were
resurfaced to a high specification, bringing Withington’s sports facilities
to an excellent standard across all areas. Outdoor fitness equipment -
also installed in 2019 - has provided an innovative facility that benefits
fitness, wellbeing and social interaction for senior pupils.
In 2022 the school opened refurbished and extended dining facilities,
a new conference suite, Learning Support area and accompanying
offices. This reflects our commitment to providing the best facilities
we can for our pupils, staff and all in the Withington community.

A WELCOMING COMMUNITY
The Development Office has strong links with alumnae as well as
former and current parents and staff and has been successful in raising
substantial amounts for the Bursary Appeal, for the new Chemistry
laboratories, Sports facilities and for an Annual Fund which enables
enrichment activities for current pupils. Withington Onwards (the past
pupils’ association) and the Parent Teacher Association are active in,
and committed to, supporting the School socially and financially.
There are also close links with the local community including, for
example, a range of Saturday morning lessons run by the School for
gifted and talented boys and girls from local primary schools under the
SHiNE Together programme and an annual event involving a number of
primary schools across Greater Manchester known as Manchester Sings.
Visitors often comment on the special atmosphere they find at
Withington. We are extremely proud of our consistently outstanding
record in public examinations and places gained at the most selective
universities but also of the happily informal atmosphere, thriving
co-curricular programme, community spirit, alumnae network - and
engagement with education in its broadest sense which characterise
this unique environment.
True to the vision of our Founders, our pupils aim high, have boundless
opportunities to discover their talents and develop a strong sense of
responsibility. We value individuality, celebrate diversity, encourage
our pupils to think for themselves and to understand the importance
of tolerance an d teamwork. It is our aim that our pupils leave school at
ease with themselves, socially aware and ready to face with confidence
the challenges of life beyond.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINESCHOOL ETHOS

At Withington we aim to create an environment in which all pupils are
supported and encouraged to reach their full potential, academically,
socially and personally. True to our founding principles, we are a school
where the pleasure of learning is its own reward. The Withington ethos
recognises that understanding the value of learning and knowing how to
learn sustains and enriches us throughout our lives.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

The golden rule of respect for self, respect for others and personal
responsibility underpins our school community where diversity is
celebrated, teamwork valued and every pupil is encouraged to play their
part, older pupils and alumnae providing inspirational role models.

Combining a wealth of extra-curricular activities with an exceptional
academic experience, each girl has the opportunity to develop her
talents, skills, interests and character, as well as a strong sense of
responsibility which extends beyond the classroom and into the
wider world.

TO INSPIRE PUPILS WITH AN OUTSTANDING
EDUCATION…

TO CULTIVATE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT,
WELLBEING AND A SENSE OF SAFETY...

... through a strong, regularly reviewed
curriculum, evidence-based teaching
strategies, and transformative
technology, ensuring relevance,
inclusivity, engagement, and enhanced
pupil outcomes

... by fostering an inclusive school

environment, holistic pastoral care and
enshrining strong values that shape
the school’s culture and community
relationships

TO CHAMPION OUR COMMUNITY…

TO EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS…

... by ensuring the quality, motivation, and

wellbeing of its staff, fostering meaningful
relationships with parents, alumnae, and
local stakeholders, and strengthening
the school’s influence through robust
community engagement

... by further securing long-term financial
health, maintaining a strong and stable
pupil body, developing additional income
streams for the school, and implementing
a well-defined marketing strategy to
remain competitive and attractive to all

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEJOB DESCRIPTION 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.

JOB TITLE:

Teacher of French (Maternity Cover)

REPORTING TO:

Head of Modern Foreign Languages

DEPARTMENT
OVERVIEW:

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Modern Foreign Languages Department is responsible for delivering French, German, and Spanish to pupils from Key Stage
2 through to A Level. The department currently comprises eight members of staff, several of whom teach across two languages.
The successful candidate will bring excellent subject knowledge and a genuine passion for French language and culture.
Outcomes in French at both GCSE and A Level are consistently outstanding, with the majority of pupils achieving top grades.
Across all Key Stages, the department places great emphasis on building positive relationships with pupils, which is central to
its academic success.
The department is extremely well resourced. Pupils benefit from access to the latest online textbooks, complemented by high-
quality digital tools such as Quizlet (all Key Stages), LanguageNut (KS3–KS4), and eRevision (KS5). All language classrooms are
equipped with modern touchscreens alongside traditional whiteboards, and pupils have their own devices for learning. While
exercise books are still used in KS2 and KS3, technology plays an integral role in lessons. Teaching resources are centralised
and shared across the department, offering a wealth of options to support engaging and effective lessons.
The MFL department provides a wide range of age-appropriate extra-curricular activities to enrich pupils’ learning beyond
the classroom. For example, KS3 pupils can attend a weekly MFL Support Club, KS4 pupils participate in an annual Business
Language Champions event and maintain pen-pal exchanges with students in France, while KS5 pupils enjoy opportunities such
as an annual French debate competition and the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators. We expect the successful candidate
to recognise the importance of these experiences and to actively support and contribute to their delivery throughout the
maternity cover period.

The role of Teacher of French is available from September 2026. This is a full time, one-year fixed term position to cover an
employee’s maternity leave which is expected to end August 2027.  For candidates interested in leadership opportunities,
subject lead responsibilities may also be considered during the period of cover. This can be discussed at interview.
In addition to teaching French across the relevant Key Stages, the role may include delivering a number of Spanish lessons up
to Key Stage 3, depending on the candidate’s experience and interest. Please indicate in your application if this is something
you would be willing and able to do, should the need arise.
The successful applicant will also contribute to the department’s extra-curricular programme and play an active role in
promoting Modern Foreign Languages within the school, helping to maintain and further improve student outcomes.
This job description is written at a specific time and is subject to change as the demands of the School and the role develops.
The role requires flexibility and adaptability and the employees of the School need to be aware that they may be asked to
perform tasks and be given responsibilities not detailed in this job description.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEJOB DESCRIPTION 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.

MAIN DUTIES &
RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages at Withington Girls’ School you are expected:
1.

 To deliver to pupils enthusiastic and expert teaching, ensuring lessons are underpinned by sensible, research-informed
principles of language teaching, such as the primacy of interesting comprehensible input, repetition, spacing, retrieval,
interaction, practice and the motivating nature of communicative tasks.

2.  To use a variety of teaching methods and to be pro-active in developing your teaching practice through CPD opportunities
 To encourage achievement and academic rigour, undertake regular and consistent assessment of the pupils’ progress, in
3.
line with departmental policy, and communicate with parents both orally and in written reports, according to school policy
4.    To lead by example. To be punctual for lessons and monitor pupils’ punctuality and attendance; to ensure that behaviour

5.

and actions do not place pupils or teachers at risk of harm or at risk of allegations of harm to a pupil; act as an outstanding
role model and in a professional manner at all times
 To keep up to date with developments in the subject and new teaching methods and implement those in the classroom
when appropriate, making full use of available facilities to include the regular use of peer observations
6.  To monitor the performance of individual pupils in each class taught with respect to performance indicators
7.

 To ensure work is differentiated to take into consideration differences in ability, aptitude and prior achievement of all pupils
in each class taught

8.   To take on the role of Form Tutor or Shadow Form Tutor, as required, which involves developing good working relationships

with pupils and overseeing their well-being

9.  To liaise and communicate effectively, as necessary, with Form Tutors and Heads of Year
10. To be prepared to deliver topics covered in form time and in the PSHCE programme
11.   To be prepared to do duties and cover which may reasonably be required and to attend meetings at school and

departmental level, related to the curriculum or organisation of the school

12.   To contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school, including activities and initiatives promoting Modern Foreign

Languages

13.   To organise and attend trips relevant to curriculum areas, ensuring these are managed through the relevant system and

within budget requirements

14. To assess, monitor and report in line with School policy and requirements
15.  To attend Parents’ Evenings, ensure that appointments keep to time and meet the needs of the parents

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

MAIN DUTIES &
RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of staff at Withington you are expected:
16.  To safeguard all pupils, promoting their safety, health, and welfare in accordance with school policy, both on the school

premises and on school activities elsewhere

17.  To follow and uphold all school policies and be an excellent ambassador for Withington Girls’ School
18.  To develop self through CPD and improve IT skills, attending IT training courses in order to maximise effective use of all

school systems.

19.   To undertake any other duties that might be reasonably requested by the Headmistress, Deputy Head Academic, Head of

Modern Foreign Languages or any other member of SLT

BENEFITS:

In addition to providing a warm and inclusive working environment, Withington Girls’ School also offers a comprehensive
package to its teaching staff.  This package includes:

1.  A competitive salary based on the Withington Pupils’ School Pay Scale

2.  A choice of remaining within the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or taking a Defined Contribution Scheme

3.  Free School Lunches

4.  20% PPA time

5.  Small examination class sizes

6.  Fully Funded Healthcare Plan through Simply Health

7.  Following induction, free use of the fitness suite

CHILD PROTECTION
& SAFEGUARDING:

Withington Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate must be willing to undergo child protection screening
appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

It is the post holder’s responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. You will comply with the Withington
Girls’ School Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the requirement to report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead any
concerns relating to the safety or welfare of children.

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good honours degree
• PGCE (Secondary) in French or equivalent

•  First class or Upper Second-

•  Production of the Applicant’s

Class honours degree

original certificates

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of teaching French at GCSE and A Level
• Teaching experience beyond PGCE
• Working as part of a team

SKILLS &
KNOWLEDGE

•  Fluency in spoken and written French
•  Passion for French language and culture
•  Knowledge of AQA GCSE and A Level specifications
•  An ability to deliver creative and engaging lessons
•  Excellent classroom management
•  Excellent organisational skills
•  Excellent command of English, both spoken and written
•  Excellent interpersonal skills
•  ICT literacy, strong Microsoft Office skills
•  Up to date knowledge of safeguarding and child welfare

issues

• Contents of application form

• Contents of application form
• Interview
• Interview tasks
• Professional references

• Contents of application form
• Interview
• Interview tasks
• Professional references

•  Experience teaching Spanish

up to KS3

•  Evidence of contributing to
extra-curricular work of the
department

•  Evidence of effective use of

pupil tracking data

•  Evidence of contributing to
running areas within the
department and development
of resources

•  Ability to use pupil tracking

data

•  Experience using Microsoft

Excel

•  Experience and/or awareness
of the particular requirements
of teaching in a single-sex
girls’ school

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINEPERSON SPECIFICATION

PERSONAL
COMPETENCIES
& QUALITIES

•  Professionalism and outstanding role model for young

people and colleagues

•  Passion for helping children and young people learn
•  Ability to form and maintain positive and appropriate

relationships and personal boundaries with children and
young people

•  Ability to engender confidence in young people
•  Commitment to ongoing professional development
•  Commitment to diversity and inclusion
•  Trustworthiness and integrity
•  Tact and diplomacy in dealing with others
•  Self-awareness; ability to seek and take advice
•  A warm, friendly and patient manner
•  Discipline and time management skills
•  A sense of humour
•  An outstanding ambassador for Withington Girls’ School,

its ethos and values

•  Contents of application form
•  Interview
• Interview tasks
•  Professional references

WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINETHE SUNDAY TIMES SCHOOLS GUIDE

In December 2024, Withington was named Independent School of the Year for Academic
Excellence in the North West in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025.
This marked the sixth consecutive year the school has received an award from The Sunday
Times, including being named as North West Independent Secondary School of the Decade
in the 2021 edition of the Schools Guide.

TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2025

“ In 1890 a liberal group, supported by the editor of the Manchester Guardian, founded WGS
with the admirable aspiration to inspire and empower young women, and to equip them for
the future. They’d surely be proud of their legacy.”
“ The children here place great store on engaging with and giving back to their wider
community, and last year spent approximately 17,730 hours on outreach activities.”
“ The academic results are brilliant - 95 per cent of A-levels are A*-B - and the performing arts
flourish, with major productions involving the whole school... and if their tastes are a bit
niche, the school has an impressive collection of harps to choose from.”

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE REVIEWS

Junior School:
“ Withington Girls’ Junior School ticks an awful lot of boxes. Pupils have to be bright and
able to work at a fast pace, but if this is your daughter then the teaching, environment,
extracurricular opportunities and sheer exuberance and chutzpah of this place will open
doors and opportunities. What’s not to like?”
Senior School:
“ Withington’s motto is ‘Ad lucem’ (towards the light), a most fitting way of encapsulating the
standard of education at this remarkable school. It’s an inspiring place where very able girls
who thrive on being fully engaged in a broad and stimulating curriculum will shine brightly.”

Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL
Registered Charity No. 1158226
Tel: 0161 224 1077

Email: office@wgs.org